Advancing Science and Fostering Diversity: Professor Rachel Blaser Awarded $500K “Prebys Research Heroes” Grant

The USD College of Arts and Sciences released its second annual Arts & Sciences magazine this fall. In the pages of this magazine, you will discover exciting new programs and initiatives, meaningful and impactful stories, and inspiring student, faculty and alumni spotlights.

Advancing Science and Fostering Diversity
Professor Rachel Blaser Awarded $500K “Prebys Research Heroes” Grant

by Katie Payne

Rachel Blaser, PhD, is deeply committed to her research — but also to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion within the scientific community. So, it’s fitting that the Conrad Prebys Foundation’s Board of Trustees found the professor of psychological sciences to be deserving of their “Prebys Research Heroes” Award, which includes a two-year, $500,000 research grant.

“On one hand, the foundation is supporting my research,” Dr. Blaser says. Her area of expertise is comparative psychology with a focus on comparative learning. She approaches learning from both theoretical and biological perspectives, focusing on both the mental processes and neurobiological bases of learning and cognition.

“But, in doing so, [the foundation is] really supporting my research students.” With the award, Dr. Blaser has a greater opportunity to attract and nurture the next generation of researchers. And, a pivotal part of her vision for the grant is to amplify research opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds in her lab. “The idea is to foster diversity and inclusion in the sciences, especially in basic biomedical research,” she says.

Her goal is for students from a variety of backgrounds to go on to earn PhDs in psychology and neuroscience but also continue to advance and become doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. “Diversity in all of those areas helps to reduce disparities in healthcare and to improve access to care,” she says.

Read the full article on page 35 of the Arts & Sciences magazine (Fall 2024 issue).