Abstract
The Rosalind Franklin Society (RFS), in partnership with Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers, enthusiastically congratulate our distinguished recipient of the 2023 annual
Dr. Hilary Marusak is a bright young scientist who is dedicated to advancing neuroscience research, particularly in youth mental health, and excels in science communication. Dr. Marusak’s expertise lies in the endocannabinoid system’s role in child and adolescent neurodevelopment, and the effects of cannabis exposure on mental health. Her recent publications in CCR have already gained significant attention, with 28 citations to-date. In her first paper* she highlighted how exercise boosts endocannabinoid signaling, potentially explaining at least some of its mental health benefits. Her second paper** using data from the nationwide ABCD study (>10,000 youth), revealed the impact of genetic variation on the cannabinoid system and trauma on youth white matter pathways, shedding light on anxiety development and potential intervention targets. Dr. Marusak’s work is groundbreaking, offering new perspectives on neurodevelopment and mental health. She is a deserving candidate for the RFS Award, exemplifying excellence in scientific research and communication.
*A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Exercise on the Endocannabinoid System (doi:10.1089/can.2021.0113)
**Impact of Childhood Trauma Exposure, Genetic Variation in Endocannabinoid Signaling, and Anxiety on Frontolimbic Pathways in Children (doi:10.1089/can.2022.0144)
Biosketch
Dr. Marusak is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University (WSU) School of Medicine. She received her PhD in Translational Neuroscience from WSU and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Dr. Christine Rabinak’s Translational Neuropsychopharmacology lab in the WSU Department of Pharmacy Practice.