Angus C. Nairn, FW ’82, Ph.D., Marina R. Picciotto, Ph.D., Jane R. Taylor, Ph.D.

Three neuroscientists have been named to endowed chairs funded by an alumnus of the Yale College Class of 1928. Angus C. Nairn, FW ’82, Ph.D., who was named the Charles B.G. Murphy Professor of Psychiatry, is noted for his research on the molecular actions of dopamine in the basal ganglia. Nairn has extensive experience in enzymology, protein chemistry and the molecular biology of signal transduction, particularly with respect to the role of protein phosphorylation in the nervous system. Marina R. Picciotto, Ph.D., was named the Charles B.G. Murphy Professor of Psychiatry. She specializes in molecular neuroscience, behavioral pharmacy, mouse genetics and translational neuroscience. The goal of her research is improved understanding of the role of single molecules in complex behaviors related to addiction, depression and learning. Jane R. Taylor, Ph.D., was named the Charles B.G. Murphy Associate Professor of Psychiatry. She specializes in brain research related to drug addiction and such psychiatric disorders as ADHD, depression, schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome.