Becca R. Levy, Ph.D., Hal Blumenfeld, M.D., Ph.D.

Two Yale scientists have received Investigator Awards from the Patrick and Catherine Weldon Donaghue Medical Research Foundation for Health-Related Research this year. These awards will fund studies about the way the elderly see themselves, as well as new treatments to help people continue to drive. Each researcher will receive $600,000 over five years.

Becca R. Levy, Ph.D., associate professor of epidemiology (chronic diseases) and psychology, will conduct a randomized controlled trial aimed at increasing behaviors that promote good health in older individuals.

Hal Blumenfeld, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of neurology, neurobiology and neurosurgery, will study patients using driving simulators during epileptic seizures. While patients are “driving,” neuroimaging and electrical measurements will help determine the brain regions involved in epileptic seizures and how seizures cause loss of consciousness.