Dalton Students Learn from Leading Child Mental Health Researchers
On Wednesday, September 14th, science department member, Ms. Lisa Brizzolara and seven Dalton students attended an event to celebrate the recipients of the 2011 Distinguished Scientist Awards in Child Mental Health: Jerome Kagan, PhD and Judith Rapoport, MD. The Roundtable discussion with Drs. Kagan and Rapoport was moderated by ABC Nightline anchor, Cynthia McFadden.
Dr. Kagan is a Daniel and Amy Starch Professor of Psychology Emeritus at Harvard University. His research on temperament has transformed our understanding of how environmental and genetic factors interact and influence behavior and predict psychiatric illness later in life. Dr. Rapoport is the Founder and Chief of the Child Psychiatry Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She has made seminal contributions to our understanding of childhood onset schizophrenia, ADHD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The discussion focused on how Drs. Kagan and Rapoport became child mental health professionals and then research scientists. This personal talk helped provide insight into how these legendary scientists made their professional journey. In addition, they shared their impressions on the future of child mental health research. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn first hand about how a career in science develops and flourishes. Both doctors stressed how important it is for students with an interest in science to follow his or her passion about discovery. They also believe that a life of science is a great privilege.
Sarah Gross (class of 2014) wrote, in a reflection of the talk ~
"What was primarily exciting to me was when the two scientists discussed their studies and other interesting work moments. The subjects they've pursued in their careers seemed really interesting. I was especially interested in seeing how their perspectives and subjects of experiments changed with time. It was also nice to hear about their bravery in pursuing their careers, especially Dr. Rapoport as a women at the time she grew up."