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Whitaker Center names Nyland “Woman to Watch” in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

Whitaker Center honored Penn State College of Medicine assistant professor of neural and behavioral sciences Jennifer Nyland, PhD, at the inaugural Women of Impact: Celebrating Women in STEM Awards Luncheon in Harrisburg on Sept. 12.

Event organizers named her the Woman to Watch — an award created to recognize a woman younger than 40 who has significant accomplishments and success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Nyland, a College of Medicine alumna, spent several years leading research efforts in government and non-profit institutions before returning to Penn State. She integrates basic and clinical research to study substance use disorder and pain management.

“Jennifer is an outstanding scientist,” said Sue Grigson, MS, PhD, chair of the Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and director of Penn State Addiction Center for Translation. “She is an up and coming leader in her field and has a great interest in the professional and personal development of other women engaged in STEM.”

Nyland participates in STEM outreach programs for high school students and is actively involved in a variety of organizations, including:

  • Association for Women in Science
  • Women in Bio
  • Penn State Commission for Women
  • Group on Women in Medicine and Science
  • Penn State Sustainability Council’s Gender Equity Committee
  • Equity Advisory Council
  • Society for Neuroscience
  • Penn State Addiction Center for Translation
  • International Association of the Study of Pain
  • American Pain Society
  • American Psychological Association

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