Staci Gruber, PhD, is the most recent winner of the prestigious Anne M. Cataldo Excellence in Mentoring Award. She was formally recognized as the 2018 recipient at a ceremony in a packed Pierce Hall in Belmont, Massachusetts, on January 30, 2019.
Gruber is the director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery and the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core research programs at McLean Hospital and an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She is particularly known for her work on examining the brain as it relates to marijuana use and bipolar disorder, studying the trajectory of brain development in healthy adolescents and adults who use marijuana recreationally, and her current focus on exploring the effects of medical marijuana on a range of measures, including those related to brain structure and function.
Along with being a renowned researcher, Gruber is recognized as being generous and inspirational. Here are just a sampling of the many testimonials to her character that were submitted on her behalf.
“Her management style, which focuses on positive encouragement and good humor, instills confidence in her mentees and plays to each individual’s strengths.”
“She is a master at fostering collaborations. Everyone wants to work with her.”
“Dr. Gruber has taught me more than just the importance of conducting sound research, but she has also underscored the benefits of collaborating both within and outside of McLean Hospital. Through these collaborations as well as our own studies, she has helped me recognize my strengths and fostered my interests.”
“She has had a lasting impact on both the professional and personal lives of all who have had the honor to work with her.”
“Dr. Gruber is extremely giving in terms of providing opportunities for sponsorship and career development. Junior research assistants are often provided with authorship opportunities as well as the chance to present lab data at professional research conferences.”
“Her open-door policy and superb guidance are invaluable assets to any scientist looking for support.”
“Apart from being an outstanding mentor, Staci is also an inspiration. As a female neuroscientist, I know and appreciate the importance of seeing other women in the field soar and confidently wield their intelligence and experience to excel at the highest levels in their work.”
The Anne M. Cataldo Excellence in Mentoring Award was established at McLean to honor Dr. Cataldo’s many achievements and to celebrate her legacy as an exceptional and influential mentor. She was known and loved for her generous spirit and exceptional teaching ability, and the award is given annually to someone who emulates those characteristics.
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