Honor for Nebraska Psychology Professor: Receives Presidential Early Career Award

Maital Neta, a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has recently been awarded the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). This commendation, provided by the U.S. government, serves as the highest honor for exceptional scientists and engineers who are at the early stages of their careers. The announcement was made publicly on January 14 by President Biden, showcasing the remarkable contributions made by Neta in her field. As the Carl A. Happold Professor of Psychology, her achievements are both significant and impactful, broadening the understanding of cognitive and emotional processes within the realm of psychological science.

Neta’s academic endeavors are centered on her leadership of the Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab, where innovative research is conducted to explore various facets of human cognition and emotion. This research aims to uncover how individuals process uncertainty, as well as how they cope with the inherent challenges that arise from it. Particularly noteworthy is Neta’s focus on interventions designed to enhance psychological well-being, an area that has garnered substantial attention in contemporary psychological discourse. The implications of her findings are vast, extending to the development of strategies that could significantly improve mental health outcomes for various populations.

An important aspect of Neta’s work involves collaboration with Nebraska Athletics, which allows her to investigate factors associated with concussions and traumatic brain injuries. By incorporating the latest technological advancements provided by her center, Neta’s research not only enriches academic understanding but also holds real-world implications for athlete safety and recovery. This partnership has garnered media attention, including a recent feature on the Big Ten Network, highlighting the relevance and urgency of her work in today’s sports culture.

What sets Neta apart in her field is her commitment to innovative research that not only enhances theoretical frameworks but also addresses tangible issues in psychological practice. Her lab’s recent studies delve into the emotional responses to uncertainty, shedding light on how these responses evolve over time. This line of inquiry aligns with broader trends in neuroscience, which suggest that the brain exhibits varying biases toward positive and negative information as it ages. Understanding these biases is essential for developing practical applications aimed at improving emotional resilience among older adults.

The significance of Neta’s accomplishments extends beyond her individual research. She is a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development Program award, which recognizes the exceptional potential of pre-tenure faculty. Her CAREER project offered critical insights into the dynamics of emotional response as it relates to uncertainty, laying a foundation for subsequent research focused on how neural processing can influence optimism and overall mental health.

As chair of the psychology department, David DiLillo voiced his admiration for Neta’s groundbreaking contributions and her unwavering dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Such acknowledgment from a prominent figure in the academic community is a testament to the caliber of research being conducted under Neta’s supervision. The intersection of her work with national interests in mental health and neurological studies positions her as a pivotal figure in the future of psychological science.

Neta began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by a doctoral degree in cognitive neuroscience from Dartmouth College. Since joining the Nebraska faculty in 2014, Neta has continued to rise in prominence, having received various accolades, including the Harold and Esther Edgerton Junior Faculty Award for her creativity in research, teaching excellence, and scholarly promise. Her trajectory exemplifies the potential for significant impact within the academic landscape, particularly as more scientists and engineers are recognized for their early contributions through prestigious awards like the PECASE.

Neta’s recognition places her among an esteemed cohort of nearly 400 scientists and engineers nationwide who are celebrated for their potential to lead and innovate within their respective fields. Established by President Clinton in 1996, the PECASE award emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent in science and technology as it plays a critical role in shaping the nation’s future. The award aims to showcase the groundbreaking developments in research that have far-reaching effects on society, effectively bridging the gap between academia and applied sciences.

This year, 14 government agencies participated in recognizing the next generation of leaders in science, with honorees coming from diverse backgrounds, including agriculture, commerce, defense, education, and beyond. The interdisciplinary nature of the award highlights the spirit of collaboration and innovation that is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing society today. By spotlighting professionals like Neta, the award not only recognizes individual achievements but also promotes public awareness of the various career paths available in science and engineering.

Neta’s background, combined with her documented successes, positions her as an influential figure not only at her institution but also within the broader scientific community. Her research contributes vital knowledge to fields as varied as cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and neuropsychology. As a leader in her field, Neta remains committed to exploring the intricacies of human behavior and cognition, utilizing her experience to inspire the next generation of scholars.

In summary, Maital Neta’s recent receipt of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers is a recognition of her significant contributions to psychological research. Her pioneering work on emotional responses to uncertainty and her collaboration with Nebraska Athletics underscore the real-world implications of her research. Neta’s academic journey demonstrates the profound impact that dedicated scientists can have, not only in academia but also in enhancing the well-being of individuals in society at large.

Subject of Research: Emotional responses to uncertainty and their implications for psychological well-being.

Article Title: Maital Neta Receives Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

News Publication Date: January 14, 2023

Web References: Big Ten Network

References: None provided.

Image Credits: Jordan Opp | University Communication and Marketing | University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Keywords: Cognitive psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive neuroscience, Neuropsychology.