Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
@glopez.bsky.social
Neuroscientist | First-Gen Afro-Latina 🇩🇴| Bronx, NY to Chicago 🗽➡️🌬
I know I’ve been MIA for a while, but a lot has happened! I defended my PhD & recently accepted a job in medical writing! I am so grateful 2 the Lerner Lab. There aren’t enough words 2 describe how much I’ve learned. I’ll always love science research & I’m excited 2 start a new journey in scicomm ♥️
A heartfelt goodbye 👋🏼 to @glopez.bsky.social, OG of the lab. On to her next adventure in medical writing!
Last pic - from Gaby - it's me in my office, in my office 😄
Last pic - from Gaby - it's me in my office, in my office 😄
October 11, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I know I’ve been MIA for a while, but a lot has happened! I defended my PhD & recently accepted a job in medical writing! I am so grateful 2 the Lerner Lab. There aren’t enough words 2 describe how much I’ve learned. I’ll always love science research & I’m excited 2 start a new journey in scicomm ♥️
My first author paper is officially out!! Thank you to all of my co-authors for their help & support. So proud of the final product 😄😄
Pleased to share the final published version of @glopez.bsky.social's work in @currentbiology.bsky.social! www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
"Region-specific nucleus accumbens dopamine signals encode distinct aspects of avoidance learning"
Congrats, Gaby!!!
"Region-specific nucleus accumbens dopamine signals encode distinct aspects of avoidance learning"
Congrats, Gaby!!!
Region-specific nucleus accumbens dopamine signals encode distinct aspects of avoidance learning
Avoidance learning—learning to avoid bad outcomes—is an essential survival behavior. Dopamine signals are widely observed in response to aversive stim…
www.sciencedirect.com
April 22, 2025 at 4:33 PM
My first author paper is officially out!! Thank you to all of my co-authors for their help & support. So proud of the final product 😄😄
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
It’s honestly just another DEI cut. GRFP always had a focus on diversity, outreach, and pipeline strengthening (look up the history and the predecessor programs).
As a 2015 recipient, I’m devastated. First Ford, then DSPAN, now GRFP.
As a 2015 recipient, I’m devastated. First Ford, then DSPAN, now GRFP.
New story from @dangaristo.bsky.social on the NSF grad fellowship cuts:
A key point: “GRFPs are one of the most cost-effective ways for NSF to give out money,” Evans says, because the outcome is a trained, promising young scientist and it’s relatively inexpensive.
A key point: “GRFPs are one of the most cost-effective ways for NSF to give out money,” Evans says, because the outcome is a trained, promising young scientist and it’s relatively inexpensive.
NSF slashes prestigious PhD fellowship awards by half
US National Science Foundation announces lowest number of Graduate Research Fellowship Programme recipients in 15 years.
www.nature.com
April 9, 2025 at 1:54 AM
It’s honestly just another DEI cut. GRFP always had a focus on diversity, outreach, and pipeline strengthening (look up the history and the predecessor programs).
As a 2015 recipient, I’m devastated. First Ford, then DSPAN, now GRFP.
As a 2015 recipient, I’m devastated. First Ford, then DSPAN, now GRFP.
I did it, I’m a doctor now! It’ll probably take me some time to process everything that has happened. I am so incredibly grateful for my community near and far. And I’m so proud of myself for this accomplishment. I’m exhausted, but so full of love ♥️♥️
Huge congratulations to @glopez.bsky.social on her PhD thesis defense today! A wonderful presentation from a wonderful person, and a much welcome joyful celebration of the science that is possible when we come together to support each other ❤️
Dr. Lopez!!! Well deserved
Dr. Lopez!!! Well deserved
April 5, 2025 at 12:25 AM
I did it, I’m a doctor now! It’ll probably take me some time to process everything that has happened. I am so incredibly grateful for my community near and far. And I’m so proud of myself for this accomplishment. I’m exhausted, but so full of love ♥️♥️
Me & some of my favorite posters from the #standupforscience rally in Chicago today. The snow did not stop us ❄️🧬🧪🥼
March 7, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Me & some of my favorite posters from the #standupforscience rally in Chicago today. The snow did not stop us ❄️🧬🧪🥼
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
The snow did not stop us in Chicago #StandUpForScience
March 7, 2025 at 9:34 PM
The snow did not stop us in Chicago #StandUpForScience
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
Me and @durbin.senate.gov defending science @standupforscience.bsky.social
wgntv.com/news/chicago...
wgntv.com/news/chicago...
Hundreds in Chicago protest Trump administration cuts to science, research
The rally in Chicago was among several across the country. A group called ‘Stand Up for Science’ scheduled the events to defend science as a public good and a pillar of social, politica…
wgntv.com
March 7, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Me and @durbin.senate.gov defending science @standupforscience.bsky.social
wgntv.com/news/chicago...
wgntv.com/news/chicago...
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
UPDATE: We remain committed to organizing a conference this year after #SciWri25 hosts withdraw. More than ever, providing an opportunity for the professional science writing community to convene, learn, and support each other is critical.
READ MORE+HELP OUT: www.nasw.org/article...
READ MORE+HELP OUT: www.nasw.org/article...
ScienceWriters2025 conference
An update for the science-writing community about a change regarding this year’s conference, [ScienceWriters2025](https://sciencewriters2025.org/).
www.nasw.org
March 6, 2025 at 5:50 PM
UPDATE: We remain committed to organizing a conference this year after #SciWri25 hosts withdraw. More than ever, providing an opportunity for the professional science writing community to convene, learn, and support each other is critical.
READ MORE+HELP OUT: www.nasw.org/article...
READ MORE+HELP OUT: www.nasw.org/article...
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
The @standupforscience.bsky.social rallies happen tomorrow! Read more: “We’re trying to give folks somewhere they can feel powerful and have their voices heard.” 🧪 www.scientificamerican.com/article/stan...
‘Stand Up for Science’ Rallies Will Protest Trump Attacks on Research
Amid President Donald Trump’s attacks on government scientists and science funding, researchers are arranging rallies to “Stand Up for Science” in Washington, D.C., and nationwide on March 7
www.scientificamerican.com
March 6, 2025 at 6:22 PM
The @standupforscience.bsky.social rallies happen tomorrow! Read more: “We’re trying to give folks somewhere they can feel powerful and have their voices heard.” 🧪 www.scientificamerican.com/article/stan...
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
This is HORRIFYING.
BREAKING: House Republicans have released their budget resolution. They are aiming to cut Medicaid by at least $880 billion, and cut SNAP by at least 20%.
February 12, 2025 at 7:20 PM
This is HORRIFYING.
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
In the midst of all this madness, a grant question: does anyone have last minute advice/tips for the Hanna Gray fellowship application?
February 11, 2025 at 12:57 AM
In the midst of all this madness, a grant question: does anyone have last minute advice/tips for the Hanna Gray fellowship application?
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
1. Today the NIH director issued a new directive slashing overhead rates to 15%.
I want to provide some context on what that means and why it matters.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
I want to provide some context on what that means and why it matters.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
NOT-OD-25-068: Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates NOT-OD-25-068. OD
grants.nih.gov
February 8, 2025 at 12:18 AM
1. Today the NIH director issued a new directive slashing overhead rates to 15%.
I want to provide some context on what that means and why it matters.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
I want to provide some context on what that means and why it matters.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
There are not enough words to express how angry I am about everything happening in this country. This just adds to it. This award has allowed me to participate in so many wonderful academic experiences that I would have never imagined doing before.
DIVERSITY IS A GOOD THING, A GREAT THING.
DIVERSITY IS A GOOD THING, A GREAT THING.
Kirschstein NRSA Individual Predoctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Parent F31-Diversity) new closing date was two days ago.
The F31-Diversity applications are done.
Still trying to find out about current awardees.
www.grants.gov/search-resul...
The F31-Diversity applications are done.
Still trying to find out about current awardees.
www.grants.gov/search-resul...
Lock
www.grants.gov
February 6, 2025 at 6:26 PM
There are not enough words to express how angry I am about everything happening in this country. This just adds to it. This award has allowed me to participate in so many wonderful academic experiences that I would have never imagined doing before.
DIVERSITY IS A GOOD THING, A GREAT THING.
DIVERSITY IS A GOOD THING, A GREAT THING.
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
Other privately funded sources for #phd students include:
Soros (90k): pdsoros.org/why-become-a...
AAUW (20k): www.aauw.org/resources/pr...
NSBE: nsbe.org/scholarships/
Centers at private universities and think tanks also have smaller grants you can apply to
bsky.app/profile/napa...
Soros (90k): pdsoros.org/why-become-a...
AAUW (20k): www.aauw.org/resources/pr...
NSBE: nsbe.org/scholarships/
Centers at private universities and think tanks also have smaller grants you can apply to
bsky.app/profile/napa...
January 31, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Other privately funded sources for #phd students include:
Soros (90k): pdsoros.org/why-become-a...
AAUW (20k): www.aauw.org/resources/pr...
NSBE: nsbe.org/scholarships/
Centers at private universities and think tanks also have smaller grants you can apply to
bsky.app/profile/napa...
Soros (90k): pdsoros.org/why-become-a...
AAUW (20k): www.aauw.org/resources/pr...
NSBE: nsbe.org/scholarships/
Centers at private universities and think tanks also have smaller grants you can apply to
bsky.app/profile/napa...
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
It would be nice if people could stop acting like DEI is an only a moral good.
DEI strengthens organizations. People from diverse backgrounds bring new ways of solving problems and serving people.
DEI isn’t a gift to diverse people. It’s a gift to the orgs that hire us.
DEI strengthens organizations. People from diverse backgrounds bring new ways of solving problems and serving people.
DEI isn’t a gift to diverse people. It’s a gift to the orgs that hire us.
February 3, 2025 at 12:40 PM
It would be nice if people could stop acting like DEI is an only a moral good.
DEI strengthens organizations. People from diverse backgrounds bring new ways of solving problems and serving people.
DEI isn’t a gift to diverse people. It’s a gift to the orgs that hire us.
DEI strengthens organizations. People from diverse backgrounds bring new ways of solving problems and serving people.
DEI isn’t a gift to diverse people. It’s a gift to the orgs that hire us.
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
PLEASE SHARE 💜 With uncertainty in federal research funding & hiring, we are offering *FREE* resume/CV reviews for early-career scientists in the US who have rescinded job offers or who risk layoffs.
If you feel this support would benefit you, submit resume/CV here: forms.gle/CCbbu2X5GJwH...
If you feel this support would benefit you, submit resume/CV here: forms.gle/CCbbu2X5GJwH...
forms.gle
February 6, 2025 at 1:43 PM
PLEASE SHARE 💜 With uncertainty in federal research funding & hiring, we are offering *FREE* resume/CV reviews for early-career scientists in the US who have rescinded job offers or who risk layoffs.
If you feel this support would benefit you, submit resume/CV here: forms.gle/CCbbu2X5GJwH...
If you feel this support would benefit you, submit resume/CV here: forms.gle/CCbbu2X5GJwH...
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
“If the freeze is not stopped, I might lose my house."
Some NSF-funded postdocs are having trouble paying rent and credit card bills because their salaries were paused this week, even though the federal funding freeze memo was rescinded.
www.statnews.com/2025/01/30/t...
Some NSF-funded postdocs are having trouble paying rent and credit card bills because their salaries were paused this week, even though the federal funding freeze memo was rescinded.
www.statnews.com/2025/01/30/t...
National Science Foundation suspends salary payments, leaving researchers unable to pay their bills
An NSF online payment system remained down after the federal funding freeze was lifted, leaving early-career scientists scrambling to pay bills
www.statnews.com
January 30, 2025 at 11:07 PM
“If the freeze is not stopped, I might lose my house."
Some NSF-funded postdocs are having trouble paying rent and credit card bills because their salaries were paused this week, even though the federal funding freeze memo was rescinded.
www.statnews.com/2025/01/30/t...
Some NSF-funded postdocs are having trouble paying rent and credit card bills because their salaries were paused this week, even though the federal funding freeze memo was rescinded.
www.statnews.com/2025/01/30/t...
As I board my flight home for the holidays, I wanted to share that a review I wrote with @talialerner.bsky.social just came out! It’s titled “How dopamine enables learning from aversion.” Super grateful for the opportunity - hope you can check it out! 😊😊🎄🎄
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
How dopamine enables learning from aversion
Dopamine is heavily studied for its role in reward learning, but it is becoming increasingly appreciated that dopamine can also enable learning from a…
www.sciencedirect.com
December 22, 2024 at 6:59 PM
As I board my flight home for the holidays, I wanted to share that a review I wrote with @talialerner.bsky.social just came out! It’s titled “How dopamine enables learning from aversion.” Super grateful for the opportunity - hope you can check it out! 😊😊🎄🎄
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
Hi #ACNP2024! I'm a postdoc in Reesha Patel's lab at Northwestern, and this is my first in-person ACNP 🎉
I'm presenting a poster on Monday (M157) on VTA 🌟astrocyte 🌟 activity during appetitive and aversive conditioning!
I'm presenting a poster on Monday (M157) on VTA 🌟astrocyte 🌟 activity during appetitive and aversive conditioning!
We are officially on the ground in Phoenix so it's time for the #ACNP2024 role call 📣
Introduce yourself, your science, tell us if you're a veteran or first-timer, promote your poster/talk/favorite social - whatever you want, this is your space to say it ⬇️
Introduce yourself, your science, tell us if you're a veteran or first-timer, promote your poster/talk/favorite social - whatever you want, this is your space to say it ⬇️
a poster of a witch and a girl with the words say something
ALT: a poster of a witch and a girl with the words say something
media.tenor.com
December 9, 2024 at 2:58 AM
Hi #ACNP2024! I'm a postdoc in Reesha Patel's lab at Northwestern, and this is my first in-person ACNP 🎉
I'm presenting a poster on Monday (M157) on VTA 🌟astrocyte 🌟 activity during appetitive and aversive conditioning!
I'm presenting a poster on Monday (M157) on VTA 🌟astrocyte 🌟 activity during appetitive and aversive conditioning!
Hi 👋🏽 - my name is Gaby and I am a grad student from Northwestern Uni in @talialerner.bsky.social ‘s lab. This is my 3rd time attending #ACNP. On Monday I will be presenting a poster on my dissertation work investigsting region-specific accumbal dopamine signals during active avoidance learning 🐭
December 8, 2024 at 8:27 PM
Hi 👋🏽 - my name is Gaby and I am a grad student from Northwestern Uni in @talialerner.bsky.social ‘s lab. This is my 3rd time attending #ACNP. On Monday I will be presenting a poster on my dissertation work investigsting region-specific accumbal dopamine signals during active avoidance learning 🐭
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
Tomorrow is SWEBAGS! swebags.ebrains.se Free online :)
Lerner Lab grad student @nadelneurosci.bsky.social is presenting his work "Alterations of amygdala-midbrain circuit function by adolescent stress promote punishment resistant reward-seeking" at 2:30pm CET / 7:30am CST (you're a hero, Jacob)
Lerner Lab grad student @nadelneurosci.bsky.social is presenting his work "Alterations of amygdala-midbrain circuit function by adolescent stress promote punishment resistant reward-seeking" at 2:30pm CET / 7:30am CST (you're a hero, Jacob)
Home - SWEBAGS
Welcome to SWEBAGS The Swedish Basal Ganglia Society, SWEBAGS, is an non-profit scientific organization providing a platform for discussions and education opportunities in the area of basal ganglia re...
swebags.ebrains.se
December 4, 2024 at 2:01 PM
Tomorrow is SWEBAGS! swebags.ebrains.se Free online :)
Lerner Lab grad student @nadelneurosci.bsky.social is presenting his work "Alterations of amygdala-midbrain circuit function by adolescent stress promote punishment resistant reward-seeking" at 2:30pm CET / 7:30am CST (you're a hero, Jacob)
Lerner Lab grad student @nadelneurosci.bsky.social is presenting his work "Alterations of amygdala-midbrain circuit function by adolescent stress promote punishment resistant reward-seeking" at 2:30pm CET / 7:30am CST (you're a hero, Jacob)
Reposted by Gabriela (Gaby) Lopez, PhD
Three must read papers for PhD students. #scisky #PhD #science #research #academicsky
1. The importance of stupidity in scientific research
Open Access
journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
1. The importance of stupidity in scientific research
Open Access
journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
November 24, 2024 at 1:54 PM
Three must read papers for PhD students. #scisky #PhD #science #research #academicsky
1. The importance of stupidity in scientific research
Open Access
journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
1. The importance of stupidity in scientific research
Open Access
journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
Behold, my Tres Leches Cake 🍓
November 29, 2024 at 12:42 AM
Behold, my Tres Leches Cake 🍓