By Randy Fiedler

Dr. Annie Ginty, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience in the Baylor University College of Arts & Sciences, has received the 2023 Early Career Impact Award from the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences (FABBS), for what the organization said is Ginty’s “groundbreaking work in uncovering relationships between biological and cognitive stress responses, physical health, and mental health, as well as her commitment to using science for societal impact.”

The Early Career Impact Award honors scientists for their contributions during the first 10 years after they earned a Ph.D. Ginty was nominated for the award by the American Psychosomatic Society (APS). According to the APS, the purpose of the award is “to recognize scientists who have made major research contributions to the sciences of mind, brain and behavior.”

“I am honored to receive this award from the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences. Its goal of communicating this science with policy makers and the public is something I value greatly as a scientist and educator,” Ginty said.

Ginty earned a Ph.D. in behavioral medicine from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 2012, and joined the Baylor faculty in 2016 after completing two postdoctoral research fellowships. She serves as the primary investigator for the Baylor Behavioral Medicine Lab, which was established in 2016 to “investigate neurobiology of the peripheral nervous system and cardiovascular responses to stress as well as their relationship with unhealthy behaviors and future disease.”

“I am thankful to have had the opportunity during the early stages of my career to work at a place like Baylor University that values both research and service to the community,” Ginty said. “The environment and mission of Baylor provide me the opportunity to use my privilege as a scientist to engage with members of my community in meaningful ways.”

According to Ginty, her research program “integrates neuroimaging, psychophysiological, neuroendocrine and epidemiological methods. (The) particular focus is on the neurobiology of the peripheral nervous system and cardiovascular responses to stress and their relationship with unhealthy behaviors and future disease.”

Dr. Charles Weaver III, associate dean for sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences and a professor of psychology and neuroscience, served as Ginty’s department chair during her first years at Baylor.

“I am delighted to see Dr. Ginty recognized for her outstanding work in stress, cardiovascular health and mental health,” Weaver said. “She embodies Baylor’s desire to merge world-class science and a commitment to community outreach and communication.  Furthermore, she provides remarkable educational opportunities for dozens of students in her laboratory every year. We’re very fortunate to have her as a member of our faculty.”

Ginty has been named a Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science and received the Herbert Weiner Early Career Award from the American Psychosomatic Society. She serves on the Editorial Board of Psychosomatic Medicine, is a consulting editor for Biological Psychology, and is a section editor for Stress & Health.