Gretchen N. Neigh, Ph.D., MBA
Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine Professional Achievement Award
Professor of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Department: School of Medicine
Dr. Gretchen Neigh, a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience & Anatomy at VCU School of Medicine, earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from The Ohio State University and held faculty positions at Emory University before joining VCU in 2016. She is an authority in biomedical science, demonstrating excellence in research, mentorship, and leadership, with a focus on advancing women's health and increasing representation in the sciences.
As a researcher, Dr. Neigh investigates the biological factors of risk and resilience, particularly the interactions among the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems; she has been foundational in establishing the biological basis of sex-specific stress-induced changes in risk. She has successfully secured continuous extramural funding for the past 21 years, including multiple NIH grants, and her work has been cited more than 5500 times. Dr. Neigh has also effectively disseminated her findings through numerous publications in top-tier journals, such as Neuropsychopharmacology, Brain, Behavior, & Immunity, Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, Neurobiology of Stress, and Psychoneuroendocrinology. Her research accomplishments include selection as Chair of the NIH Study Section on Biobehavioral Regulation, Learning, and Ethology (BRLE), over 120 peer reviewed publications, and numerous presentations at national and international scientific conferences. Additionally, Dr. Neigh published a book on sex differences in physiology, was elected as a member of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and was appointed Director of Translational Research of the VCU Institute of Women's Health. In 2023, she received the VCU National/International Research Excellence Award (NIRA) and the Rosalind Franklin Society Award in Women's Health for her contributions to the field.
As a mentor, Dr. Neigh demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists, from high school students to junior faculty. As Dr. Pamela Knapp, Professor and Chair of the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at VCU, writes, “Her trainees receive tremendous scientific and grant/publication writing guidance, but few scientists truly flourish using those skills alone. Just as importantly, Dr. Neigh provides lessons in the more practical aspects of career development, including networking, speaking, organizational skills, and understanding interpersonal relationships and power dynamics; how to say ‘no,’ and how to ask for what you need.” This holistic approach to mentorship has empowered nearly 100 individuals to achieve their full potential, which is reflected in their subsequent career achievements. Dr. Neigh’s leadership is equally commendable. Her lab has been described as a place of learning and a “nurturing, open, and inclusive environment.” She has effectively managed her research group and has taken on numerous leadership roles at VCU, such as director of research for the VCU BIRCWH. Her ability to connect with colleagues and build collaborative networks has not only enriched her own research but has also facilitated groundbreaking projects across various institutions, including The Ohio State, Emory University, and Johns Hopkins University.
Known for her engaging style, clear communication, innovative teaching methods, and curriculum development, Dr. Neigh is a dedicated and effective educator. She has been instrumental in creating and directing courses that are now essential components of the VCU curriculum, including a grant writing course that is noteworthy for its impact on student’s ability to secure funding. It is so popular she cannot accommodate all of the students who want to take it. This course, along with others she has developed, equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive world of scientific research. Dr. Jill Bettinger, Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at VCU, best expresses the overarching praise and respect others have for Dr. Neigh stating, “She truly combines excellent science with a strong ethic to provide positive teaching and mentorship to her students and colleagues. She is a credit to the VCU Community.”