Erin Campbell | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Erin Campbell | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

The University of Newcastle, Australia

Dr. Erin J. Campbell is a distinguished scholar specializing in Early Modern European Art. Her academic journey began at the University of Toronto, where she earned her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in the History of Art. Her doctoral research focused on Italian art theory and criticism, particularly examining representations of old age in Cinquecento art. Dr. Campbell’s work is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating art history with cultural studies, gender studies, and material culture. She has authored and edited several influential publications, including “Old Women and Art in the Early Modern Domestic Interior” and “The Early Modern Italian Domestic Interior, 1400–1700: Objects, Spaces, Domesticities.” Her research has been supported by prestigious grants, such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Grant. Beyond her scholarly contributions, Dr. Campbell is recognized for her excellence in teaching and mentorship, having received the Faculty of Fine Arts Excellence in Teaching Award. Her current research continues to explore the intersections of art, domesticity, and the life course in early modern Europe. Through her extensive work, Dr. Campbell has significantly advanced the understanding of the cultural and artistic practices of the early modern period.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Erin J. Campbell’s academic foundation is rooted in the University of Toronto, where she completed her B.A. in History of Art in 1983, followed by an M.A. in 1985. Her scholarly pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in History of Art in 1998, with a dissertation titled “Old-Age Style and the Resistance of Practice in Cinquecento Art Theory and Criticism,” under the supervision of Philip Sohm. During her M.A. program, Dr. Campbell participated in archaeological excavations in Kommos, Crete, which initially sparked her interest in Bronze Age archaeology. However, her passion for European art was rekindled during her doctoral studies, leading her to conduct extensive research in Venice, Florence, and Rome. This immersive experience deepened her appreciation for Italian art and informed her subsequent scholarly work. Her educational background laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to exploring the complexities of early modern art, domestic interiors, and cultural representations of aging. Dr. Campbell’s rigorous academic training has been instrumental in shaping her interdisciplinary approach to art history, allowing her to contribute valuable insights into the social and cultural dynamics of the early modern period.

Professional Experience

Dr. Erin J. Campbell has held various academic positions that reflect her expertise in art history. Prior to her appointment at the University of Victoria, she served as a sessional instructor at the University of Toronto from 1994 to 2002. In 2002, she joined the University of Victoria’s Department of Art History and Visual Studies, where she currently holds the position of Professor of Early Modern European Art. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Campbell has been actively involved in teaching, research, and academic service. She has contributed to the development of curricula that emphasize the interplay between art, culture, and society in early modern Europe. Her commitment to education is evident in her receipt of the Faculty of Fine Arts Excellence in Teaching Award in 2010. Additionally, Dr. Campbell has played a pivotal role in organizing exhibitions and conferences that bridge academic scholarship with public engagement, such as the “Life Stories” exhibition at the Legacy Art Gallery. Her professional experience underscores a dedication to fostering a comprehensive understanding of art history through both scholarly research and community involvement.

Research Interests

Dr. Erin J. Campbell’s research interests are centered on the cultural and artistic practices of early modern Europe, with a particular focus on the domestic interior. She investigates how art and material culture within domestic spaces reflect and shape societal norms, identities, and life stages. Her work delves into themes such as aging, gender, and family dynamics, exploring how these aspects are represented and negotiated through art. Dr. Campbell’s interdisciplinary approach combines art history with cultural studies, sociology, and anthropology, allowing for a nuanced analysis of the early modern period. Her SSHRC-supported project examines the role of art in the stages of life within the Bolognese domestic interior, highlighting the intersection of personal experience and artistic expression. By focusing on the lived experiences of individuals and the materiality of their environments, Dr. Campbell’s research offers valuable insights into the social fabric of early modern Europe. Her scholarship contributes to a deeper understanding of how art functions within everyday life and how it informs our comprehension of historical identities and relationships.

Research Skills

Dr. Erin J. Campbell possesses a diverse set of research skills that facilitate her comprehensive exploration of early modern art and culture. Her proficiency in archival research enables her to uncover primary sources that shed light on historical contexts and artistic practices. She is adept at visual analysis, allowing her to interpret artworks within their cultural and social frameworks critically. Dr. Campbell’s interdisciplinary methodology integrates perspectives from art history, cultural studies, and sociology, enriching her analyses of domestic interiors and material culture. Her collaborative work on edited volumes and exhibitions demonstrates her ability to synthesize diverse scholarly contributions into cohesive narratives. Additionally, Dr. Campbell’s experience in curating exhibitions, such as “Life Stories,” showcases her capacity to translate academic research into accessible public presentations. Her research skills are further evidenced by her successful acquisition of grants, including multiple SSHRC awards, which support her ongoing investigations into the intersections of art, aging, and domesticity in early modern Europe. Through these competencies, Dr. Campbell continues to make significant contributions to the field of art history.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Erin J. Campbell’s scholarly excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. She received the William Nelson Prize in 2011 for the best article published in Renaissance Quarterly in 2010, highlighting the impact of her research on early modern art. Her commitment to teaching was acknowledged with the Faculty of Fine Arts Excellence in Teaching Award in 2010. Dr. Campbell has secured several prestigious grants, including the SSHRC Insight Grant (2016–2024) and the SSHRC Standard Research Grant (2009–2012), supporting her in-depth studies of domestic interiors and cultural representations of aging. Additional accolades include the University of Victoria Internal Research Grant (2013–2014) and the Learning and Teaching Curriculum Development Grant (2013), reflecting her dedication to both research and pedagogy. Her fellowship at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society in 2009 further underscores her interdisciplinary engagement with art history. These honors attest to Dr. Campbell’s significant contributions to academia and her influence in shaping the discourse on early modern art and culture.

Conclusion

Dr. Erin J. Campbell’s career embodies a profound commitment to exploring the complexities of early modern European art through an interdisciplinary lens. Her scholarly work bridges the gap between art history and cultural studies, offering insightful analyses of how domestic spaces and material culture reflect broader societal dynamics. Through her teaching, research, and public engagement, Dr. Campbell has fostered a deeper understanding of the interplay between art, identity, and everyday life in the early modern period. Her numerous publications and curated exhibitions have not only advanced academic discourse but also made art history more accessible to wider audiences. Recognized for her excellence in both scholarship and education, Dr. Campbell continues to inspire students and colleagues alike. Her ongoing research promises to further illuminate the nuanced relationships between art, culture, and society, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the study of early modern European art.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Examining the predictive validity of alcohol‐seeking following punishment‐imposed abstinence in mice
    Authors: Linh Tran; Maria Kuznetsova; Elizabeth E. Manning; Erin J. Campbell
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Understanding sex differences and the translational value of models of persistent substance use despite negative consequences
    Authors: Xavier J. Maddern; Leigh C. Walker; Roberta G. Anversa; Andrew J. Lawrence; Erin J. Campbell
    Year: 2024

  • Title: A paraventricular thalamus to insular cortex glutamatergic projection gates “emotional” stress-induced binge eating in females
    Authors: Roberta G. Anversa; Erin J. Campbell; Leigh C. Walker; Sarah S. Ch’ng; Muthmainah Muthmainah; Frederico S. Kremer; Amanda M. Guimarães; Mia J. O’Shea; Suheng He; Christopher V. Dayas et al.
    Year: 2023

  • Title: Optogenetic recruitment of hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing-hormone (CRH) neurons reduces motivational drive
    Authors: Caitlin S Mitchell; Erin J Campbell; Simon D Fisher; Laura M Stanton; Nicholas J Burton; Amy J Pearl; Gavan P McNally; Jaideep S Bains; Tamás Füzesi; Brett A Graham et al.
    Year: 2023

  • Title: M1 muscarinic receptor activation decreases alcohol consumption via a reduction in consummatory behavior
    Authors: Leigh C. Walker; Erin J. Campbell; Kate L. Huckstep; Nicola A. Chen; Christopher J. Langmead; Andrew J. Lawrence
    Year: 2022

  • Title: Repeated, moderate footshock reduces the propensity to relapse to alcohol seeking in female, but not male, iP rats
    Authors: Erin J. Campbell; Xavier J. Maddern; Andrew J. Lawrence
    Year: 2021

  • Title: It’s more than just interoception: The insular cortex involvement in alcohol use disorder
    Authors: Erin J. Campbell; Andrew J. Lawrence
    Year: 2021

  • Title: Sex differences in the neurochemistry of frontal cortex: Impact of early life stress
    Authors: Christina J. Perry; Erin J. Campbell; Katherine D. Drummond; Jeremy S. Lum; Jee Hyun Kim
    Year: 2021

  • Title: The 5‐HT2C receptor as a therapeutic target for alcohol and methamphetamine use disorders: A pilot study in treatment‐seeking individuals
    Authors: Erin J. Campbell; Yvonne Bonomo; Adam Pastor; Lisa Collins; Amanda Norman; Peter Galettis; Janice Johnstone; Andrew J. Lawrence
    Year: 2021

  • Title: Cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) signalling in the central nucleus of the amygdala modulates stress-induced alcohol seeking
    Authors: Leigh C. Walker; Lexi J. Hand; Bethany Letherby; Kate L. Huckstep; Erin J. Campbell; Andrew J. Lawrence
    Year: 2021

Carmen Vivar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Carmen Vivar | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

 Professor from Research and Advanced Studies Center of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico

Dr. Carmen Vivar is a distinguished neuroscientist specializing in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. She is currently a professor at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV) of the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City. Dr. Vivar leads the Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity within the Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience. Her research primarily focuses on the effects of physical activity on brain function, particularly how exercise influences neurogenesis and cognitive processes. Dr. Vivar has an extensive publication record, contributing significantly to the understanding of hippocampal function and its role in learning and memory. Her work has been widely cited, reflecting her impact on the field of neuroscience.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Vivar earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience at CINVESTAV. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the electrophysiological properties of hippocampal neurons and their role in synaptic plasticity. Her research provided valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying learning and memory. This strong foundation in cellular neuroscience has been instrumental in shaping her subsequent research endeavors.

Professional Experience

Following her Ph.D., Dr. Vivar pursued postdoctoral research at the National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health in Baltimore, Maryland. There, she investigated the impact of aging on neurogenesis and cognitive function. She also served as a guest researcher at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine’s Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at New York University, where she studied the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Dr. Vivar’s international experience has enriched her research perspective and collaborations.

Research Interests

Dr. Vivar’s research interests encompass adult neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and the effects of physical exercise on brain function. She is particularly interested in how voluntary physical activity enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and improves cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Her studies aim to bridge the gap between animal models and human applications, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and age-related cognitive decline.

Research Skills

Dr. Vivar possesses expertise in electrophysiology, neurophysiology, and cellular neuroscience. She is skilled in techniques such as in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recordings, immunohistochemistry, and behavioral assessments related to learning and memory. Her proficiency in these methodologies enables her to investigate the intricate relationships between neuronal activity, synaptic plasticity, and behavior.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Vivar has received recognition for her contributions to neuroscience. Her research has garnered significant citations, reflecting its impact on the scientific community. Additionally, she has been invited to speak at various international conferences and seminars, highlighting her expertise in the field. Her role as a guest speaker at events such as the Florida Atlantic Neuroscience Seminar Series underscores her standing in the scientific community.

Conclusion

Dr. Carmen Vivar’s dedication to understanding the mechanisms of neurogenesis and neuroplasticity has significantly advanced the field of neuroscience. Her research on the interplay between physical activity and brain function offers promising avenues for therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive aging. Through her extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Vivar continues to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of the brain’s capacity for adaptation and regeneration.

Publications Top Notes​

  1. Title: Running Reverses Chronic Stress‐Induced Changes in Serotonergic Modulation of Hippocampal Granule Cells and Altered Behavioural Responses
    Authors: Carmen Soto, Lazaro P. Orihuela, Grego Apostol, Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: Entorhinal cortex–hippocampal circuit connectivity in health and disease
    Authors: Melissa Hernández-Frausto, Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2024

  3. Title: Running throughout Middle-Age Keeps Old Adult-Born Neurons Wired
    Authors: Carmen Vivar, Benjamin D. Peterson, Alejandro Pinto, Emma Janke, Henriette van Praag
    Year: 2023

  4. Title: Rabies Virus Tracing of Monosynaptic Inputs to Adult-Born Granule Cells
    Author: Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2022

  5. Title: Long-term taurine administration improves motor skills in a tubulinopathy rat model by decreasing oxidative stress and promoting myelination
    Author: Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2021

  6. Title: Exercise and Hippocampal Memory Systems
    Authors: Voss, M.W.; Soto, C.; Yoo, S.; Sodoma, M.; Vivar, C.; van Praag, H.
    Year: 2019

  7. Title: Running changes the brain: The long and the short of it
    Authors: Vivar, C.; Van Praag, H.
    Year: 2017

  8. Title: Running reorganizes the circuitry of one-week-old adult-born hippocampal neurons
    Authors: Sah, N.; Peterson, B.D.; Lubejko, S.T.; Vivar, C.; Van Praag, H.
    Year: 2017

  9. Title: Adult hippocampal neurogenesis, aging and neurodegenerative diseases: Possible strategies to prevent cognitive impairment
    Author: Vivar, C.
    Year: 2015

  10. Title: Plant-derived flavanol (-)epicatechin mitigates anxiety in association with elevated hippocampal monoamine and BDNF levels, but does not influence pattern separation in mice
    Authors: Stringer, T.P.; Guerrieri, D.; Vivar, C.; Van Praag, H.
    Year: 2015

  11. Title: Running rewires the neuronal network of adult-born dentate granule cells
    Author: Carmen Vivar
    Year: 2015