Two psychologists have been awarded Meritorious Research Service Commendations for 2012. These commendations, which are given by the American Psychological Association’s Board of Scientific Affairs, recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to psychological science through their service as employees of the federal government or other organizations.

Psychologists at federal or non-federal research funding, regulatory or other agencies play a crucial role in the advancement of the discipline, through managing programs that fund psychological science, identifying new research opportunities and directions, formulating research policies and promoting psychological research within their organizations. The Meritorious Research Service Commendations are a mechanism for honoring psychologists for their efforts and achievements in these areas.

The recipients for 2012 are:

Mariela C. Shirley 
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Mariela Shirley is recognized for her outstanding contributions to psychological science through her service as a research and health science administrator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Dr. Shirley is currently health scientist administrator in the Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Research at NIAAA. She works to promote the development and funding of new scientific approaches for research on alcoholism and public health. She received her doctorate from Vanderbilt University in 1984.

Molly V. Wagster 
National Institute on Aging

Molly Wagster is recognized for her outstanding contributions to psychological science through her service as a research program administrator at the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Dr. Wagster is currently chief of the Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Branch, Division of Neuroscience, at NIA. She works to advance the psychology of aging within the NIA and to support mentoring of psychologists who are pursuing aging research. Dr. Wagster received her doctorate from Tulane University in 1985.

Nominations for the 2013 awards are being accepted now until March 1, 2013.  For additional information, see the Meritorious Research Service Commendations website or contact Suzanne Wandersman.