University of Rochester Neurobiologist Suzanne Haber Elected to National Academy of Medicine
Suzanne N. Haber, PhD, an internationally recognized scientist whose work has transformed our understanding of the brain networks that play a central role in many mental health disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Recognized as one of the highest accolades in health and medicine, the distinction acknowledges Haber’s significant contributions to the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry over the past 40 years.
Dean’s professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Haber is a biological map maker, charting the brain regions and circuits that regulate motivation, cognition, and motor control. Through anatomical studies and the use of advanced imaging techniques she’s identified abnormalities in brain circuitry that contribute to neurological and mental health disorders ranging from schizophrenia and OCD to post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and depression.
Leader of the National Institutes of Health-funded Silvio O. Conte Center for Basic and Translational Mental Health Research at the University of Rochester, Haber partners with scientists and physicians from institutions across the country to turn her findings on circuit dysfunction into treatments that can improve people’s lives. She’s currently using circuitry models to determine which circuits physicians should target for deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy to be most effective for individuals with OCD, depression, and addiction.
“Suzanne’s research is highly translational,” said Steve Dewhurst, PhD, vice president for Research at the University of Rochester. “Her broad knowledge of brain networks, including the so-called ‘OCD network’, combined with the expertise of state-of-the-art imaging specialists and physicians attuned to patient needs, creates an ideal foundation for understanding how the OCD network regulates brain function in both health and disease. It also sets the stage for the development of innovative treatment strategies. This recognition is a testament to her remarkable insight and collaborative nature.”
“One of Suzanne’s greatest strengths is building international research teams to tackle complex problems and deliver solutions to patients,” added Bob Dirksen, PhD, chair of Pharmacology & Physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. He points to Haber’s leadership of the University’s Conte Center: designed to bring scientists with diverse but complimentary backgrounds together to improve the treatment of mental health disorders, she’s received three Conte grants over the course of her career—a noteworthy accomplishment, as most scientists only receive one or two.
“We are truly fortunate to have such an exceptional researcher here at the University of Rochester,” said Dirksen.
Haber, who is also a professor of Psychiatry, Brain & Cognitive Sciences, and Neuroscience, has authored more than 200 scientific papers throughout her career with close collaborators and Conte Center partners from Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brown, Rhode Island Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Washington University, the University of Puerto Rico, and others. She received the prestigious Barbara Fish Memorial Award from the American College of Neuropharmacology in 2023 and the Gold Medal Award from the Society of Biological Psychiatry in 2020.
“I was surprised, overwhelmed, and very honored to be elected,” said Haber. “It takes a team to make meaningful developments in research and patient care, and I wouldn’t be here without my Conte Center colleagues, the trainees who have worked in my lab over the years, and the extraordinary support of Bob Dirksen and the department of Pharmacology & Physiology.”
Elected by their peers, academy members provide evidence-based advice on health, medicine, and related policy to improve health worldwide. Past National Academy of Medicine inductees from the URochester School of Medicine & Dentistry include Lainie Ross, Health Humanities and Bioethics; Lynne Maquat, Biochemistry and Biophysics; Elizabeth R. McAnarney, Pediatrics; Robert C. Griggs, Neurology; Paul F. Griner, Hematology/Oncology; Paul S. Frame, Family Medicine; and Seymour I. Schwartz, Surgery.
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