Renowned behavioral neuroscientist Kelly Lambert spent a multi-day residency at Beloit College as Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar, engaging with the community on her research on mental health and resiliency.
A first-generation college student and award-winning behavioral neuroscientist, Professor Lambert has authored approximately 80 scholarly publications, two neuroscience textbooks, and three mainstream books, with a fourth book, Wild Brains: Translating Optimal Mental Health Strategies from the Bush to the Bedside, slated for publication later this year. Her research focuses on experience-based neuroplasticity as a means to build emotional resilience, and she has received multiple teaching and research awards for her work.
During her visit, Professor Lambert met with students in classes; provided feedback on psychology students’ thesis research; joined students, professors, and staff for dinner; and delivered an academic presentation to faculty.
One of the highlights of her visit was a keynote lecture in which she discussed her research on the connection between physical effort and emotional resilience and the potential of behavioral therapies to transform treatments for depression and enhance emotional well-being. In particular, Professor Lambert explored the concept of “behaviorceuticals,” or the ability of behavior to alter neurochemicals in adaptive ways.
The lecture was well-received by the audience, which included members of the community and an engaging question-and-answer period at the end. Psychology major Fatima Lopez ’26, the first person to ask a question, thanked Dr. Lambert for her talk and asked about what might motivate movement in individuals struggling with grief or depression. Another student asked about finding a healthy balance between physical activity and medication, and how this balance might vary from person to person.
Dr. Lambert also met with psychology students over a lunch seminar where they presented their original research. Five students who are preparing a thesis for departmental honors and two students who are part of the McNair Scholars Program shared their work and Dr. Lambert provided feedback on each presentation.
“We were thrilled to welcome Professor Lambert to Beloit College,” said Suzanne Cox, professor and chair of psychology and vice president of Beloit College’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. “Her research and expertise in the field of behavioral neuroscience made her an ideal speaker for our community. We were excited to learn from her, and her visit was transformative for our students.”
The visit was preceded by a reading series in which students read and discussed Dr. Lambert’s work and prepared questions for her visit. “The students were phenomenal,” said Professor Cox, who co-led the reading series “Each session, they arrived prepared, with things to say and kept the conversations lively and engaging.”
Rachel Bergstrom, Beloit College professor of biology and a neuroscientist, appreciated Dr. Lambert’s ability to explain serious science in a way that shows its relevance to the general public.
“So much of neuroscience research is intangible to the public,” said Dr. Bergstrom. “Dr. Lambert is doing complicated analyses of neurotransmitters that could feel really distant from most people’s lives, but she communicates the science in a way that feels relevant to non-scientists. She has such a cool and creative model of how our engagement with our environment can impact our brain health and mental health and ability to thrive. I’m delighted that she came to share her research with our campus and community.”
Professor Lambert’s visit to Beloit College was a resounding success, providing students with unique opportunities to learn from a renowned scholar. Her visit highlighted the college’s commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences through academic residencies and fostering a community of intellectual curiosity and exchange.
About Phi Beta Kappa
As America’s most prestigious academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa has been championing education in the arts and sciences since 1776, fostering freedom of thought, and recognizing academic excellence. With a rich history and a membership that includes 17 U.S. presidents, 42 Supreme Court justices, and over 150 Nobel laureates, Phi Beta Kappa is dedicated to promoting the value of liberal arts and sciences education and providing opportunities for intellectual engagement and exchange.
Phi Beta Kappa’s motto, “Love of Learning is the Guide of Life,” is realized through the Visiting Scholar program which aims to enrich the academic experience of students and faculty at participating institutions. Beloit College is pleased to be a part of this esteemed tradition.
March 26, 2025
Share:
Related Stories
