Jill Becker was awarded the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Daniel S. Lehrman Lifetime Achievement Award.

According to SBN, "Dr. Becker has been a pioneer and leader in behavioral neuroendocrinology through her groundbreaking research, devotion to mentorship, and tremendous service to the field.

Dr. Becker has made many key contributions to our understanding of sex differences in the neural mechanisms of addiction and motivated behavior. Her pioneering work demonstrated that estradiol rapidly modulates dopamine release in the striatum, challenging existing scientific dogma and establishing new paradigms in neuroscience. Her research on sex differences in drug addiction has provided critical insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, influencing both preclinical and clinical perspectives on sex differences in this area.

Through her leadership roles, Dr. Becker has significantly advanced the field of behavioral neuroendocrinology and the study of sex differences. As one of the founding members of the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences and serving as its second president, she has been a strong advocate for the inclusion of sex as a biological variable in research. Her extensive service on national committees and her role as Editor-in-Chief of Biology of Sex Differences have been pivotal in promoting research on sex differences and women’s health.

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Dr. Becker’s career. She has mentored numerous undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in her efforts to support and advance the careers of women and minorities in neuroscience. Her trainees describe her as an exemplary mentor who provides tailored support and guidance, fostering their professional development and success.

In summary, through her innovative research, dedicated mentorship, and significant service to the field, Dr. Becker has had an enormous impact on behavioral neuroendocrinology and the Society is thrilled to confer her this award."