BA in Psychology

Andrew Emery, PhD, 2005

Andrew Emery, PhD

BA Psychology '05 and MA Psychology '07

When Dr. Andrew Emery graduated Magna cum Laude with his undergraduate degree in psychology from Mason in 2005, he was one of only 18 students to graduate with honors.

In 2007 he earned a master’s degree in biopsychology from Mason where he was part of the psychology honors program and had developed a research study during his three-semester program. Andrew received the Outstanding Thesis Award and Outstanding Graduate Student Award in biopsychology. During his graduate days at Mason he was an outstanding teaching assistant in the honors program classes and in research methods labs.

Andrew went on to earn his PhD in neuroscience from Georgetown University in 2011 (and again received the Magna cum Laude distinction). He then completed a postdoctoral IRTA fellowship at NIMH in the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Regulation, Section on Molecular Neuroscience where he remained until 2018.  In 2015 he was awarded the very prestigious Julius Axelrod Memorial Fellowship at NIMH.  

Drew’s work has been widely published in journals such as Molecular Pharmacology, Neuropharmacology and Journal of Biological Chemistry and he has numerous abstracts and conference proceedings. In addition, he has collaborated with scientists worldwide. His professional affiliations included the Catecholamine Society, ASPET, and the Society for Neuroscience.

A few words about Andrew from those who knew him best:

Andrew Emery was a great young scientist, but above all he was a magnificent human being. He was the person who always reached out to assist others, no matter how large or small the need. This included family, friends, colleagues, and just about anyone who needed help and he always went above and beyond what most people would do. He was a loving husband, father to two little boys, a loving son, brother, and friend. His contribution to science and to those whose lives he touched left a legacy of love and commitment.

 

Drew Emery was a study in contrasts. He was equally comfortable in a laboratory, presenting at a scientific conference or driving a tractor.  Drew was a man of extreme intellect but was approachable and humble. He is especially remembered for his keen sense of humor and his generosity in sharing his knowledge and possessions. While earning his PhD at Georgetown, he strongly considered becoming a priest but his decision was made when he met the love of his life, Jen, on a trip to the Philippines.  Drew’s legacy includes two fine sons, Albert and Paul, who already demonstrate their father’s intellect. His work was published in many scientific journals, and his contributions to research continues in the Section of Molecular Neuroscience at the National Institutes of Mental Health and worldwide.