Anne Berry, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division
Anne earned her undergraduate degree in neuroscience from Oberlin College and her PhD in neuroscience at the University of Michigan. Anne works with Bill Jagust, and her research examines how aging affects brain dopamine systems to produce changes in cognition. She uses positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to measure individual differences in the dopamine system and combines these measures with functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to determine how dopamine may shape the activity of functional brain networks.
What inspires you to work in STEM or operations?
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why I initially entered a STEM field. Like many people, I believe I could have been happy pursuing a variety of careers. I stayed in STEM because it gives me freedom. I am free to think and write about the interesting problems that I choose, and, to my knowledge, I am doing more good than harm.
What excites you about your work at Berkeley Lab
The PET imaging facility at Berkeley Lab is one of a kind. The people running this program are truly brilliant and have created a research environment in which the sky’s the limit. Suzanne Baker, Bill Jagust, Mustafa Janabi, Kristin Norton, Jim O’Neil, and Gil Rabinovici are inspirations.
How can our country engage more women, girls, and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM or operations?
By consistently promoting underrepresented groups into positions of leadership!
Do you have tips you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?
I am a huge proponent of working as a full-time research assistant for a couple of years before going to graduate school. I worked for three years before graduate school and it expanded my network and made me more focused when I did start my PhD.
When you have free time, what are your hobbies?
Shopping at Monterey Market and then making a delicious meal are what I like to do in my free time (though the weekend crowds at Monterey Market have also inspired a burgeoning meditation practice).