Lisa M. Savage

Dr. Lisa M. Savage is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Binghamton University. Her research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying memory disorders, including Wernicke-Korsakoff’s disease, alcohol-induced dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. She employs a systems-level approach combining neuroanatomical, biochemical, and electrophysiological techniques to study neural circuits involved in learning and memory.

Education: PhD in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Postdoctoral training at the VA Medical Center, San Diego. She has received prestigious awards such as the APA’s Distinguished Scientific Early Career Award and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship.

Her lab investigates how alcohol, aging, and malnutrition impact cholinergic circuits and cognitive function. Current research includes exploring neurotrophin-mediated recovery of cholinergic neurons via exercise and the role of thalamocortical circuits in alcohol-related brain damage. Key techniques used include viral tracing, immunocytochemistry, and chemogenetics.

Dr. Savage mentors students through a collaborative environment emphasizing creativity and data-driven discovery. She has trained over 20 graduate students and postdocs who now hold academic and industry roles. Her work is funded by the NIAAA through grants like the NADIA and DEARC initiatives.