Shelly Flagel facts for kids

Shelly B. Flagel is an American brain scientist. She studies how our brains learn about rewards. She also researches why some people might struggle with certain behaviors, like addiction. Dr. Flagel is a professor at the University of Michigan. She works in the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute.

About Shelly B. Flagel

Early Life and School

Shelly B. Flagel grew up in Middletown, Ohio. She went to the University of Michigan (UM) for college. There, she earned a science degree in biopsychology. This field studies how biology and behavior are connected.

She worked on a special project with her mentor, Israel Liberzon. Later, she earned her PhD in neuroscience from UM. Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system. Her advisors were Delia M. Vazquez and Terry E. Robinson. After her PhD, Dr. Flagel did more research in Huda Akil's lab.

Her Work and Discoveries

After finishing her studies, Dr. Flagel started her own research lab in 2011. This lab is at the University of Michigan. She is now a professor in the psychiatry department.

Dr. Flagel studies how our brains learn to seek out things that feel good. This is called "reward learning." For example, your brain learns that playing a fun game is rewarding. She also looks at why people are different in how they control their actions. This includes understanding why some people might find it hard to stop certain behaviors, even if they know it's not good for them. This is part of understanding addiction and impulse control.

Her work helps us understand how the brain works. It also helps us learn about willpower. Her research has been talked about in magazines like Scientific American.

Personal Life

Shelly B. Flagel has two sons.