Robert Sapolsky

Robert M. Sapolsky is John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford University. Sapolsky, a neuroendocrinologist, has focused his research on issues of stress and neuron degeneration, as well as on the potential use of gene therapy for protecting neurons from disease. In his well-known book Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers (1994), Sapolsky examined how prolonged stress can cause or contribute to damaging physical and mental afflictions. His lab was among the first to document that stress can damage the neurons of the hippocampus.

As part of his research Sapolsky has studied other large primates, similar to humans, whose stress is caused by social situations. He is currently working on gene transfer techniques to strengthen neurons against the disabling effects of glucocorticoids. Sapolsky has received numerous honors and awards for his work, including the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship.