McGaugh on Memory

On January 21 the Libraries Speaker Series presented neurobiologist and UCI founding faculty member James McGaugh in a program celebrating the publication of Memory & Emotion: The Making of Lasting Memories, his study of how emotion and experience influence long-term memory. McGaugh's pioneering work on the influence of drug and stress hormones on memory are recognized by scientists internationally, but this is his first book for a general audience.

University Librarian Gerry Munoff welcomed an enthusiastic audience of nearly 250 that included Chancellor Ralph and Professor Carol Cicerone. McGaugh spoke about the experience of writing Memory & Emotion and explained aspects of his pioneering research. A book signing and reception followed in Langson Library.

McGaugh enjoyed the opportunity to speak to non-scientists, saying "It gave me the opportunity to talk about my new book with an interested and intelligent audience. As I told them, UCI is privileged to have a great library with wonderfully accessible material. Our library has been essential for my research and teaching during my four decades at UCI and was especially helpful to me as I was writing this book."

McGaugh is one of UCI's most distinguished faculty members. He is Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior and was the founding Director of the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. His honors include election to both the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He has served UCI as Executive Vice Chancellor and as Dean of Biological Sciences. He has been awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award for Research, the Extraordinarius Award, and the highest campus honor, the UCI Medal.

In closing the evening, University Librarian Munoff thanked Professor McGaugh for his generous donation of the proceeds from the evening's book sales to The Library Endowment, a fund that helps ensure the increasing excellence of the Libraries' collections.