Joyona Gamble George

Dr. Joyonna Gamble-George is a neuroscientist, innovator, and entrepreneur known for her research with the endocannabinoid system in stress-induced maladaptations of the brain. 
== Education ==
Dr. Gamble-George graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Maryland) with merit from the school's science and technology program. Following graduation, Dr. Gamble-George attended Xavier University of Louisiana. At university, she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Biology/Pre-Medicine and was the only student in her class to graduate with an Honors in Mathematics. She then received a Master of Health Administration from the University of South Florida College of Public Health. Dr. Gamble-George continued her education in science at Vanderbilt University where she earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Neuroscience. She also completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Florida, where she focused her research on communication in the human brain and animal models of HIV-1 infection.
== Research ==
Dr. Gamble-George works in the fields of medical science and biotechnology and has scientific publications concerning Alzheimer's disease pathology, Anxiety disorder|anxiety and stress-related disorders, neurotoxicity, HIV, and therapeutics.
Dr. Gamble-George's first pre-baccalaureate research experience involved investigating the bonding structure between molybdenum in oxidation state six and amino acid type ligands in an effort to understand how molybdenum's involvement in the development of gout could prevent the disease from spreading.
As an undergraduate, she conducted research focused on Serenoa and Liquorice root as a potential treatment for prostate cancer. 
At Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Dr. Gamble-George investigated how C-Raf inhibitors can serve as promising therapeutic tools against neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, and as anti-neurodegenerative agents. Thereafter, she became involved in drug addiction research at Meharry Medical College and published research on the effects of methamphetamine on the brain and memory. 
Dr. Gamble-George's PhD research focused on the endocannabinoid system with regard to anxiety and Depression (mood)|depression. 
At the University of Florida, she expanded her research expertise in neuroscience and investigated the cellular mechanisms involved in drug addiction and HIV|HIV-1 infection. 
== Career ==
Dr. Gamble-George worked in the Khoshbouei Lab as an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow. 
Along with her research, Dr. Gamble-George worked as a healthcare administrator and health system specialist where she evaluated daily functions of Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System. During this time, she performed strategic planning and implementation to improve customer service, Veterans benefits, and patient hospital admission through a program sponsored by the American Hospital Association. 
She also co-founded SciX, LLC and now serves as a national team member for the company. SciX is a biotech software applications and device development company dedicated to creating science-based and health-related devices for monitoring and responding to risk factors in order to predict, prevent, and manage life-altering health crises. 
She serves as an expert science advisor at the National Institutes of Health to advise others with their research on vulnerable populations. 
She is a professor at St. Petersburg College in Pinellas County, Florida.
== Personal life ==
Dr. Gamble-George grew up in rural Alabama on her grandparents' farm. During her upbringing, she resided in such a remote area that most people did not have access to primary care. 
She enjoys drawing and painting and has created many graphics that have been featured in various publications. 
== Awards and Honors ==
Dr. Gamble-George has won numerous awards and honors including the following:
* 2014 – International Cannabinoid Research Society|ICRS Monique and George Braude Student Travel Award
*2014 – Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings|Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting Attendee
*2018 – Entrepreneur of the Year Awarded by the Small Business Expo
*2019 – AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassador Program
*2019 – National Small Business Associations Lewis Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year Award Finalist
* 2020 – The 40 under 40 Honoree Awarded by the Tampa Bay Business Journal
*2020 – Special Recognition Global Award awarded by WomenTech Network
*2020 – NHLBI Director’s Award for Partnership/Collaboration, NIH NHLBI Women’s Health Working Group
*2021 – Nepris Trailblazer Award
Category:Neuroscientists
Category:Innovators
Category:Entrepreneurs