The psychology department held a champagne and chocolate reception on November 9 in Connolly House to honor psychology professor Lisa Feldman Barrett, one of 12 recipients of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 2007 Pioneer Award, which recognizes “exceptionally innovative investigators” whose work holds the promise of conceptual and technological breakthroughs in science. Unlike most NIH awards, which fund specific research projects, the Pioneer Award gives research grants to “highly creative and pioneering people” to pursue their research interests. Professor Barrett, director of the University’s Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory, will receive $2.5 million over five years to support her work on the psychology and neuroscience of emotion. Psychology department chairman James Russell said the award was a “fabulous achievement” for Barrett. “It reflects her many accomplishments, as well as the excellence of the lab she has established at BC.” Above, at the reception (l-r), Russell, Arts and Sciences dean Patrick Maney, and vice provost for research Kevin Bedell toast their colleague.