Director Named at the Free & Open-Access Distance Education Division at Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation

September 26, 2004 -- Distance Education Director, Christine Coughlin, a UCLA Psychobiology graduate, philanthropist, and educator teams with the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation (GNIF). Adherent to the Initiative mission to further neuro-related studies, increase molecular psychiatry inquiries, and freely disseminate information, the Distance Education Division serves as the free and open-access gateway of structured educational programs and campaigns. Coughlin, in collaboration with the GNIF Director, Shaheen Lakhan, wishes to propel their cohort of free distance education programs, establish connections among other accredited institutions of higher education, and sponsor an academic course server as an official Initiative forum for course developers and instructors.

Coughlin interned in the Fernald Program centralized within UCLA's Psychology Department and aided the research of the Collaborative Family Study by performing studies related to mental retardation across families. She was privileged to study under the renowned clinical psychologist Bruce Baker, in advanced research methods in child psychopathology. Her charitable activities include the UCLA's Dance Marathon, Fight Against Pediatric AIDS, Student Health Advocacy, and G.A.M.M.A. Chapter (an international peer education network promoting social responsibility and awareness).

"I am honored to be Director of Distance Education for the Neuroscience Initiative," said Coughlin after discussing the novel Certificate Program in Neuroscience. This program has been designed for a wide variety of students interested in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of nerves and nervous tissue, their interrelations with behavior and learning, and bioinformatic approaches to the organization and orientation of information. In addition, they wish to establish a Certificate in Emergency Management in collaboration with the San Fernando Valley Medical Reserve Corps (seeking registration under the U.S. government's Citizen Corps under the Department of Homeland Security).

Coughlin adds, "My scientific studies and experiences have convinced me that this organization is long past due, and I am very proud of its work toward increased advances, knowledge, and newfound acceptance within the neurological and psychiatric fields." GNIF Director Shaheen Lakhan commends her leadership role, "Coughlin adds an exceptional character to our Distance Education Division; her passion, perseverance, and skills are very evident. Our programs will benefit greatly from her headship."

The Distance Education Division will also engage in "Ethics in Mental Health: Anti-Stigmatization and Non-Discrimination" campaigns among mental health agencies, commissions, and other foundations to reduce mental health stigmatization and discrimination. A report commissioned by Shaheen Lakhan and generated by researcher Christine Loftus entitled "Mental Health Stigmatization: A Report of the Neuroscience Initiative" reveals the evolving nature of societal conceptions of mental health and mental illness.

In summary, the report found that stigmatization and discrimination causes prevention or delay in seeking intervention, premature treatment termination, less integration into society and lowered self-esteem. Anti-stigmatization campaigns must recognize the variability of stigmas based on type of mental illness, geographic location and the discrepancy between perceived and actual stigmatization. The "vicious cycle" created by stigmatization exacerbates mental illness, which in turn increases stigmas. The power of optimism discredits the notion that disorders are permanent and incurable. Health care professionals tend to exhibit a deeply troubling form of stigmas inducing a deep mistrust in medical providers. Less stigma is exhibited, however, by people who believe the illness is not controlled by the afflicted individuals and those who do not overemphasize the genetic basis of mental illness, implying that ill individuals are "inherently flawed".

GNIF is seeking volunteer distance education course developers and/or instructors in the fields of biotechnology, neuro-informatics, health psychology, behavioral medicine, alternative medicine, cognitive science, research methods, statistics, ethics, and emergency management. For further information about the distance education program, please visit the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation at http://neuroinitiative.org.





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