"Mirela is my lab hero. Why? Obviously, research protocols must be in place and personnel properly trained with required documentation. Supplies must be there when you need them. Mirela has been manager of my somatosensory neuroscience lab since 1998 and is absolutely indispensible in keeping the lab organized and running so that we can efficiently conduct research on the neural mechanisms of itch, pain, temperature and chemesthesis. Her efforts ensure that research supplies are ordered and maintained in a timely manner, and that lab personnel are well-trained and records properly documented and maintained. She recruits and trains subjects for our psychophysical experiments, as well as the numerous undergraduate students- sometimes 20 per quarter- doing research internships in our lab. Moreover, she organizes visas, travel and housing accommodations for the many visitors to our lab from around the world. She could easily run a successful travel agency. All the while, she makes major contributions to lab research (e.g., histology, behavioral testing) and is co-author on over 80 peer-reviewed publications. Above and beyond her everyday superhero efforts to make the lab run, Mirela works hard to engender a welcoming and collegial work atmosphere, organizing frequent lab outings (both local and at professional meetings) and home-cooked dinners that have become legendary. All of these things explain why Mirela is my lab hero."

Nominated by Earl Carstens, Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, USA