Postdoctoral fellow Sarah Prieto, Ph.D., has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Post-Doc Fellow Research Award from the International Neuropsychological Society (INS). The award is given each year to a postdoctoral researcher who has made noteworthy contributions to neuropsychology or applied neuropsychology.

Prieto is currently completing a clinical psychology postdoctoral fellowship at Butler Hospital's Memory and Aging Program. Her research focuses on understanding how stress, adversity, and social environments shape cognitive aging and dementia risk with the goal of making neuropsychological care more accessible and equitable. 

"To have this work recognized by a community I care so much about is incredibly meaningful,” Prieto said. "I'm grateful to the mentors, collaborators, research participants, and communities who have supported and inspired this work. I hope this recognition helps highlight the importance of understanding how life experiences influence brain health so we can promote healthier, more equitable aging for all.”

During her fellowship, Prieto secured a two-year National Institute on Aging-funded subaward examining environmental and psychosocial contributors to Alzheimer’s disease risk and healthcare access. She was also selected for the Alzheimer’s Association Summer Research Institute and serves as an editorial fellow for Neuropsychology.

In August 2026, Prieto will join the University of South Carolina as an assistant professor.