West Texas A&M University psychology professor wins major fellowship for research

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT)—West Texas A&M University announced that professor Dr. Maxine De Butte is the university’s first Twanna M. Powell Fellow and will receive $50,000 to further her research into the effects of psychiatric medications on developing brains.

According to WT officials, De Butte, a professor of psychology and associate department head in the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work in the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences, was announced as a Powell Fellow during the May 11 commencement ceremonies.

“It is a great honor to be named the first Powell Fellow, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” De Butte said. “This award is a personal achievement, and it has inspired me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new research avenues in clinical neuroscience.”

WT officials stated that as a Powell Fellow, De Butte will receive $50,000 plus additional University resources to use at her discretion to further her research. She will use animal models for the studies.

“We’ll also look into the differences between male and female rodent brains and how antidepressants and antipsychotics may or may not affect molecular pathways,” De Butte said.

Officials also stated the Powell Fellow Program was established via a gift from philanthropists Twanna and Don Powell. Powell a longtime Amarillo resident and WT alumnus, is the former chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., who later led the federal government’s recovery efforts following hurricanes Katrina and Rita and served on The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents from 1995 to 2001. Officials noted Powell currently serves on the Amarillo Independent School District board.

WT officials stated the Powell Fellow program is open to professors across WT’s six Colleges with a selection committee that nominates a faculty member from within its ranks created by the deans of each College. The nominees then go before a University-wide committee which includes representatives of the Powell family.

Officials noted that preference is given to faculty members with established records of accomplishments in research and the classroom.

“The Twanna M. Powell Fellows Program supports, recognizes and advances research excellence at West Texas A&M University,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. DeButte is a distinguished scholar, engaging students while advancing the profession and practice with significant research contributions.”

De Butte joined WT in 2009, teaches biological psychology courses, and is a member of the Society for Neuroscience. Previous research includes the role of hormones such as estrogen on brain injuries. Officials noted De Butte earned degrees at Trent University and Carleton University in Ontario, Canada.

“I come from small, regional universities and wanted to pursue a job at a similar institution,” De Butte said. “I like the one-on-one interaction with students.”

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