Patricia Powell, Ph.D.

Patricia Powell, Ph.D., was appointed Deputy Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in 2017 having served as Acting Deputy Director since 2015. In this role she works closely with NIAAA's Director to set the vision for the Institute and facilitate its implementation in both the extramural and intramural programs. She and the Director work in concert on strategic goals, funding decisions, alignment of priorities and enhancing staff career opportunities. Dr. Powell chairs the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders which fosters improved communication, cooperation, and collaboration across disciplines and among federal agencies that address issues related to prenatal alcohol exposure. Previously Dr. Powell served as NIAAA Associate Director for Scientific Initiatives as well as Chief of NIAAA's Science Policy Branch, was a scientific editor for The Surgeon General's Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking, and worked closely with the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Initiative, spearheaded by spouses of current and former Governors and focused on the prevention of drinking by children ages 9–15. She received her Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology from Washington University in St. Louis and did postdoctoral studies at the Salk Institute, the University of California at San Diego, and Washington University in St. Louis.