“Young researchers are the future of science,” says David Feinberg.

The associate professor of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour should know quite well. Earlier this month, Feinberg received the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour, and Cognitive Science’s “Early Career Award” — presented annually to a gifted young researcher within 10 years of receiving his or her PhD.

“Receiving this award is truly amazing to me. I’m absolutely flattered,” says Feinberg, who was feted at a CSBBCS ceremony in Calgary on June 7. “McMaster has been enormously generous and supportive of my research. I feel very fortunate to be in such a supportive environment. I’ve had great opportunities to collaborate with my colleagues and help teach and mentor some of the brightest students I’ve ever met.”

Through his work at the University’s innovative Voice Research Laboratory, which he founded in 2007, Feinberg examines how we use voices and faces to perceive the world around us. Recent papers from the lab touch on a number of intriguing topics, including: female perceptions of male attractiveness and dominance; male preferences in female facial features; and the practice of deliberately altering one’s voice to increase “vocal attractiveness.”

With four PhD students working in the lab last year, Feinberg recognizes the value in supporting young minds.

“It’s often an uphill struggle for young researchers to shine through the shadow of their past supervisors and receive their own recognition,” he says. “Awards like this are wonderful, because they help new investigators get recognized for their own achievements and make a name for themselves.”

His advice for the next generation of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour researchers at McMaster? Never give up when the chips are down, and always ask for help when you need it. “In this world, nobody makes it alone,” he explains. “Finding the right mentors, students and collaborators has made all of the difference for me.”

Feinberg is the third winner of the CSBBCS Early Career Award, and joins past recipients Frank Russo (Ryerson University) and  Debbie Kelly (University of Manitoba).