Zachary Tolchin passed away on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 in a tragic motorcycle accident in Tallahassee.  He was 26 years old.  He was a wonderful son, brother and friend.  He was going to graduate from Florida State University with a Doctorate in Chemistry in May 2024.  He loved poker with friends, watching soccer, playing video games, working on his Chemistry research, exploring nature, and above all riding his Yamaha R6.  He had a loving and generous spirit.  He will be missed terribly.  

Zachary suffered from depression from a very young age.  Sometimes medicines and therapy helped... sometimes they didn't.  Zachary fought his illness courageously and it was only in the last 2 years of his life that he really turned the corner and began to consistently find happiness.   He lost his life during the best time of his life... doing what he loved most in life. 

Upon completing his Chemistry Ph.D degree, Zachary planned to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research.  Perhaps helping to cure depression would have been his legacy.  Contributing to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation and supporting the work of scientists focused on alleviating the suffering of mental illness is a wonderful way to keep his memory alive.  Please join us in this effort.

100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. Our operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants.

• Since 1987, we have awarded more than $440 million to fund more than 6,400 grants to more than 5,300 scientists around the world.

• According to the Rand Corporation, BBRF is the nation’s top non-governmental funder of mental health research grants.

• The mission of the Foundation is to alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research.

• 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. Our operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants.

• The Foundation only funds scientists whose research is reviewed and recommended by a world-renowned Scientific Council including a Nobel Prizewinner and chairs of psychiatric departments.

• Learn more about the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.