This project explores whether art can reduce stigma around mental health and neurodiversity. Through community-based exhibitions, participatory coloring events, and fundraising for autism support organizations, the artist reframes help-seeking as acceptable and shared. The work positions art as a tool for visibility, dialogue, and collective healing.

This research develops an affordable, rapid genetic testing system to personalize antidepressant treatment. By detecting DNA mutations that affect drug metabolism, the technology helps doctors prescribe the right medication for each patient. The goal is to reduce ineffective treatments and improve mental health care—especially for veterans struggling with PTSD and depression.

This research develops an electrochemical sensor to continuously monitor stress by detecting cortisol, a key stress hormone. Using DNA aptamers and nanostructured electrodes, the sensor overcomes traditional detection limits, improving signal strength and durability. The technology offers a noninvasive method for long-term stress tracking to support prevention and treatment.

This research examines whether anhedonia—a core symptom of depression marked by reduced pleasure and motivation—is linked to impairments in working and episodic memory. While memory performance did not differ across anhedonia levels, the findings highlight the need for further study to develop targeted, memory-based interventions.

This research investigates why women are more vulnerable to stress-related disorders. Using a mouse model of acute trauma, the study shows that estrogen levels in the hippocampus drive memory disruption after stress. Blocking local estrogen production protects memory, revealing sex-specific mechanisms relevant for targeted treatments.

Drawing on personal experience with depression and anxiety, this researcher studies synaptic adhesion molecules—key proteins that shape how neural connections form and adapt. By understanding how these molecules change across development, the work aims to uncover molecular mechanisms behind neuropsychiatric disorders and inform future treatments or prevention strategies.

This research examines whether emotional sensitivity in women varies across the menstrual cycle by studying the interaction of sleep, hormones, and time. By tracking emotional memory at multiple cycle stages, the work aims to replace stereotypes with evidence and address long-standing gaps in women’s health and cognitive research.

This study introduces a “brain stress test” for depression, combining targeted brain stimulation with neuroimaging. Depressed individuals show exaggerated brain responses, which increase with repeated episodes. The test may serve as an early warning signal, helping clinicians identify relapse risk and intervene before depression returns.

Using longitudinal data from 30,000 South Korean children, this study shows that child abuse significantly increases suicidal thoughts, especially with prolonged exposure. Crucially, strong social connections—such as team sports, supportive teachers, and caring neighbors—dramatically reduce this risk, highlighting social interaction as a key source of resilience.

Mental health disorders disrupt neural connections in the brain, yet most treatments only manage symptoms. This research explores psychedelic-inspired drugs that restore lost brain connections without hallucinogenic effects, using automated imaging tools to identify compounds that rebuild neural structure and offer lasting recovery.