Stephanie A. Maddox, PhD, is an assistant neuroscientist in the Neurobiology of Fear Laboratory at McLean Hospital, where she is actively investigating the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms which underlie mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders, employing a combination of behavioral, pharmacological, and molecular manipulations. Dr. Maddox is actively investigating the role that hormone signaling cascades play in mediating the neurobiological and circuit-level mechanisms that contribute to these disorders as well as examining mechanisms associated with responses to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Ultimately, she hopes that her research will inform the development of novel treatment avenues.

Dr. Maddox also maintains an interest in public science outreach and education. She is the co-founder and current director of McLean’s “Brains Matter” Neuroscience Education and Outreach Program which conducts presentations for audiences of all ages to engage in conversations about the biological basis of mental illness as a means to alleviate mental health stigma.