Benjamin Nephew

Benjamin Nephew is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biology & Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). His research focuses on neurobehavioral mechanisms of mental illness, using interdisciplinary approaches combining neuroimaging (fMRI), rodent models, and clinical studies. He collaborates with institutions such as UMass Medical School, Harvard, and others.

Research Interests:

• Neuroimaging of mindfulness-based interventions
• Stress-related mental health disorders (depression, suicidality)
• Environmental health impacts (air pollution, alcohol)
• Postpartum depression/anxiety mechanisms
• Machine learning for predictive modeling in neuroscience

Awards:

• 2024: President's Research Catalyst Grant (WPI)

Collaborations & Grants: Leads projects involving clinical trials, transgenerational stress models, and integrative medical approaches. Current opportunities exist for students in animal and clinical research.

Labs/Teams: Active in neuroimaging, environmental health, and translational psychiatry research groups at WPI.