Andrew Nicholson

Dr. Andrew Nicholson serves as Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa, Vice President of Research at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, and Scientist at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research. His interdisciplinary work bridges neuroimaging and psychiatric medicine to develop innovative mental health treatments through advanced brain-imaging methodologies.

His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Western Ontario (2017), followed by postdoctoral fellowships at the Homewood Research Institute (2019) and University of Vienna (2020). His undergraduate training culminated in a B.Sc. Honours Specialization in Psychology from Western University (2014).

Nicholson's research program focuses on identifying differential biomarkers for PTSD using real-time fMRI and machine learning, while pioneering brain-computer interfaces for neurofeedback treatments. His lab actively investigates neural underpinnings of minority stress and develops transdiagnostic interventions for trauma-affected populations, including refugees and transgender individuals. This work integrates clinical neuroscience with practical therapeutic applications to address complex psychiatric disorders.

Analysis of his 2021-2023 publications reveals a cohesive trajectory in applying neuroimaging to PTSD treatment optimization, with expanding applications in refugee mental health, LGBTQ+ care, and military trauma. His studies consistently leverage machine learning for biomarker prediction and emphasize culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions across diverse clinical populations.

As principal investigator of the Nicholson Lab, he directs a multidisciplinary team affiliated with the University of Ottawa, Royal Ottawa Hospital, and Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families. The lab's mission centers on translating neuroscientific discoveries into clinical practice through randomized controlled trials of neurofeedback and novel biomarker identification frameworks.