Erica Holliday

Dr. Erica Holliday is an Associate Professor of Psychological Science and holds Graduate Faculty status in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Kennesaw State University (KSU). She is affiliated with the College of Science and Mathematics and leads the Biomarker Wet Lab and Behavioral Neuroscience Lab within the Department of Psychological Science. Her research bridges neurobiology, substance use disorders, and translational approaches to recovery.

Dr. Holliday holds a BS in Psychology and MA in Biopsychology from George Mason University, a PhD in Psychology and Neuroscience from Temple University, and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She has received awards including the NIDA Director’s Travel Award and Outstanding Postdoctoral Civic Service Award.

Her research focuses on neurobiological mechanisms underlying substance use, stress interactions, and learning/memory changes across lifespan stages, particularly in adolescence and perinatal exposure. She explores maternal care effects after prenatal THC exposure and advocates for reducing healthcare disparities in women’s neurobiology. Collaborations span the College of Science and Math, Radow College of Humanities, and Wellstar Health System, employing mixed-methods approaches with human and rodent models.

Dr. Holliday’s teaching includes Physiological Psychology and Molecular Techniques in Biological Research, emphasizing inclusivity and student success. She mentors students into diverse careers and participates in programs like U-RISE and First-Year Scholars. Her work has advanced recovery capital frameworks and dietary interventions for neurobiological deficits linked to substance use.

• Awards: NIDA Travel Award, Postdoctoral Civic Service Award
• Labs: Biomarker Wet Lab, Behavioral Neuroscience Lab
• Collaborations: NSF-funded internships at the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience