Janine Dutcher

Janine Dutcher is an Assistant Professor (Research) at Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Psychology, affiliated with the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is also Co-Director of the BRIDGE Neuroimaging Center. Her research focuses on neurobiological mechanisms of stress reduction interventions, combining neuroimaging, psychoneuroimmunology, and ecological momentary assessment to study health outcomes. She holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and UCLA, respectively.

Key research interests include mindfulness meditation, self-affirmation, and social support interventions. She investigates how these practices reduce stress and improve mental/physical health, particularly in clinical populations. Her work bridges basic neuroscience with translational applications, emphasizing resilience-building strategies.

Her recent articles highlight studies on meditation’s neurobiological effects, stress-cortisol relationships, sleep-academic performance links, and inflammatory biomarkers in breast cancer survivors. Collaborative projects like the ENIGMA-Meditation consortium advance global neuroscientific research on meditation practices.

While no formal student advisees are listed, her translational focus suggests involvement in mentoring research teams. Her work is published in high-impact journals and presented at international conferences, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches to health neuroscience.