Jean Adelina King

Dr. Jean Adelina King is the Peterson Family Dean of Arts & Sciences and Professor of Biology & Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Previously, she served as Vice Provost of Biomedical Research and tenured Professor at UMass Medical School (1994–present). She leads interdisciplinary initiatives in Neuroscience, AI, and Learning Science at WPI while maintaining research on stress-brain interactions.

• Education: PhD (New York University, 1988), MS (City University of New York, 1982), BS (St. Francis College, 1979)
• Leadership Roles: NIH Advisory Boards, Co-chair of World Women in Neuroscience, Co-Director Marine Biological Lab-MBL Summer Program

Her research focuses on stress impacts on brain/body health, chronic pain, and youth mental health. Notable projects include NIH-funded HEAL Initiative work using AI to optimize mindfulness for pain management. Over 100 peer-reviewed papers and 10 book chapters in neurophysiology underscore her scholarly contributions.

• Awards: GK50 Healthcare Influencer, Massachusetts Mentorship Citation, Katherine Erskine Award

As a diversity advocate, she mentors underrepresented scientists and developed the micro-communities mentorship model. Featured in Nature for her leadership in STEM equity.