Jennifer Honeycutt

Jennifer Honeycutt is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Bowdoin College, where she teaches courses and leads the Research in Affective and Translational Neuroscience (RAT) Lab. Her research focuses on how early life adversity impacts neural and behavioral outcomes in translational rodent models of affective disorders, with a specific emphasis on sex-specific differences, epigenetics, and corticolimbic circuitry. She employs techniques such as fMRI, neural tracing, and immunohistochemistry.

• Education:
  • PhD in Psychology - Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut (2015)
  • MA in Psychology - Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut (2013)
  • BA in Psychology with Neuroscience concentration, Colby College (2010)
• Research Highlights:
  • Investigates neural mechanisms of affective dysfunction (anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia) following early adversity.
  • Utilizes ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in rats to model threat exposure and hypervigilance.
  • Examines epigenetic changes (DNA methylation) as mediators of adversity effects.
• Teaching:
  • Teaches courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Physiological Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience at Bowdoin.
  • Previously taught at Northeastern University, MCPHS University, and University of Connecticut.
• Scientific Awards:
  • Maine INBRE Grant (2021-2025) for epigenetic biomarker research.
  • NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2018-2020) for corticolimbic connectivity studies.
  • Trainee Professional Development Award, Travel Fellowships, and Teaching Awards.
• Advocacy:
  • Active mentor and advocate for underrepresented students in STEM, including LGBTQ+ and first-generation individuals.
  • Serves as Faculty Advisor for Bowdoin's oSTEM chapter.