Joe Terranova

Joe Terranova, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Midwestern University. With a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Georgia State University and dual bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, his work focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior.

• Ph.D., Neuroscience, Georgia State University (2017)
• B.S., Psychology, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2012)
• B.A., Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2012)

His research investigates how neural circuits regulate complex behaviors, particularly in the context of psychiatric disorders. Key areas include observational fear, sleep-memory interactions, and sex-dependent neural regulation. He combines traditional neuroscience techniques like optogenetics and calcium imaging with deep learning-based behavioral analysis to uncover novel insights.

Recent publications highlight his work on memory engram cells, hippocampal-amygdala circuits, and oxytocin's role in social fear. He actively supervises a lab team comprising medical students, MBS students, and research assistants, and welcomes new trainees.