Kai McCormack

Kai McCormack is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the G-STEM program at Spelman College. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of Georgia and a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College. His research focuses on non-human primate behavior, particularly the effects of early life stress on physiological and behavioral outcomes, and the genetic underpinnings of social and aggressive behavior in primates.

McCormack teaches courses including Introductory Psychology, Research Methods, Brain and Behavior, and Statistics. His work often involves studying maternal care in rhesus macaques and the oxytocin, serotonergic, and dopaminergic systems' roles in behavior. He has contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed publications, examining topics like HPA axis regulation, cognitive development across species, and the neurobiological impacts of early adversity.

As G-STEM Director, McCormack oversees initiatives to enhance global research and education at Spelman College. His interdisciplinary approach bridges neuroscience, genetics, and pedagogy, with recent projects involving primate behavioral studies and STEM teaching innovations. McCormack’s research emphasizes translational insights into human developmental psychology through non-human primate models.