Kathryn Lenz

Dr. Kathryn Lenz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at The Ohio State University. She holds affiliations with the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR), the Chronic Brain Initiative (CBI), and serves as Director of the Neuroscience Undergraduate Program and Co-Director of the Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP). Her research focuses on the interplay between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems in shaping brain development and behavior, with a particular emphasis on innate immune cells like microglia and mast cells. Key projects investigate how early life stress, allergic inflammation, maternal care, and hormonal contraceptives influence neurodevelopmental trajectories and sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Education:

• BA in Psychology, Kalamazoo College (2003) and Northwestern University
• PhD in Psychology and Neuroscience from Indiana University (2009)
• Postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (2009–2013)

Research Interests:

Her lab explores how immune cells and hormones modulate brain circuits related to autism, anxiety, and mood disorders. Techniques include rodent models, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and behavioral assays. Current funded projects address pediatric TBI, maternal immune activation, and hormonal contraceptive impacts on adolescent brains.

Grants & Collaborations:

• NINDS and Department of Defense grants for TBI research with Dr. Niki Kokiko-Cochran
• NSF grant (co-PI with Dr. Benedetta Leuner) on pregnancy neuroimmune changes
• NICHD grant on hormonal contraceptives and adolescent brain development

Scientific Awards:

• Early Career Alumni Award (Indiana University, 2021)
• Early Career Faculty Excellence Award (OSU, 2020)
• Fred Brown Research Award (OSU Psychology, 2018–2019)
• NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2015)

Labs & Teams:

The Lenz Lab fosters interdisciplinary research with postdocs (e.g., Marissa Smail) and graduate students (e.g., Michaela Breach, Courtney Dye). The lab emphasizes neuroimmune plasticity and translational studies linking developmental experiences to lifelong brain health.