Marc J. Tetel

Marc J. Tetel is the Allene Lummis Russell '46 Professor of Neuroscience and Chair of the Neuroscience Department at Wellesley College, where he leads research at the intersection of neuroendocrinology and microbiome science.

Education:

• B.A. from Northwestern University
• Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts Amherst

Research Focus: His laboratory investigates how ovarian steroid hormones (estradiol and progesterone) regulate behavior and physiology, with recent emphasis on hormonal impacts on the gut microbiome. Current work explores interactions between human gut and vaginal microbiomes, examining how lifestyle factors—stress, diet, exercise, and sleep—affect these systems in women's health contexts. This research addresses implications for obesity, depression, and anxiety disorders through molecular and physiological mechanisms.

Professional Affiliations:

• Society for Neuroscience
• Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology
• Endocrine Society
• Pan American Neuroendocrine Society

Teaching: He instructs Introduction to Neuroscience (NEUR100/NEUR100H), covering neural signaling to human behavior and disorders, and Neuroendocrinology (NEUR315), analyzing hormone-brain interactions across developmental and stress-related neuroendocrine axes.