Nicole Baganz

Nicole Baganz, Ph.D., serves as Assistant Director and Director of Community Engagement & Programming at the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, with a secondary appointment as Research Assistant Professor in Biomedical Science at Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Her research explores immune-brain interactions, focusing on serotonin signaling and its role in mood regulation.

• B.S., Biology, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
• M.S., Traditional Chinese Medicine, Midwest College of Oriental Medicine
• Ph.D., Physiology/Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center

Baganz’s work bridges neuroimmunology and psychiatric research, emphasizing how peripheral immune activation alters serotonin inactivation and mood-related behaviors. She investigates IL-1R/p38 MAPK pathways, translational models of early-life stress, and novel antidepressant targets like organic cation transporters. Her scientific outreach includes public education initiatives and leadership in neuroscience communication programs.

Her article trends reveal a sustained focus on serotonin transporter-independent mechanisms, neuroimmune signaling, and translational models of depression. Key journals include PLoS One, Translational Psychiatry, and Journal of Neuroscience.

• 2015 Society for Neuroscience Next Generation Award
• 2014–2016 NARSAD Young Investigator Award
• 2009 Armand J. Guarino University-Wide Thesis Award

Baganz has contributed to grants like the Vanderbilt Trans-Institutional Music & Mind program and NIH Ion Channel Training Grant. She mentors community projects, including Harmonies for the Elderly and NAMI walk teams.