Read Montague

Read Montague is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Virginia Tech, affiliated with the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute (VTCRI), where he directs the Human Neuroimaging Lab. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His research focuses on computational neuroscience, mental health disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder, anorexia nervosa), and the neurobiological underpinnings of social interaction and decision-making. Utilizing advanced neuroimaging, machine learning, and behavioral paradigms, his work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications. Key areas include neuromodulation (dopamine, serotonin), social cognition, and translational psychiatry.

Recent work explores neural mechanisms in psychiatric conditions, such as impaired mentalizing in depression and disrupted self-other generalization in borderline personality disorder. His lab develops tools like real-time neurotransmitter sensing (e.g., dopamine fluctuations during decision-making) and computational models of mental health outcomes. Montague’s interdisciplinary approach addresses challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and understanding human behavior at societal scales.

Awards and grants are not explicitly listed here, but his contributions span over 200 publications. He collaborates globally, advancing translational research from lab to clinic. Current projects include neural reconfiguration during social exchanges and the impact of early childhood experiences on adult brain function.