Sarah Fischer

Dr. Sarah Fischer is a Professor of Psychology at George Mason University, specializing in Clinical Psychology within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her research focuses on the role of personality traits like impulsivity in addictive behaviors, eating disorders, and psychosocial factors influencing mental health. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky (2006), completed clinical training at the University of Chicago, and has held academic positions at the University of Georgia (2007–2012) before joining GMU in 2012.

Her current research examines neural correlates of stress and food cue reactivity in bulimia nervosa, as well as how mood shifts interact with impulsivity to drive decision-making and eating behaviors. Collaborations include neuroimaging studies with Dr. James Thompson, Dr. Tara Chaplin, and Dr. Christy Esposito-Smythers. She actively supervises graduate students, with recent advisees focusing on disordered eating, cultural adaptations of prevention programs, and theoretical frameworks for behavioral interventions.

Dr. Fischer’s work spans clinical trials, prevention program development, and translational research bridging neuroscientific and behavioral insights. She is accepting applications for a new Ph.D. student starting Fall 2025.

Key research themes include: (1) Impulsivity and its role in eating disorders and substance abuse, (2) Neurobiological mechanisms underlying disordered eating, and (3) Culturally adapted interventions for at-risk populations. Her studies often use ecological momentary assessment and neuroimaging technologies to explore real-time behavioral and physiological responses.