Scott M. Thompson

Scott M. Thompson is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine. His research focuses on the biological basis of depression, particularly how chronic stress alters synaptic plasticity in cortico-mesolimbic reward circuits.

• B.S. in Biology (Neurobiology concentration), Cornell University (1979)
• Ph.D., Stanford University (1986)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Zurich and Columbia University
• Assistant Professor (1990-1993), Associate Professor (1993-1998) at University of Zurich
• University of Maryland, Baltimore (1998-present, tenured since 2002)

Thompson’s work has led to the Excitatory Synapse Hypothesis of Depression, proposing that weakened excitatory synapses in affective brain regions cause depressive symptoms. His lab employs electrophysiological, biochemical, and molecular assays to study stress-induced synaptic changes and novel antidepressants targeting GABA-A receptors.

His recent publications highlight rapid antidepressant mechanisms, synaptic regulation by serotonin, and stress models of depression. Key awards include Editor’s Choice selection for neurophysiological research.

• Anthony Cole (MD/PhD student)
• Natalie Hesselgrave (MD/PhD student)
• Tara LeGates (Research Associate)
• Timothy Troppoli (PhD student)
• Andreas Wulff (Predoctoral student)

Thompson’s lab investigates synaptic homeostasis, HPA axis regulation, and translational research for depression therapies. Techniques include optogenetics, patch-clamp recording, and confocal microscopy.