Isolation, Stress, and Campus Mental Health

Jean Adelina King, Ph.D.
Dean of Arts & Sciences
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

The two critical features that basic scientists utilize consistently to model trauma, stress and maladaptive behavior are isolation and stress. During the pandemic, our laboratory became the world, and the fall-out was, as would be expected, dramatic and painful. In December 2021- Dr. Vivek Murthy – Surgeon General declared a youth mental health crisis. This presentation will center in research on isolation and stress and attempt to shed light on the brain changes underpinning campus mental health challenges and our need to enhance and prioritize community wellness..