Dr. Ian H. Gotlib stands as a preeminent figure in clinical psychology and affective neuroscience, renowned for his comprehensive investigations into the mechanisms underlying depression and related disorders. He currently serves as the Marjorie Mhoon Fair Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and directs the Stanford Neurodevelopment, Affect, and Psychopathology (SNAP) Laboratory, a leading research center dedicated to understanding the biological and psychological factors contributing to mental illness. After receiving his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Waterloo in Canada in 1981, Dr. Gotlib established himself as a transformative researcher who bridges psychological theory with neurobiological mechanisms. His leadership extends beyond his laboratory as he previously served as Chair of Stanford's Psychology Department from 2012 to 2018 and as Senior Associate Dean for the Social Sciences from 2005 to 2010.
Dr. Gotlib's groundbreaking research program has fundamentally advanced our understanding of the multifactorial nature of depression through innovative investigations spanning cognitive, social, endocrinological, and neural domains. His laboratory pioneered methodologies for examining patterns of brain function and structure that characterize depressed and anxious individuals across the lifespan, revealing critical insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of affective disorders. His influential work on early life stress and its impact on neurodevelopmental trajectories has provided crucial evidence for how adverse experiences alter brain development and increase vulnerability to depression, particularly during puberty. With over 500 scientific publications to his name, including the authoritative Handbook of Depression now in its third edition, Dr. Gotlib has established himself as one of the most prolific and impactful researchers in the field of clinical psychology.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Gotlib has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of psychological science through his leadership roles and mentorship of the next generation of researchers. He has received numerous prestigious honors including the APA Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions, the Joseph Zubin Award for lifetime research contributions to psychopathology, and the APS Distinguished Scientist Award, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in the field. Currently, his research program continues to evolve with investigations into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health and brain development, as well as the impact of environmental toxins on neurodevelopmental pathways to depression. As Director of the SNAP Laboratory, Dr. Gotlib maintains a vibrant research program funded by the National Institutes of Health, pursuing integrative approaches to identify and modify risk factors for depression through innovative cognitive and neural interventions.
