Tara White

Tara White is an Assistant Professor (Research) and the founding director of the Laboratory of Affective Neuroscience at Brown University. Her research primarily explores three key areas: dignity neuroscience, the human neuroscience of emotion, and the effects of drugs on the human brain.

Research Focus

• Dignity Neuroscience: This area links neuroscience with human rights, addressing concepts such as agency, uniqueness, and protections for vulnerable populations.
• Human Neuroscience of Emotion: Dr. White investigates the structural, functional, and neurometabolic mechanisms underlying emotions, including emotional flexibility and risk-taking behavior.
• Neuropharmacology: Her work examines individual differences in responses to monoaminergic drugs, particularly focusing on psychostimulants like d-amphetamine and Adderall.123

Academic Background

Dr. White earned her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Cornell University. She completed postdoctoral training in human behavioral psychopharmacology at The University of Chicago and conducted research on alcohol and addiction at Brown University. Additionally, she has been recognized as a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science for her significant contributions to the field.12

Additional Roles

In her capacity at Brown University, Dr. White also engages with large-scale data repositories using computational tools to enhance understanding of emotional and cognitive processes related to well-being.12