

Seth Norrholm, Ph.D.
Scientific Director
Seth D. Norrholm, PhD, is a translational neuroscientist with over 20 years of research experience in furthering the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying fear-, anxiety-, trauma-, and stressor-related disorders and the psychiatric conditions with which these disorders are co-morbid.
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Dr. Norrholm has trained in both the “classical” bench-based neurosciences as well as within clinical arenas dedicated to the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. Together with a network of collaborators, Dr. Norrholm has employed objective, psychophysiological methods to study the underpinnings of mammalian fear processing as well as the mechanisms mediating effective treatments for fear and anxiety. Dr. Norrholm is a recognized world leader in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Fear.

Tanja Jovanovic, Ph.D.
Lab Member
Tanja Jovanovic, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and the David and Patricia Barron Chair for PTSD Neurobiology at Wayne State University. Dr. Jovanovic’s research program focuses on the interaction of traumatic experiences, neurophysiology, neuroendocrinology, and genetics in stress-related disorders in adults and children in high-risk populations. She directs the Detroit Trauma Project, which investigates the impact that urban trauma exposure has on the brain. ​
Graduate Research Assistant
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Grant LeVasseur
Grant LeVasseur studied biochemistry & molecular biology at Michigan State University where he recieved his bachelor's degree in 2017. He is currently a 4th year MD/PhD student at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. His research interests include investigations into the neurobiology of trauma using rodent models of stress, how drug treatments change this neurobiology, and how those models can translate into treatments for humans. His current project involves an investigation into how morphine withdrawal as a model of stress affects fear learning in rats.
When Grant isn't in the lab, you might find him at home brewing his own coffee, eating at one of the many restaurants in midtown, or biking around belle isle.
TJ Cilley
Lab Technician

TJ Cilley completed his undergraduate degree at Michigan State University. His degree was in Interdisciplinary Studies with aa cognate in Psychology, a major in Health in Society, and a minor in Health in the Environment. He is an active member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He is interested in PTSD research. He loves dogs and reading books.​
Virtual Reality Technician​
John Noetzel

John Noetzel attended Michigan State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Media Information. In that time, he focused his studies on interactive media design and game development. He is now responsible for the development of Virtual Reality applications in the lab. He loves dogs and video games.​
Former Lab Members


Andrew Hauler
Northern Michigan University

Jessica Woodford
Lab Alum
Renie George
Medical College of Georgia

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