Nim Tottenham

Nim Tottenham, PhD is a Professor of Psychology at Columbia University and Director of the Developmental Affective Neuroscience Laboratory. Her research examines brain development underlying emotional behavior in humans. Her research has highlighted fundamental changes in brain circuitry across development and the powerful role that early experiences, such as caregiving and stress, have on the construction of these circuits. She has authored over 90 journal articles and book chapters. She is a frequent lecturer both nationally and internationally on human brain and emotional development. She is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, and her scientific contributions have been recognized by the National Institute of Mental Health Biobehavioral Research Awards for Innovative New Scientists (BRAINS) Award, the American Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology, and the Developmental Science Early Career Researcher Prize.

Research Interests

Adolescent / Young Adult Developmental Transitions
Adolescents/Youth
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Child Abuse and Neglect
Children
Family
International Migration
Long Reach of Childhood or Childhood Origins of Adult Health
Neurodevelopment
Parental Separations
Social Determinants
Toxic Stress
Trauma Informed Care