Debra Karhson
Appointment
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2025-2027
Boundaries Membership & Belonging
Connect
About
Social connectedness is one of the most protective factors against suicide and suicidal behavior, yet a fundamental understanding of how social connectedness acts a protective factor remains unclear. My research centers on defining the brain biology of social connectedness. Specifically, I study the role of endocannabinoids in the transition of social interactions into social connections. I combine the analytical power of brain hyperscanning and blood molecular analysis to examine the biobehavioral dynamics of humans engaged in social interactions. My goal is to improve quality of life by identifying the brain mechanisms for social connection and leveraging these mechanisms to expand the human capacity for belongingness.
Awards
- Catalyst Awardee for Healthy Longevity Global Competition, National Academy of Medicine, 2024
- Scialog fellow, Research Corporation for Science Advancement, the Kavli Foundation, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Walder Foundation, Frederick Gardner Cottrell Foundation, and Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, 2023
- Young Parenthood in Neuroscience Grant, International Brain Research Organization, 2021
- Reimagine Biomedical Research for a Healthier Future Essay Challenge – Honorable Mention, Health Research Alliance (HRA) and the Public Library of Science (PLOS), 2021
- 1,000 Inspiring Black scientists in America, Cell Mentor, 2020
Relevant Publications
- Hill, M. N., Haney, M., Hillard, C. J., Karhson, D. S., & Vecchiarelli, H. A. (2023). The endocannabinoid system as a putative target for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Psychological Medicine, 53(15), 7006–7024. doi:10.1017/S0033291723002465
- Karhson, D. S., Krasinska, K. M., Dallaire, J. A., Libove, R. A., Phillips, J. M., Chien, A. S., Garner, J. P., Hardan, A. Y., & Parker, K. J. (2018). Plasma anandamide concentrations are lower in children with autism spectrum disorder. Molecular autism, 9, 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-018-0203-y
- Karhson, D. S., Hardan, A. Y., & Parker, K. J. (2016). Endocannabinoid signaling in social functioning: an RDoC perspective. Translational psychiatry, 6(9), e905. https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2016.169