Elena Chartoff, the longtime colleague, PhD, director, Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior Laboratory, and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, has passed away unexpectedly. Chartoff was well-known for her uncompromising dedication to using cutting-edge research and teaching to improve the lives of people and families affected by mental health and drug use issues, both inside and outside of the McLean community.
Who is Elena Chartoff?
Chartoff began working at McLean in 2001 as a post-doctoral researcher in the Behavioral Genetics Laboratory. In 2009, he founded the Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior Laboratory. His research centered on the molecular and cellular alterations brought about by long-term exposure to drugs of abuse.
Beyond her work in the lab, Chartoff was a fervent supporter of raising public awareness of mental health issues, drug abuse, and neuroscience. In order to do this, she aggressively pursued partnerships with regional and national organizations in order to create a curriculum that connected with youth and inspired them to think about futures in neuroscience and psychiatry.
Her contribution to the creation of McLean’s Summer Program for Mental Health Research was one of her most recent achievements. This paid summer research program supports academic achievement in the field of mental health science for talented young Black, Indigenous, and underrepresented persons of color (BIPOC) who are thinking about pursuing a career in research. It also fosters scientific curiosity and generates research possibilities.
