Janice Kiecolt-Glaser
S. Robert Davis Chair of Medicine
Director, Division of Health Psychology, Department of Psychiatry

Janice Kiecolt-Glaser’s colleagues pepper her with praise that includes the words  “superstar,” “pioneer” and “revolutionary” — such is the level of their respect for her work in the field of psychoneuroimmunology.

Her groundbreaking research on the adverse effects of stress on the immune system has made her one of the world’s leading experts on the topic. She has studied the impact of stresses on marital interactions, caregiving for Alzheimer’s patients and wound healing, all of which have the potential to make a profound impact on global healthcare delivery, economics and patient outcomes.

“Janice is an extraordinarily accomplished investigator, a person with deep understanding of the human condition, exceptional good sense, balanced judgment and a commitment to the highest possible ethical and scientific standards,” one colleague said.

In her 30 years as an Ohio State faculty member, Kiecolt-Glaser has published nearly 200 scientific papers, the majority of which have appeared in the most prestigious journals. Her impact as a scholar also can be reflected by her service on numerous editorial boards and at conferences sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and her leadership positions in scientific societies. She has received several awards from the American Psychological Association and was elected president of the Division of Health Psychology in that organization. She’s a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science and is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She received Ohio State’s Distinguished Scholar Award in 1993.

“Dr. Kiecolt-Glaser is a major scientific leader,” another colleague said. “She is preeminent, even on the world stage.”

Kiecolt-Glaser also is credited with developing Ohio State’s post-doctoral training program in psychoneuroimmunology, which has become one of the most prestigious and competitive in the country.

She received her PhD from University of Miami in 1974.