Melanie Schwandt, Ph.D.

Dr. Schwandt serves as the clinical data manager and statistics coordinator for the OCD. She received her Ph.D. in physical anthropology from Arizona State University with a focus on non-human primate behavior and development. During her studies, she also developed database management skills and a strong foundation in applied biostatistics. She initially came to the NIH as a postdoctoral fellow, conducting research on behavior and genetics in rhesus macaques. In 2008 Dr. Schwandt transitioned to the NIAAA intramural clinical program, where she continued to develop her analytical skills with a focus on clinical research studies. Working closely with the Information Technology branch, she is responsible for clinical data capture, database creation and curation, and dissemination of data to NIAAA principal investigators and clinical researchers. Dr. Schwandt also provides statistical support to the clinical program and continues to pursue her own research interests in environmental and genetic influences on behavior, stress reactivity, and addiction-related phenotypes. In particular, she is interested in the effects of early life trauma on stress vulnerability and resilience.