Dr. Pamela Watson leads new neuroscience program at Christian Brothers University
Dr. Pamela Watson, a biologist, geneticist, neuroscientist, and professor, is studying the high levels of chronic stress found in Memphis. In an April 15 announcement, Dr. Watson said her research focuses on social stressors such as racism, chronic prejudice, and income disparities. “The questions that I’m interested in exploring are related to social stressors—especially those related to social injustice like racism, chronic prejudice, and income disparities,” said Dr. Watson.
She explained that elevated cortisol levels are often seen in populations experiencing long-term disenfranchisement. “When I started to look at cortisol levels, I found they were elevated in populations of people who experience chronic disenfranchisement.”
After earning her doctorate at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and teaching college students during her graduate studies, Dr. Watson decided she wanted to work at a smaller private university where she could mentor students and have a positive impact. She joined Christian Brothers University (CBU) as a Visiting Professor in January 2025 and will become an Assistant Professor in May 2026.
Dr. Watson has played a key role in launching CBU’s Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience program. The interdisciplinary program brings together biology, psychology, and other fields to study the brain and nervous system—a focus that matches Memphis’ growing interest in healthcare and biomedical research.
She is preparing two upcoming studies: one on how prejudice affects cortisol levels and another on the relationship between racism and sleep hygiene practices among participants.
Her interest in stress began while researching neuroblastoma—a childhood cancer affecting the sympathetic nervous system—and led her to examine health disparities more common among African American populations such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
“It makes sense to study these intersections at CBU because of the university’s Lasallian dedication to social justice,” said Dr. Watson.
Christian Brothers University functions as a private Catholic institution rooted in Lasallian traditions according to the official website. The university promotes community service and faith-based values as part of its educational framework per its official website. CBU supports student growth with on-campus housing and activities according to its official website, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines including arts, business, engineering and sciences as detailed by its official site, focuses on educating intellect while inspiring spirit through Lasallian principles per its official website, all from its campus situated in Memphis as noted by CBU’s site.
Collaboration has been central for Dr. Watson’s work; she credits colleagues like Dr. Maureen O’Brien for helping strengthen connections between behavioral sciences and physical sciences within the neuroscience program: “There is a huge opportunity and need for behavioral sciences and physical sciences to collaborate,” said Dr. Watson.
