Catherine S. Woolley

Catherine Woolley is the William Deering Professor of Neurobiology at Northwestern University. Woolley established a new field in neuroscience with her early work on estrogen regulation of synaptic connections. She has since continued to chart new territory, including demonstration of sex differences in molecular regulation of synapses. This groundbreaking research provided a scientific basis to predict that male and female brains may respond differently to drugs targeting certain synaptic pathways. Her research explaining how estrogens affect the brain has helped develop a deeper understanding of epilepsy, among many neurological disorders. Woolley conceived, implemented, and now directs an innovative undergraduate major in neuroscience, and is active in outreach and advocacy for science and education.