Dr. Melissa Bauman is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the MIND Institute. Her research program uses preclinical models to evaluate risk factors and develop novel therapeutic interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders. Her current research focuses on understanding how changes in the prenatal environment, in particular the maternal-fetal immune environment, may increase the risk for autism, schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders. ​Dr. Bauman's laboratory utilizes a collaborative, team-science approach to research as demonstrated through her roles of Associate Director of the MIND Institute IDDRC (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center) and the UC Davis Conte Center. In addition to her research interests, Dr. Bauman also has a strong commitment to advancing women's careers in science and medicine and she serves as the director of the UC Davis Health Women in Medicine and Health Sciences (WIMHS) program.

Fun Facts about Dr. Bauman:

• Where did you grow up? 
• Western Colorado
• What drew you to this field? 
• I became interested in the developing brain through my first neuroscience class as an undergraduate at Colorado College.
• Where are you happiest at work?
• My desk
• Where are you happiest outside of work?
• My family, or reading a book in my backyard
• What is something your colleagues/students generally don’t know about you? 
• There are fewer than 500 people in my hometown!