Molly Hyer, Ph.D.
Director of Research Development and Learning Innovation
Email: Molly.Hyer@vcuhealth.org
Dr. Hyer serves as the Director of Research Development and Innovation for the VCU Institute for Women’s Health. The main arc of her research career has focused on sex disparities in experience-dependent plasticity of the mammalian brain that contribute to changes in cognition and affective function across the lifespan. Most recently, her work has focused on the mechanisms by which developmental stressors act as risk factors for disease states in adulthood – including psychiatric disease, drug abuse, and dementia – and how sex confers different vulnerabilities. Specifically, she investigated sex differences in the mechanisms by which environmental stressors experienced during adolescence lead to long-lasting consequences that manifest in adulthood – including diet-induced stress (consumption of a high fructose diet) or psychosocial stress that drive adult cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. Her earlier work investigated plasticity of the peri- and post- natal brain of males and females and how neuroendocrine mechanisms driven by offspring interaction alter neural structure and function. In addition to her successful research career, Dr. Hyer has established a well-rounded teaching portfolio based in pedagogical theory covering undergraduate, graduate, and medical education. Dr. Hyer is passionate and committed to promoting diversity and inclusion among health science fields and beyond – increasing the representation of women and underrepresented groups in STEM fields through active training and engagement. Finally, Dr. Hyer is experienced in healthcare innovation for new technologies that advance healthcare practices, disease prevention and treatment, and medical education.