About Dr. Tracey Shors

Dr. Tracey Shors is a Distinguished Professor in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology and the Center for Collaborative Neuroscience at Rutgers University. Dr. Shors is currently studying how our brains ruminate on trauma-related memories and how this process can interfere with our everyday lives, while making still more memories. She is also focused on identifying effective tools for reducing repetitive thoughts that reinforce our everyday traumas. Her brain fitness program, known as MAP Train My Brain combines “mental and physical” training with silent meditation and aerobic exercise to decrease trauma-related and repetitive thoughts, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Dr. Shors has published a popular press book entitled Everyday Trauma, which outlines her perspective on trauma and how it can become an everyday experience because of repetitive thoughts, especially those about the past. The book was featured on Good Morning America, Think Radio and in the New York Times Book Review. 

 

Dr. Shors has published her scientific discoveries in ~150 publications, including contributions in Nature, Science, Nature Neuroscience, Journal of Neuroscience and Translational Psychiatry. Dr. Shors recently recognized with W. Horsley Gantt Medal from the Pavlovian Society for the “noble pursuit of truth.” Her work has been featured in media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, NBC News, and NPR, with workshops for Sounds True and Omega Institute.

 

This year, Dr. Shors and her research team are using functional brain imaging to identify neuronal networks affected by trauma as well as those involved in the recovery process. By understanding how and why our brain tend to ruminate, while training them with new mental and physical skills, we are better equipped to leave our pasts behind and live in a brighter future.