Dr. Donaldson’s research studies close social bonds, such as those that mediate friendships and romantic love. Her lab uses monogamous prairie voles which form lifelong bonds between mates. By examining the neurobiology underlying these bonds and what happens when they are lost, she hopes to identify novel treatments and interventions to help those struggling with loss. Her work has been supported by NIH New Innovator and NSF CAREER awards and has been highlighted in the Economist and the Washington Post.