ABIGAIL MARSH PhD
How do we understand what others think and feel? What drives us to help other people? What prevents us from harming them?
Introduction

How do we understand what others think and feel? What drives us to help other people? What prevents us from harming them? My lab’s research on these topics uses functional and structural brain imaging in children and adults, as well as behavioral, cognitive, and neurohormonal approaches.
BIO
Abigail Marsh is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program at Georgetown University. She received her PhD in Social Psychology from Harvard University in 2004.
RESEARCH
Our lab’s research includes behavioral and brain imaging investigations of human social behaviors ranging from extraordinary altruism to serious conduct problems in children, adolescents, and adults.
LAB
The Laboratory on Social & Affective Neuroscience is located at Georgetown University. We conduct research aimed at understanding the social, cognitive, and neural basis of processes that include empathy, altruism, and aggression.
MEDIA & PRESS
Abigail Marsh welcomes opportunities to communicate our research findings to a broad range of audiences through media interviews, public lectures, and written articles for popular outlets.
TED Talk
Why are some people more altruistic than others? Are their brains just different?


The Fear Factor
“This compelling scientific detective story spirals outward into realms that affect everyone. Best of all, [Marsh’s] writing style is vivid and personable.” ― Wall Street Journal.
“Those who seek to comprehend the origin of fear, altruism, and elements of human nature will find this book a key factor in their increased understanding.” ― Science
The Laboratory on Social & Affective Neuroscience
The Laboratory on Social & Affective Neuroscience is located at Georgetown University. We conduct research aimed at understanding the social, cognitive, and neural basis of processes that include empathy, altruism, and aggression.
Announcements
Recent Tweets
A fantastic new $10MM grant program. Grants will support bold efforts in local communities that seek to transform divisive dynamics & build belonging. If you’re working to address rising divisiveness or declining recognition of our shared humanity in your community, please apply. https://t.co/gFupIdLfWi
The urgency to address and act on reversing divisiveness is more critical than ever.
That’s why we’re happy to announce our new #HealingStartsHere $10 million initiative aimed at tackling division in communities across America.
Learn more & apply here👇
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While the shooting in Uvalde has broken hearts, will it change minds? Universal background checks are the most meaningful, life-saving reform, but remain elusive https://t.co/E1RG82tUts
America now allows people over 21 to carry guns in public with no permit or training, provided that they are not otherwise banned from owning a firearm. But “permitless carry” is a radical departure from tradition and should be opposed https://t.co/18Zzh9vaIy