John Thomas Holsten
Lecturer
John Holsten is a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). He teaches courses in Introduction to Experimental Psychology (PSY 355), emphasizing research design, statistical reasoning, and applied learning in both online and in-person settings. His research focuses on neuroinflammation in stroke recovery, particularly the role of microglia, astrocytes, and vascular adhesion molecules in shaping immune responses in the brain. He also mentors undergraduate students in scientific writing, data analysis, and ethical research practices.
Education
Ph.D. in Psychological Science, UNCW (expected Dec. 2026)
M.A. in Neuroscience & Behavior, UNCW
B.A. in Psychology (Minor in Neuroscience), UNCW
Research Interests
Neuroinflammation and stroke recovery
Glial cell (Microglia and astrocyte) activation
Vascular adhesion molecules and immune response in the brain
Honors & Awards
Psychology Department Honors Medallion (UNCW, 2020)