Catherine Fortier, Ph.D

Adjunct Associate Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

Dr. Catherine B. Fortier is a clinical neuropsychologist and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, currently leading research at the VA Boston Healthcare System in collaboration with BUMC. She co-directs the national TRACTS center, focusing on traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and veteran reintegration. Dr. Fortier developed the Boston Assessment of TBI-Lifetime (BAT-L) and the STEP-Home program—an evidence-based, skills-focused workshop improving mental health outcomes for post-9/11 veterans. She has authored 85+ peer-reviewed papers and mentored numerous trainees. Her research is widely funded and recognized nationally, with media features in NPR, NBC, and The New York Times.

Publications

  • Published 5/14/2025

    Zhao X, Katrinli S, McCormick BM, Miller MW, Nugent NR, Wani AH, Zannas AS, Aiello AE, Baker DG, Boks MP, Chen CY, Fortier CB, Gelernter J, Geuze E, Koenen KC, Linnstaedt SD, Luykx JJ, Maihofer AX, McLean SA, Milberg WP, Ratanatharathorn A, Ressler KJ, Risbrough VB, Rutten BPF, Smoller JW, Stein MB, Ursano RJ, Vermetten E, Vinkers CH, Ware EB, Wildman DE, Zhao Y, Logue MW, Nievergelt CM, Smith AK, Uddin M, Wolf EJ. PTSD and epigenetic aging: a longitudinal meta-analysis. Psychol Med. 2025 May 14; 55:e142. PMID: 40366073.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 4/24/2025

    Smith AK, Katrinli S, Maihofer AX, Aiello AE, Baker DG, Boks MP, Brick LA, Chen CY, Dalvie S, Fani N, Fortier CB, Gelernter J, Geuze E, Gillespie CF, Hayes JP, Hong S, Kessler RC, King AP, Koen N, Koenen KC, Liberzon I, Linnstaedt SD, McLean SA, Michopoulos V, Milberg WP, Miller MW, Mufford MS, Nugent NR, Orcutt HK, Powers A, Rauch SAM, Ressler KJ, Risbrough VB, Rutten BPF, Smoller JW, Stein DJ, Stein MB, Ursano RJ, Verfaellie MH, Vermetten E, Vinkers CH, Wani AH, WareVinkers EB, Wildman DE, Wolf EJ, Zhao Y, Logue MW, Nievergelt CM, Uddin M, Zannas AS. Cell-type-specific and inflammatory DNA methylation patterns associated with PTSD. Brain Behav Immun. 2025 Apr 24; 128:540-548. PMID: 40286993.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 4/23/2025

    Knight AR, Kim S, Currao A, Lebas A, Nowak MK, Milberg WP, Fortier CB. Assessing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Post-9/11 Veterans: Prevalence, Measurement Correspondence, and Comorbidity With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Mil Med. 2025 Apr 23; 190(5-6):e1106-e1113. PMID: 39607449.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 2/17/2025

    Nowak MK, Whitworth JW, Fortenbaugh FC, Milberg WP, Fortier CB, Salat DH. Vigorous Physical Activity Is Associated with White Matter Volume in Post-9/11 Veterans. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2025 Feb 17. PMID: 39957056.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 1/2/2025

    Van Etten EJ, Knight AR, Colaizzi TA, Carbaugh J, Kenna A, Fortier CB, Milberg WP. Peritraumatic Context and Long-Term Outcomes of Concussion. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Jan 02; 8(1):e2455622. PMID: 39841473.

    Read at: PubMed

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