When asked what the meaning of life is for Prof. Steve D. Hollon, he says the following: “To cure depression or die trying.” 

Professor Hollon is the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Psychology. Dr. Hollon’s research primarily deals with utilizing tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy instead of antidepressant medications to help cure depression. He is responsible for concluding through research that CBT is just as effective as antidepressants—a groundbreaking conclusion. Moreover, Prof. Hollon has published over 300 studies and mentored over 20 doctoral and postdoctoral students. His research currently is looking to establish multiple predictors for the onset of depression and using machine learning programs to predict what combination of antidepressants, psychotherapy, healthy-activity programs, and other treatments might be ideal for a specific individual. As of now, professor Hollon is interested in understanding depression as an evolved adaptation and the paradigm shifts that are associated with this notion.