Richard Melloni, Jr. Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where he has maintained a dual focus on Neuroscience teaching and research for more than 25 years. Prior to Northeastern, Dr. Melloni was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatric Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, MA, where he had received his doctorate in The Biomedical Sciences. For over 30 years Dr. Melloni’s research has focused on investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of aggressive behavior and anxiety, exploring both basic and clinical dimensions. Dr. Melloni’s work garnered substantial external funding, including grants from the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, The Devereux Foundation, Jannsen Pharmaceuticals, RepliGen, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.

Institutionally, Dr. Melloni has played key leadership roles, serving as Director of Northeastern University’s Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Chair of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and Chair of the College of Science’s Full Professor Promotion Committee.

Philanthropically, Dr. Melloni is a dedicated community leader known for his passion for service and community engagement. He founded the Dick Melloni Youth Foundation, a charitable organization whose mission was to enhance the education, health, and welfare of Wareham youth, in 1996. He has received numerous awards for his work with this organization including being named the Wareham Man of the Year by the New Bedford Standard Times in 2004. For over 3 years Dr. Melloni has brought his passion for community service to Fishing for the Mission 22, first as a volunteer and then as a member of the Board of Directors. Through his involvement with Fishing for the Mission 22, Dr. Melloni is committed to honoring and supporting America’s veterans and first responders by helping create and administer programs focused on suicide prevention, mental health and wellness.