Scott Bunce, PhD, MA

Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health

Penn State Neuroscience Institute

Scott C. Bunce, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Penn State College of Medicine, specializing in affective neuroscience, neurophysiological research, and substance use disorders. He earned his PhD in Clinical and Personality Psychology from the University of Michigan and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Practice and Neurophysiological Research. Dr. Bunce has made significant contributions to the field through his pioneering use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIR) to develop neuroimaging tools that predict treatment outcomes in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs).

His research has focused on the relationship between emotion, brain function, and psychopathology, especially in addiction. Dr. Bunce has led numerous clinical trials, including studies investigating the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing cravings for opioids. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of the Opioid Stewardship Clinic at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, which aims to prevent the transition from opioid use to addiction in post-surgical patients. His work integrates clinical practice, translational neuroscience, and innovative neuroimaging techniques to address mental health and substance use challenges, with a focus on improving treatment outcomes.