Excellence in Practice

Suffolk University alumnus Dr. Ryan Mace, MS ’16, PhD ’20, a clinical psychologist whose work on brain health has drawn significant attention, was recently honored with the Massachusetts Psychological Association’s Early Career Award. The award, given in honor of his noteworthy contributions to the field of psychology in the early stages of his career, was presented at the group’s annual conference this fall. 

Now serving as an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and a key researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Mace is focused on improving mental health outcomes for aging populations through clinical trials and evidence-based cognitive behavioral and mind-body therapy.

“I conduct research on improving brain health in older adults, focusing on preventing dementia through mindfulness, lifestyle, and technology-based strategies,” says Mace, who developed a program called “My Healthy Brain” that incorporates these strategies into an online group-based intervention to help older adults improve physical activity, sleep, and other healthy habits to lower their risk of dementia.

Mace says his path through Suffolk was shaped by the program’s scientist-practitioner model and the influence of Professor David Gansler, his research advisor and mentor. Suffolk’s emphasis on integrating research with clinical practice gave Mace a foundation uniquely suited to modern healthcare, where data analysis and neuropsychological assessment are increasingly essential tools. Gansler guided Mace through complex projects, often on the cutting edge of cognitive science. 

“Dr. Gansler not only provided technical skills but also supported my development as a researcher focused on brain health and aging,” Mace recalled. “It was more than training; it was encouragement to pursue my own scientific interests.”

Today, Mace is paying that positive experience forward by mentoring a new generation of psychology students—often welcoming Suffolk mental health counseling graduate students in his lab as interns. Through his mentorship, he supports their clinical and research skills, echoing the guidance he once received. 

“To mentor students now, helping them develop skills and confidence in the same ways Suffolk helped me, is incredibly meaningful,” says Mace.