Stanford Neuroscientist Nolan Williams, Pioneer in Rapid Depression Treatment, Dies at 43
STANFORD, CA – Nolan Williams, a Stanford University professor whose innovative research offered hope for faster relief from severe depression, has died at the age of 43. His death underscores the urgent need for increased research into severe mental illness, colleagues say.
Williams, a full professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, joined Stanford in 2019 as an assistant professor, quickly rising to associate professor in 2023. He was known for his groundbreaking work in neuropsychopharmacology and his dedication to developing more effective treatments for debilitating mental health conditions.
A highly skilled kite surfer who embraced the sport in its early days, Williams brought that same pioneering spirit to his research. “He started trying to figure out how to kite surf back before it was safe to kite surf,” said Raj, his wife and chief of interventional psychiatry at Stanford. “He was trying to figure it out well before it was cool to do. But that’s how he was about everything.”
Williams’s lab flourished under his leadership, demonstrating a talent for identifying and empowering talented researchers. “He wasn’t afraid of giving out responsibilities,” said Austelle. “I think that gave him more time to swing back and forth among various projects.”
Throughout his career, Williams published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered more than 200 presentations, and secured over a dozen patents. He was an active member of several prestigious organizations,including the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology,the American Neuropsychiatric Association,and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute. His contributions were recognized with awards such as the Klerman Prize and Colvin Prize from the Brain and Behavior Foundation,and the Joel Elkes Research Award (posthumously) from the American College of neuropsychopharmacology.
Beyond his professional achievements, Williams was remembered for his calm demeanor and approachable nature. “what I heard from people is that they were intimidated before they met him,” Austelle noted. “But then when they actually met him, they were surprised by how humble and welcoming he was and how willing he was to help.”
He and Raj married in 2019 in a ceremony in the Azores, with Schatzberg officiating.They enjoyed traveling and attending concerts, initially focusing on kite surfing destinations and later, snowboarding trips with their two children, Hendrix and Autumn.
“I think he really felt like that’s what he was here on Earth to do,” Raj said of his dedication to his work. Colleagues expressed a profound sense of loss, lamenting the potential of his unrealized future discoveries. “He was an extraordinary physician-scientist. We all wonder what he would have invented next year or 10 years from now and what a difference these contributions would have made,” said Roberts.
Williams is survived by his wife, Raj; his mother; his brother; and their two children. His death serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for continued research into severe mental illness and improved methods for detection and treatment, according to Malenka.
