University of Pittsburgh Awards Tenure to Fabio Ferrarelli, MD, PhD
We are delighted to announce that Fabio Ferrarelli, MD, PhD, has received conferral of tenure at the rank of associate professor by the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Ferrarelli’s research focuses on the study of neural oscillations, particularly during sleep, and how such oscillations affect fundamental aspects of brain function. He uses techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and high-density electroencephalogram (EEG) during sleep and wakefulness to better understand the neurobiological, cognitive, and social dysfunctions of schizophrenia. Dr. Ferrarelli has made important discoveries pertaining to sleep and psychosis: he has demonstrated that specific EEG oscillations during sleep are altered in psychosis, that these may occur before the onset of clinical symptoms, and that sleep EEG abnormalities are associated with core symptoms and neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Dr. Ferrarelli has also shown that neurostimulation and neuromodulation techniques can alter these EEG oscillations, and such alterations may improve symptoms and neurocognitive deficits.
As principal investigator (PI) of a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Biobehavioral Research Award for Innovative New Scientists (BRAINS) R01, Dr. Ferrarelli undertakes multiple levels of analysis—from clinical to molecular—to investigate sleep spindles in subjects who are at clinical high risk for psychotic disorders. Dr. Ferrarelli leads a second NIMH R01, which focuses on enhancing prefrontal oscillatory activity and working memory performance with noninvasive brain stimulation in early-course schizophrenia. Dr. Ferrarelli is also a multiple principal investigator (MPI) on an R01 focused on elucidating neural mechanisms of hypo/mania using theta burst.
In addition, Dr. Ferrarelli is an outstanding teacher, and a highly regarded research mentor for trainees at all levels. He serves in a clinical capacity as an attending psychiatrist at the UPMC Services for the Treatment of Early Psychoses (STEP) clinic, where he provides clinical supervision of psychiatric residents.
“Dr. Ferrarelli is an expert in development and pathophysiology of major psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder,” said David Lewis, MD (Chair, Department of Psychiatry). “He has made unique contributions to the study of psychotic disorders by coupling imaging work with TMS intervention to regulate specific phenotypes in neural pathways, a strategy that offers tremendous potential to personalize treatment. In addition, he has made valuable contributions to the education and training of the next generation of scientists, and has greatly contributed to academic and national service.”
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ferrarelli!