Sleep is influenced by individual differences in genetic and environmental factors, as well as differences in brain structure. Although some sleep parameters vary substantially from night to night, a number of specific sleep features remain highly stable. Within a single individual, the stability of certain sleep features can be considered trait-like, meaning stable sleep parameters remain so, even following...

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has recognized Kristen Eckstrand, MD, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry), for her dedication to supporting student experience and for serving as an exemplary role model for tireless compassion and advocacy on behalf of patients. A former student provided a glowing account of their experience working with Dr. Eckstrand: "Dr. Kristen Eckstrand has been a pivotal...

We are delighted to announce that Brant Hasler, PhD, has been appointed Tenured Associate Professor of Psychiatry by the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Hasler’s research focuses on the role of sleep and circadian rhythms in regulating affect and motivation, particularly as they pertain to affective disorders and substance abuse in adolescents. He uses a combination of experimental and observational methods—including...

We are delighted to announce that Rebecca Price, PhD, has been appointed Tenured Associate Professor of Psychiatry by the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Price’s research investigates how the mind processes information in anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Her work bridges cognitive, affective, developmental, and clinical approaches to psychology and neuroscience, using techniques such as functional magnetic...

The Department of Psychiatry is thrilled to congratulate Jim Jedlicka (Lead PC Consultant), who has received a 2021 UPMC ACES award for his outstanding work in the Office of Academic Computing (OAC) at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. The prestigious ACES award, received by fewer than 1% of UPMC staff annually, honors individuals who regularly go above and beyond. Jim has been working for PC Support in the OAC...

We are delighted to honor Lori Zippay (Department of Psychiatry Academic Administrator), as she celebrates her thirty-year career anniversary at UPMC. So thoroughly entrenched in the Department, many longtime faculty members still refer to Lori using her maiden name, although she has been married for more than 20 years. By the same token, Lori can sometimes be heard to remark about a senior member of the faculty,...

Beatriz Luna, PhD (Staunton Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Professor of Psychology), has been selected as a recipient of the 2022 Provost’s Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring. This award annually recognizes outstanding mentors who have had the greatest impact on students seeking research doctorate degrees. Dr. Luna is an internationally recognized developmental neuroscientist. She is a world...

David Brent, MD (Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Epidemiology, and Clinical and Translational Science and Endowed Chair in Suicide Studies), has received the 2022 Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Award, Senior Scholar category. This award honors a University of Pittsburgh faculty member with an outstanding record of research and academic activity. Dr. Brent is widely recognized as a global...

Pitt Psychiatry extends a warm welcome to three new faculty members who have joined our Department: Kristen Eckstrand, MD, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry) Dr. Eckstrand earned her MD and her PhD in neuroscience from Vanderbilt University. She completed residency training in adult psychiatry and a fellowship in child psychiatry at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. She then joined the Pitt Department of...

The Department of Psychiatry is pleased to announce that nine University of Pittsburgh medical students have matched into highly ranked psychiatry programs nationwide: Ololade Adebiyi (University of California San Francisco) Dominique Bertolini (Emory University School of Medicine) Gregory Gorraiz (University of Southern California) Tinsley Grimes Webster (Case Western/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center)...