The
goal of the Bioengineering in Psychiatry Training Program is to provide Bioengineering
PhD students with a solid foundation in quantitative and computational science,
and in the models and constructs of mental health research. Consistent with the
NIMH strategic plan (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports/strategic-research-priorities/index.shtml), we envision an
increasing role for quantitative and computational science in psychiatric
research. The trainees of this program
will be uniquely qualified to help lead development and use new technical
bioengineering approaches to address mental health research challenges. Not only, we envision that the graduates will
become independent investigators leading their own programs of mental research,
we expect them to contribute as members of the 32 faculty research programs to
advance our understanding, prevention, and treatment of mental health
disorders. This goal is accomplished via
a coordinated and mentored interdisciplinary training program with a combination
of core and elective courses, clinical experiences, research activities, and
training opportunities to facilitate professional and career development. The
training program incorporates faculty with varied background and expertise in
bioengineering (neuroimaging, neurostimulation, and neural engineering) and in
mental health disorders (mood disorder,
anxiety, psychosis, suicide, and cognitive impairment) to provide a
unique educational and research experience at the forefront of psychiatric
research.
PROGRAM
PLAN
Program Scientific
Focus and Integration
The
central theme that binds the research efforts of the program mentors is the
focus on bioengineering in psychiatry,
although specific perspective and emphasis of each mentor will vary. Within this
broad theme, the research efforts of the mentors can be subdivided into three
focus areas:
- Neuroimaging including, MRI:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging; PET: Positron Emission Tomography; US: Ultrasound;
MEG: Magnetoencephalography; EEG: Electroencephalography; FNIRS: Functional
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy; 2PM: Two Photon Microscopy,
- Neurostimulation including TMS: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; DBS:
Deep Brain Stimulation; ECT: Electroconvulsive Therapy; tDCS: Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation,
and
- Neuroengineering including CNS DD: Central Nervous System Drug Delivery; NTE: Neuronal Tissue
Engineering.
It also includes 5 disorder clusters: a) mood
disorder, b) anxiety disorder, c) psychotic disorder, d) suicide, and e)
cognitive impairment. These disorder clusters span the range of
interests of the faculty. Other psychiatric disorders may be included if
interest arises and appropriate mentors are identified. This Program could also potentially
include additional training opportunities in biomedical innovation and
entrepreneurship through the Coulter Translational Research Partnership and the
Center for Medical Innovation
