Our Research

While our team regularly participates in clinical trials and conducts traditional research in the lab, our focus is clinical and translational human subjects research. It’s what sets us apart. In fact, we have the largest research group in the United States for neurodevelopmental disorders that collaborates across psychiatry disciplines.

Our two main research programs are the Neurobehavioral Research Group and the Child and Adolescent Forensic Research Program.

Neurophysiology

Our Neurobehavioral Research Group includes a team of child and adolescent psychiatrists and researchers. We investigate brain pathophysiology in conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, Angelman syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.

We use various research modalities—for example, EEG, transcranial magnetic stimulation, MRI, eye tracking and computer-based cognitive testing.

Suicide and Suicide Prevention

Our Child and Adolescent Forensic Research Program centers around violence and suicide prevention. We created a standardized assessment tool called the Brief Rating of Aggression by Children and Adolescents (BRACHA). It predicts violence and aggression in inpatient units. We’re also looking at other potential predictive biomarkers including functional MRI measures, eye gaze and salivary hormones.

To expand on BRACHA, we are studying the prediction of school violence through an artificial intelligence (AI) system.

Research By the Numbers

Our human-focused research receives national and international recognition. Faculty regularly publish work in journals and present findings at conferences.