With students in the basic sciences, clinical research and clinical practice, the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences has a vast array of education and training opportunities. “One of the long-term national goals in the field of psychiatry is to replenish the nation’s supply of future neuroscientists,” said Dr. Thomas Uhde, assistant dean for research (neuroscience) and former chair of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences. “A number of innovative programs were specifically developed to place WSU at the forefront of meeting this national agenda.”

Wayne State has trained many young investigators who are already being recognized for their research. These people include the following students and residents. 

Tiffany Farchione, a WSU medical student working on her master’s in psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences, focuses her research on the neuroanatomy of depression in children with mentor Dr. David Rosenberg. She was selected to present her research paper, “H-MRS Imaging of the Caudate Nucleus in the Treatment of Naïve Pediatric MDD,” at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting. Farchione was also awarded the American Medical Association Award of Excellence at the National Medical Student Research Forum and Competition in Galveston, Texas, in April. In addition, she received a New Investigator Award from the National Institutes of Health during their Annual National Clinical Drug Evaluation Unit meeting held in May. This award is of special significance as it is typically given to junior faculty or post-doctoral fellows.

The students in clinical neuropsychology research have also been successful. Brent Hayman-Abello, Tanya Ergh and Aiko Yamamoto each presented research findings at the 29th annual International Neuropsychological Society meeting in February.

Dr. Ravi Singareddy, a resident in the Psychiatry and Internal Medicine Double Board program, is also pursuing clinical research. Dr. Singareddy was selected to participate in the 2001 National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Grantwriting Workshop as well as the International Medical Graduate Mentorship Program sponsored by the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training. His research focuses on anxiety disorders and sleep panic attacks.

Dr. Maria Muzik, a post-doctoral fellow in the Division of Therapy Research and Resident Training, has had a paper on postpartum depression accepted for publication and has submitted a second paper on the validity of maternal and teacher reports of child behavioral and emotional problems. Dr. Muzik will also present research findings at the Society for Research on Child Development meeting and the Research Society on Alcoholism meeting.

Psychiatry residents have also received much recognition for their work. Dr. Alicja Wasilewski was awarded the Psychiatry Resident of the Year award, sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Third-year resident Dr Luay Haddad has received the Career Directions Award also sponsored by Pfizer, and Dr. Andrea Nowak was awarded the Janssen Psychiatry Resident Award of Excellence.