News

Sleep researchers including Pitt Psychiatry faculty, trainees and students gathered in late November at the Pitt University Club to explore new research in the field of sleep and circadian science at the Center for Sleep and Circadian Science Research Day. 

Adriane Soehner, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry), chair of the organizing committee that included members across psychiatry, nursing, public health, psychology, pulmonary and critical care medicine, and the Pittsburgh VA, opened the day with a warm welcome and introductory remarks. Next, presentations on the determinants of sleep and physical health, featured University of Pittsburgh faculty Osea Giuntella, PhD (Assistant Professor of Economics), Sanjay Patel, MD, MS (Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology) and Rebecca Thurston, PhD (Professor of Psychiatry, Clinical and Translational Science, Epidemiology and Psychology), with Martica Hall, PhD (Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Clinical and Translational Science) serving as a discussant for a lively exchange among the conference attendees.  

Daniel Buysse, MD (UPMC Endowed Chair in Sleep Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical and Translational Science), introduced Mimi Shirasu-Hiza, PhD, who delivered the David J. Kupfer Keynote Presentation, “Tired and Stressed: The Impact of Sleep and Circadian Regulation on Oxidative Stress and Lifespan.”
The afternoon program featured a symposium on sleep, circadian rhythms and mental health chaired by Colleen McClung, PhD (Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical and Translational Science), and featuring presentations from Zachary Freyberg, MD, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Cell Biology), Yanhua Huang, PhD (Associate Professor of Psychiatry) and Peter Franzen, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry). Fabio Ferrarelli, MD, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry) served as the discussant. 

Marquis Hawkins, PhD (Assistant Professor of Epidemiology) chaired a Data Blitz, which comprised 14 short presentations. A poster session highlighting research by faculty and trainees was followed by a presentation of awards. 

Congratulations to the following poster session honorees:

• Postdoctoral /Medical Fellow or Medical Resident (tie): Jessica Hamilton, PhD (Department of Psychiatry Postdoctoral Fellow) & Lauren DePoy, PhD (Department of Psychiatry Postdoctoral Fellow)
• Student / Staff: Delainey Wescott (Graduate Student, Department of Psychology)
• People’s Choice: Mariah Hildebrand (Research Associate, the McClung Lab)