Media Contact:
Patricia Brandt
PR/Communications Manager
Huntsman Mental Health Institute
91鶹ֱ
Email: Patricia.Brandt@hsc.utah.edu
Deborah A. Yurgelun-Todd, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and vice chair for research at Huntsman Mental Health Institute at 91鶹ֱ has been named as one of the U.S.’ top female scientists, for the second year in a row.
The list of U.S. Top Female Scientists from is based on the number of peer-reviewed publications and citations throughout the scientist’s career. For Yurgelun-Todd, that means a career total (and counting) of 424 publications and 33,647 citations.
.png)
Yurgelun-Todd is recognized as a leader in studying brain activity as it relates to behavior. Her laboratory has applied a variety of magnetic resonance imaging techniques to identify brain changes in mood processing and neurocognitive functions. For example, in people who use Cannabis and in children as they develop into adolescence. Using a variety of imaging techniques has led to an improved understanding of both developmental and brain changes that lead to altered behavior. This knowledge may eventually result in better and more personalized treatments for patients who have or are vulnerable to psychiatric disorders.
In addition to her role at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Yurgelun-Todd serves as the director of the Salt Lake City VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention. Her work there is focused on veteran suicide prevention through the application of neuroimaging approaches and neurocognitive assessments.
“Dr. Yurgelun-Todd serves as an excellent role model for our institution, inspiring critical psychiatric brain research, and educating future mental health professionals,” said Mark H. Rapaport, MD, CEO, of Huntsman Mental Health Institute. “Her leadership has been foundational to creating a global nexus of mental health and brain research right here in Utah.”
In addition to her research, Yurgelun-Todd works to narrow the gender gap in science by tackling obstacles to obtaining funding, developing leadership roles, and establishing national collaborations.
“As one of the few women around the table in the early years of my career, I recognize both the effort it took to reach this milestone, and the work to be done to create research opportunities for all”, said Yurgelun-Todd.
Yurgelun-Todd is currently working to bring a new mental health and brain Translational Research Building— which will house the only 7 Tesla MRI in the world dedicated to the study of the brain and behavioral disorders—to life at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Her team is bringing together experts across law, ethics, architecture, art, genetics, neurosciences, and others on the campus of University of Utah to collaborate and bring research-backed practices into patient care.
About Huntsman Mental Health Institute
Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah is a first-of-its-kind model created to address one of our nation’s greatest challenges: mental health and substance use disorders. The institute combines the strength of one of America's leading research universities with the nation’s best integrated mental health crisis care model and a comprehensive continuum of care that includes a 161-bed hospital and more than 85 outpatient locations. We educate hundreds of learners every year and provide both unique and wide-ranging educational opportunities in psychiatry and mental health. Our innovative approach to research uses “teams of teams” to bring together different disciplines to uncover new ways to tackle complex problems. A gift of $150 million from the Huntsman family helps power our mission to advance mental health knowledge, hope and healing for all.
Learn more at hmhi.utah.edu and join the conversation on , , , , and .