UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology

A recent WBRC 6 News feature highlighted research led by Caroline Watson, a clinical psychology doctoral candidate in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology.

Using data from more than 6,700 participants, the study examined how adolescent digital media use patterns relate to cognitive and mental health outcomes later in life.

Read more: https://buff.ly/Jw2M1U2

Congratulations to the faculty, residents, and fellows honored at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology's 2026 Graduation and Education Awards!

The annual celebration recognized exemplary achievements in patient care, teaching, mentorship, leadership, research, and academic excellence across the department during the 2025-2026 academic year.

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our award recipients and grateful for their commitment to advancing mental health care and education.

Read the full recap and see the complete list of award winners: https://buff.ly/s7UbrP5

Karen Cropsey, Psy.D., was featured in the Birmingham Business Journal for her work on a new approach to reducing opioid overdose deaths.

Supported by a $5.3 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this research is evaluating whether fentanyl test strip education and distribution can help prevent overdoses before they occur. The study focuses on individuals who may not be engaged in traditional substance use treatment and explores ways to reach them through a fully remote model.

By emphasizing accessible, low-cost tools, this work aims to expand prevention efforts and improve outcomes for communities at the highest risk.

🔗 Read more: https://buff.ly/TigATqT

Nina Baumgartner, Ph.D., has been honored with the prestigious New Investigator Award from the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (SBN)!

This national recognition highlights rising leaders whose research is shaping the future of brain science—and Dr. Baumgartner is doing just that. Her work dives into how ovarian hormones influence memory and brain function across the lifespan, advancing what we know about neuroscience and mental health.

Read more about her groundbreaking work: https://buff.ly/yBPEgQX

Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology | UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Long flights across multiple time zones can take a toll on the body, often resulting in jet lag. S. Justin Thomas, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, explains the causes of jet lag and how travelers can minimize its effects.

How to prepare for traveling to a different time zone How to prepare for traveling to a different time zone

As we get ready for graduation, we're thrilled to celebrate three of our PGY4 as they take the next step in their careers:

• Peter Teravskis, M.D., J.D. — Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship, University of Minnesota Medical School
• George Ling, M.D. — Consult-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship, Mayo Clinic (Rochester)
• Danial Borota, M.D. — Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, UW Medicine

This is an exciting and well-earned milestone. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the impact they will make across the field of psychiatry!

Karen Cropsey, Psy.D., was featured in UAB News for research focused on a new approach to reducing opioid overdose deaths.

Supported by a $5.3M NIH grant, the study looks at how fentanyl test strips could help prevent overdoses by identifying exposure before use. It also explores how this approach could reach individuals who are not currently engaged in treatment.

Read more about the research: https://buff.ly/VltUmSV

Christina Pierpaoli-Parker, Ph.D., shares how small, everyday habits can help declutter the brain and improve mental clarity.

From prioritizing sleep to managing unfinished tasks, these strategies can help reduce cognitive overload and support overall well-being.

“Sleeping is the closest thing we get to directly scrubbing our brains,” Parker said.

Read more from UAB News: https://buff.ly/U8Aq2oy

UAB Heersink School of Medicine | UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham

In honor of Psychometrist Day on May 20, we recognize our dedicated psychometry team and their vital role in patient care! Under the supervision of licensed psychologists, they administer and score assessments that support accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology’s Office of Psychiatric Clinical Research was proud to participate in Nurture of Alabama’s Mental Health Day at Linn Park!

The event focused on engaging historically marginalized communities and strengthening efforts to expand access to mental health resources. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with the community and support the ongoing work of building healthier, more informed communities.