Psychopharmacology

Our psychopharmacology research program investigates the neurobiological mechanisms underlying rapid-acting and novel psychiatric treatments, with a focus on treatment-resistant mood disorders. By integrating pharmacologic interventions with advanced neuroimaging and electrophysiological methods, we aim to identify biomarkers of treatment response, durability, and relapse risk.

Ketamine Research

Ketamine has traditionally been used as an anesthetic agent; however, accumulating evidence indicates that subanesthetic doses produce rapid and robust antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Our research program examines ketamine’s effects on brain function, cognition, and emotional processing, with particular attention to glutamatergic signaling and synaptic plasticity.

Using longitudinal study designs, we seek to characterize neural and behavioral changes associated with treatment response, heterogeneity in outcomes, and mechanisms that support sustained benefit or relapse. These insights are intended to inform more precise dosing strategies, patient stratification, and maintenance approaches.

Psychedelics and Biomarker Discovery

In parallel, our research explores the neural mechanisms of emerging psychedelic-assisted treatments. We employ multimodal biomarker approaches—including electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—to study changes in brain network dynamics, neural plasticity, and cognitive–emotional integration.

By combining psychopharmacology with biomarker discovery, our program aims to advance mechanism-informed models of psychiatric treatment and support the development of personalized, data-driven therapeutic strategies.