UMMC Psychiatry and Human Behavior

11/19/2025

The University of Mississippi Medical Center came together this week to celebrate the innovators pushing health care forward. At the 2025 Research Excellence Awards, UMMC recognized the faculty and staff whose groundbreaking work, major grant achievements, and dedication to discovery are improving lives across Mississippi and beyond.

A huge congratulations to all faculty recognized at this year’s UMMC OAVCR Excellence in Research Awards Ceremony!

We’re especially proud to celebrate our outstanding faculty members:

Dr. Amy Kohtz, recipient of the Silver Medallion for achieving over $500,000 in qualifying extramural funding.

Dr. Lais Berro, awarded the Gold Medallion in recognition of securing more than $1 million in extramural funding.

Dr. Andrew Voluse recipient of the Gold Medallion in recognition of securing more than $1 million in extramural funding.

Dr. James Rowlett, honored with a plaque marking the submission of U.S. Patent Application No. 2021/0401849A1 for his innovative work, “Methods for Treating Benzodiazepine Misuse/Use Disorder.”

11/14/2025

🌟 Happy National Nurse Practitioner Week! 🌟
From all of us at the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our incredible Nurse Practitioners.

Your compassion, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication make a profound difference in the lives of our patients and their families every single day. You bridge gaps in care, provide essential support, and bring healing through both skill and empathy.

This week, and every week, we celebrate your commitment to mental health and your vital role in advancing patient-centered care. Thank you for all that you do! 💙🧠

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans 🇺🇸

Today, the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior proudly honors all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifice safeguard the freedoms we cherish every day.

We are especially mindful of the mental and emotional resilience that service requires - and we remain committed to supporting the well-being of veterans and their families.

Thank you for your service and for inspiring us with your strength and commitment.

Happy Veterans Day

10/03/2025

🎉✨ Congratulations to the 2025 Psychiatry and Psychology Resident Graduates of the UMMC Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior!

We were proud to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments at this year’s graduation ceremony held at The Rickhouse. These remarkable psychiatrists and psychologists have made a lasting impact during their training, and we are excited to see the difference they will continue to make in the lives of patients, families, and communities.

Please join us in congratulating our newest graduates and wishing them every success in their careers ahead! 👏🎓

10/03/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Donna Platt, PIN Faculty in the UMMC Psychiatry and Human Behavior Department, on receiving a new R01 grant from NIH/NIAAA!

🧬🍺💊 This award will provide novel information regarding the contribution of genetic variance in the mu opioid receptor to individual differences in the addiction-related effects of alcohol, opioids, and their combination. This groundbreaking research will ultimately inform novel treatment approaches for specific individuals at greatest risk for developing opioid, alcohol, and/or polydrug use disorders.

We’re proud to see our faculty leading innovative science that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and creates new opportunities for graduate training. 👏🔬

07/04/2025

🎆 Happy 4th of July from the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior!

As we celebrate Independence Day, we’re reminded of the importance of freedom—not just as a nation, but in our mental, emotional, and personal well-being. Today, let’s honor the resilience of the human spirit and the strength that comes from supporting one another.

Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and peaceful holiday filled with reflection, connection, and hope. ❤️💙

Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior
- Adult & pediatric psychiatry
- Psychology
- Division of Neurobiology & Behavior Research
- Sleep Medicine
- Center for Integrative Health
linktr.ee/ummc_cih
- Center for the Innovation & Discovery in Addictions

05/30/2025

🧠🔬 Exploring Genetics and Brain Metabolism 🔬🧠

Dr. Harry Pantazopoulos, Associate Professor in the Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, recently joined Dr. Bret Scher, of Metabolic Mind, to discuss groundbreaking new research linking gene expression and metabolic function in serious mental illness.

His study uncovers a powerful insight: while metabolic dysfunction is a common thread across mental health conditions, each disorder shows unique gene expression patterns that impact metabolism differently. This points to distinct underlying mechanisms behind the metabolic challenges seen in disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.

🎙️ In the interview, Dr. Pantazopoulos dives into:

Why the amygdala is key to studying metabolism in mental illness

Which genes are altered and how they affect energy use in the brain

How ketone-based metabolism could offer a new therapeutic direction

The potential for personalized metabolic treatments in psychiatry

While not yet ready for clinical application, these findings lay crucial groundwork for future innovations in precision mental health care.

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Diy8-75tRTI

05/29/2025

🎓 Celebrating Commencements with Graduates from our Department!

The Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research (DNBR) proudly celebrates the incredible accomplishments of graduating trainees! These scholars, mentored by faculty, represent the next generation of leaders in neuroscience, medicine, and biomedical research.

👏 Congratulations to:

Dr. Shelley Rae Edwards – Graduated with an MD/PhD in Neuroscience. She was hooded by her graduate advisor, Dr. Kevin Freeman, and Dr. Scott Rodgers, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Jaren Reeves-Darby – Earned his PhD in Neuroscience and was hooded by his advisor, Dr. Donna Platt.

Dr. Tanya Pareek – Received her PhD in Neuroscience and was hooded by her advisor, Dr. Barbara Gisabella.

Dr. John Overton – Research assistant in Dr. Lais Berro’s lab, graduated with an MD.

Ms. Ariel Cox & Ms. Savanna Julian – Research assistants in Dr. Amy Kohtz’s lab, both graduated with an MS in Biomedical Sciences.

We are so proud of your hard work and achievements!🧠

05/28/2025

🎙️ Just Released: MPB Southern Remedy Podcast on Maternal Mental Health

We're proud to share a recent episode of MPB’s Southern Remedy, featuring a powerful discussion on Maternal Mental Health with guest experts from our very own department

🔹 Dr. Courtney Walker, Clinical Psychologist
🔹 Dr. Theo Browne, PGY4 Psychiatry Resident
🔹 Adri McHan, Licensed Professional Counselor

Together, they explore the emotional and psychological challenges many mothers face before, during, and after pregnancy - and offer insight on how we can better support maternal mental health through compassionate care and community resources.

🧠💬 Tune in to hear thoughtful, evidence-based perspectives on a topic that touches countless families across Mississippi and beyond.

🎧 Listen here: http://southernremedy.mpbonline.org/episodes/southern-remedy-relatively-speaking-maternal-mental-health

05/26/2025

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

At the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, we recognize that the impact of service extends beyond the battlefield—and we remain committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families.

Today, we pause to reflect with gratitude on the courage, selflessness, and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

05/19/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Kayla Ryan and Tyler Trussell! 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate two outstanding medical students from the Pantazopoulos Lab in the Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research for their recent achievements at UMMC’s Department of Advanced Biomedical Education (DABE) Research Day.

🏆 Kayla Ryan received the Best Poster Presentation award
🎤 Tyler Trussell received the Best Oral Presentation award

Their hard work, dedication, and scientific contributions are a reflection of the innovative and impactful research.

Please join us in congratulating Kayla and Tyler on these well-deserved honors! 👏

05/16/2025

📣 You're Invited to an Evidence-Based Practice Workshop!
Building Bright Futures: Best Practices in Early Childhood Behavioral Health and Development

🗓 Wednesday, May 28, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 UMMC, Classroom Wing, Room 106
🎓 Earn 3.5 FREE CEUs!

Hosted by the UMMC Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, this in-person workshop is designed for professionals working with young children and families. You’ll learn evidence-based strategies for identifying and addressing behavioral and developmental challenges — including the use of the DC:0–5™ classification system and practical interventions for oppositional and aggressive behaviors.

👩‍🏫 Featured Speakers:
🔹 Dr. Courtney Walker
🔹 Dr. Erica Smolinski
🔹 Dr. Monica Daniels
🔹 Dr. Gabrielle Banks

✅ Workshop Learning Objectives:
• Understand the DC:0–5 diagnostic system
• Apply effective interventions for early childhood behavioral concerns
• Review evidence-based strategies for oppositional/aggressive behavior

📲 Register here: https://uofmississippi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6MAwW0D8u1a2BsG
Or scan the QR code on the flyer!

This is a great opportunity to learn from experts in the field — and receive 3.5 FREE CEUs! Don’t miss it!