UMMC Psychiatry and Human Behavior

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!

05/06/2025

🎉 Congratulations again to Dr. Stewart Lockett! 🎉

We’re proud to announce that Dr. Lockett has been selected as one of just seven UMMC residents to receive the Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award — a prestigious honor sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation!

Chosen by our third-year medical students, Dr. Lockett is being recognized for his outstanding commitment to teaching and for serving as a compassionate role model to patients, families, students, and colleagues.

🏅 Dr. Lockett embodies the following qualities that earned him this award:
✔️ Compassionate and empathetic patient care
✔️ Exemplary professionalism and mentorship
✔️ Approachability and dedication to student learning
✔️ Respectful and culturally sensitive care
✔️ Strong communication and listening skills

Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!

04/29/2025

Every year, the M3 medical students at UMMC, as part of The Carl G. Evers, MD, Society choose a resident of the year to celebrate their clinical excellence, compassion, leadership mentorship, and character.

This year’s recipient is the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior's own, Dr. Stewart Lockett. He exemplifies all of those qualities and more. He’s sharp, dedicated, and intentional in everything he does — from guiding patients through complex decisions, to giving thoughtful feedback to medical students, to breaking down challenging board topics in the most approachable way.

He is an outstanding resident, role model, and teammate! Please join us in congratulating this year’s Resident of the Year, Dr. Stewart Lockett! 👏🎉

04/25/2025

🧠🎉 Big News from the Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research!

We’re proud to highlight the incredible faculty and trainees who represented us at the MAS 2025 Neuroscience Division events! 👏

👩‍🔬 Division Co-Chairs:
Dr. Harry Pantazopoulos & Dr. Barbara Gisabella

🎤 Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Amy Kohtz

🧠 Judges Representing Our Division:
Dr. Kevin Freeman
Dr. Daniela Ruedi-Bettschen
Dr. Eric Vallender

🏅 Trainee Award Highlights:
📣 Graduate/Medical Student Oral Presentations
🥈 Kayla Ryan

📣 Research Staff Oral Presentations
🥈 Beau Miller

📊 Graduate/Medical Student Poster Presentations
🥇 A’kaychia Lowery

📊 Research Staff Poster Presentations
🥇 Obie Allen
🥈 Lauren Threadgill

We’re incredibly proud of our team’s leadership, scientific contributions, and continued excellence in neuroscience research. 💡🔬

04/23/2025

🌟 Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟

Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible administrative team across all of our clinics and divisions in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. 💙🧠

Your dedication, organization, compassion, and behind-the-scenes magic are what keep us running smoothly every single day. From scheduling and supporting our patients to keeping operations seamless — you are the heart of our department.

Thank you for everything you do. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re so grateful to have you on our team!

04/21/2025

🌸🐣 Happy Easter from the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior!

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and meaningful Easter Sunday. May this season of renewal bring hope, healing, and happiness to all.

Thank you for all you do to support mental health and wellness in our community — today and every day.