PRIME Research Day: Fostering Collaboration and Advancing Psychiatry Research
On Thursday, May 11, 2023, the Psychiatry Research Institute of Montefiore Einstein (PRIME) Research Day took place at the Price Center/Block Research Pavilion. The event featured poster sessions, a welcome address by Dean Gordon Tomaselli and other distinguished speakers, keynote talks, poster awards, and the presentation of the 2023 PRIME Distinguished Scientist Award. More than 200 faculty, staff, and trainees registered to attend the event, which also offered access virtually.
From left, Jelena Radulovic, M.D., Ph.D., Kerry Ressler, M.D. Ph.D., Jonathan Alpert, M.D., Ph.D., and Adam Kohn, Ph.D. Dr. Ressler was the day’s keynote speaker.
The welcome session included remarks from Drs. Tomaselli, Jonathan Alpert, Adam Kohn, and Jelena Radulovic. The keynote talk was presented by Dr. Kerry Ressler, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and chief academic officer at McLean Hospital. Dr. Ressler, who also is director of the division of depression and anxiety and of the Neurobiology of Fear Laboratory, as well as president of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, was presented this year’s PRIME Distinguished Scientist Award.
His lecture focused on advancing translational research in psychiatry. At a gathering before the main event, he also engaged in a lively discussion with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and residents, sharing insights on career paths in translational science and the future of psychiatry research.
Those in attendance also heard presentations from Drs. Anita Autry and Aaron Breslow. Dr. Autry shared her work involving the neurobiology of attachment and parenting behavior, while Dr. Breslow discussed his studies of health equity.
Faculty, fellows, and staff from the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.
Attendees of PRIME Research Day expressed their appreciation for the beautiful spring day, which “perfectly complemented the positive and energizing atmosphere of the event,” shared Dr. Alpert, professor and Silverman University Chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. Many participants were also delighted to have the opportunity to connect with colleagues from different disciplines who share common interests and goals.
Through the event’s poster session, they were able to see the impressive and wide-ranging research at Einstein across clinical and basic science departments related to mental illness, substance use disorders, and the advancement of health equity in mental health. At the conclusion of the poster session, three young investigators were recognized with this year's poster award.
They were Ani Fredman, a psychology intern, for her poster titled "Cultivating Curiosity and Connection: Adapting the CARE Intervention for Caregivers of Gender Diverse Youth"; Chloe Roske, a research coordinator, for her poster "A Study of Cytokines in Suicidal and Non-Suicidal Adolescents with Mood and Anxiety Disorders"; and Elizabeth Wood, a graduate student, for her poster titled "Inflammatory Mediators of Memory Formation."
“It was a truly spectacular day, with wonderful energy, interdisciplinary networking, and ideas generated among those in attendance,” said Dr. Alpert. “We’re already looking forward to PRIME Research Day next year and continuing to advance new knowledge and new collaborations in this crucial area.”
Editor’s Note: Planning for the 2024 PRIME Research Day is already underway, with the week of May 13 targeted but no firm date yet. Watch for details and be sure to get the event on your calendar!
Posted on: Wednesday, August 02, 2023