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Our Lab studies the neural basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and has explored the mechanism of memory deficits in psychotic patients. Dr. Heckers has combined post-mortem studies (hippocampal neuron number and gene expression) with neuroimaging studies of hippocampal structure and function. In the context of these studies, the Heckers Lab has applied existing and developed novel experimental paradigms to explore hippocampal function. They are now conducting longitudinal studies investigating changes in hippocampal structure and function in the early stages of psychosis. |
Stephan Heckers, MD MSc
Heckers Lab web link:
https://www.vumc.org/early-psychosis-program/
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Our research focuses on understanding the neurobiology underlying cognitive and social impairments in neuropsychiatric disorders. We are particularly interested in neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism and their effects on hippocampal function. Our goal is to use a "bedside to bench" approach, starting with robust, replicable findings in human patient populations and applying cutting edge neuroscience techniques in rodent models to understand underlying pathophysiology. |
Alan S. Lewis, MD PhD
Lewis Lab web link:
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Dr. Skikic is involved in supporting the program’s research efforts in advancing our understanding of the neurobiology and medical workup of individuals who experience psychosis. Academically, she is active in the development and dissemination of neuroscience-focused educational materials at the institutional and national levels as well as advancing general psychiatry residency education. |
Maja Skikic, MD
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Our lab is an interdisciplinary group of physicians and scientists that study the prevalence, severity and diagnostic structure of catatonia and delirium across multiple medical settings, including the critical care and general medicine settings. Her current work includes a large prospective longitudinal cohort study (DeCat - Delirium and Catatonia Prospective Cohort Investigation), in which she is studying risk factors (including genetics), prevalence and clinical relevance of catatonia in the intensive care unit. |