Healing families through transformative research.

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Innovation requires reimagining how progress is made.

We build on accepted models of neuropsychiatric disease by leveraging their limitations to identify both healthy brain states, as well as changes associated with illness. We aim to identify translationally-relevant networks of brain activity associated with healthy brain processes, and discover how disruptions of these networks lead to emotional and behavioral disease symptoms. By targeting these networks with pharmacological, neurostimulatory, or other means, we ultimately hope to revolutionize the treatment landscape for neuropsychiatric conditions.

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Novel ideas emerge from the integration of different perspectives.

Our lab brings together a collective of scientists with diverse backgrounds, areas of expertise, and life experiences to work jointly to solve problems. This collaborative approach produces outcomes greater than any one person could do alone, while providing an environment that enriches, nurtures, and trains each individual.

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The value of an idea can only be realized by the people it reaches.

Through effectively communicating ideas to a wide audience as well as engaging in social outreach programs, we aim to increase awareness and understanding of the role that brain circuit dysfunction plays in mental illness. In doing so, we seek to shift public perception, inspire hope in patients and their families, improve patient outcomes, and inform policy.

Core Values

Innovation through integration

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High impact science

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Caring for one another

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Building the future generation of scientists

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Guiding Principles

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Professionalism

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Accountability

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Inclusion

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Respect

Press highlights.

The Next Generation of a Diagnostics & Therapeutics: Dr. Kafui Dzirasa
Oct 30, 2013 | OneMind

Kafui Dzirasa, M.D., Ph.D. - 2013 Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Prizewinner for Schizophrenia Research
Oct 28, 2013 | Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

Ride the Tiger: A Guide Through the Bipolar Brain
April 26, 2016 | PBS

Duke Psychiatrist and Neuroscientist Discusses the Next Big Idea in Brain Research
Oct 18, 2016 | The White House Frontiers Conference

Publications.

Our work focuses on discovering how genetic variants interact with environmental factors with an overarching goal to drive discovery of new treatments for our patients with mental illness. Check out our findings by reading through our most recent publications.

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Contribute.

The continued success of The Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering depends on the generous contributions of our supporters. Your donations allow the lab to grow its research programs and engage in training opportunities.