Our Team

Principal Investigator

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Jennifer Coughlin, M.D.

Communities Foundation of Texas, Inc. Chair in Brain Science

Psychiatry | Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute

Dr. Coughlin is a Professor and Director of the Molecular Imaging in Psychiatry Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She holds a secondary appointment in the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute. Dr. Coughlin also has an adjunct appointment as Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University.   

After growing up in Baltimore, Dr. Coughlin received her M.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She then completed her internship and psychiatric residency training, followed by a clinical research fellowship in molecular psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Before joining UT Southwestern Medical Center in 2024, Dr. Coughlin directed the Johns Hopkins Young Adult Affective Disorders Inpatient Service and the Young Adult Affective Disorders Consultation Clinic.  

Dr. Coughlin’s commitment to addressing unmet medical needs is evidenced by her continued clinical commitments to patient care and membership in initiatives to grow a future workforce of clinician scientists. She recently joined the UTSW Multispecialty Psychiatry Clinic and focuses on initial evaluations of young adults with suspected affective illness. She also participates in the UTSW Clinical Scholars Program Selection Committee. During her spare time, Dr. Coughlin enjoys the arts, outdoor activities, and cheering for her children at swim meets.

To learn more about Dr. Coughlin's previous research in PET imaging and brain health, click the link below to be directed to the John Hopkin's Brain Health Program website.

 

Lab Members

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Becca Essien, B.S.

Clinical Research Assistant

Becca Essien is a 2024 graduate from the University of North Texas who majored in Psychology with a double minor in addiction studies and Spanish. Becca is an aspiring neuropsychologist with heavy interests in psychiatric disorders, intersectionality, and forensics.

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Jenna Monteleone, B.S.

Clinical Research Assistant

Jenna Monteleone is a 2024 graduate from Texas Christian University. She double majored in Psychology and Combined Sciences and was on the pre-med track. Jenna is an aspiring physician assistant with a specific interest in psychiatry.