Alicia K. Smith, PhD

Dr. Smith studies the role of genetic and environmental factors in the development and symptoms of stress-related disorders across the lifespan.  She uses a number of complementary approaches including bioinformatics and genome-wide evaluations of sequence variants, DNA methylation and gene expression to explore i) how prenatal exposures influence the risk for developmental and behavioral problems during childhood and ii) how early life stress influences the risk for developing adult psychiatric disorders, such as PTSD or perinatal depression and iii) how medications or biologically active chemicals induce behavioral responses such as depression, fatigue or suicidal ideation. 

Dr. Smith also directs the Human Psychiatric Genetics Laboratory, a collaborative resource for the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.  It is designed to assist in the development and implementation of grant-funded genetic collaborations and to support the development and training of students and fellows.