About
Dr. Audrey R. Tyrka is the Mary E. Zucker Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School. She co-directs the Center for Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR) and leads the STAR Research Postdoctoral Fellowship T32 program. A psychiatrist and neuroscientist, Dr. Tyrka's work bridges clinical practice and translational research, with a focus on biological mechanisms of early adversity.
- MD and PhD in Medicine/Psychology from University of Pennsylvania (1999)
- Co-Director, STAR Center & T32 Fellowship
- PI of NIMH R25 Research Training Program
Her research explores how childhood trauma alters neuroendocrine, epigenetic, and mitochondrial pathways, increasing vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and accelerated aging. She investigates novel treatments including neurostimulation (TMS, tDCS, DBS) and behavioral interventions (yoga), while examining biomarkers like telomeres, inflammatory markers, and DNA methylation.
Key publication trends over the past decade show consistent focus on:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic aging (2021-2025)
- Stress-induced changes in DNA methylation (2014-2025)
- Neurostimulation treatment outcomes (2013-2023)
- Parent-child relationship impacts on preschool behavior (2015-2024)
Scientific awards include:
- NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2003)
- Janssen Faculty Development Award (2003)
- Brown New Frontiers Awards (2014-2017)
- Psychiatry Research Mentor Award (2016)
- Faculty Mentoring Award (2022)
As an educator, Dr. Tyrka has led psychiatry seminars since 2004 and directed research training programs for physician scientists. She also contributes artistically to Sojourner House, supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
