Heather M. Joseph

Heather M. Joseph, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh, leading the Attention, Hyperactivity, and Early Neurodevelopment Study (AtHENS). Her research focuses on neurobehavioral predictors of ADHD in preschool-aged children, resilience factors, and parenting behaviors. She also investigates deprescribing strategies and medication safety in older adults, with a focus on reducing adverse drug reactions and optimizing prescribing practices.

Dr. Joseph's lab conducts longitudinal studies involving fNIRS neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental assessments. She emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment, prioritizing students with experience working with children and an understanding of systemic disparities. Her work spans clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and geriatric pharmacology, addressing both pediatric neurodevelopment and elderly healthcare needs.

Her research initiatives include collaborations with the Veterans Health Administration, focusing on low-value prescribing patterns, medication safety, and deprescribing interventions. She maintains a lab website (https://yfrp.pitt.edu/AtHENS) detailing ongoing projects and student opportunities. Dr. Joseph's interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical practice, education, and translational research to improve health outcomes across the lifespan.