Jennifer Coughlin

Dr. Jennifer Coughlin is a Professor and Director of the Molecular Imaging Program in Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center, with an adjunct appointment at Johns Hopkins University. Her clinical expertise focuses on mood disorders, particularly in young adults. Her research emphasizes molecular neuroimaging techniques, including PET radiotracers, to study neuroimmune responses in conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI), psychosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and healthy aging. She aims to advance precision therapies through molecular insights into neuropsychiatric conditions.

Research Interests: Dr. Coughlin’s work spans molecular neuroimaging, neuroimmunology, and translational PET radiotracer development. Key areas include the role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in psychosis, microglial activation in HIV-related neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation in schizophrenia. Her studies often integrate multimodal approaches to link molecular imaging findings with clinical outcomes.

Publications: Her work frequently explores novel radiotracers and imaging modalities, such as [18F]ASEM and [11C]CPPC, to assess neuroreceptor availability and neuroinflammatory markers. These studies highlight contributions to understanding TBI in athletes, cognitive decline in aging, and immune dysregulation in psychiatric disorders.

Awards: While specific honors are not listed, her leadership in molecular imaging and psychiatric research indicates recognition in the field. Grants and collaborations underpin her interdisciplinary work across institutions and disciplines.

Advising & Labs: As a director, she likely oversees a research team focused on molecular imaging in psychiatry, though specific lab names or grant details are not provided in the text. Her publications reflect active mentorship in collaborative projects.