Jennifer Donegan

Dr. Jennifer Donegan is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin's Dell Medical School. She holds affiliations with the College of Natural Sciences and the Neuroscience program. Her research focuses on understanding how stress impacts neural circuits linked to psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia. She uses techniques like optogenetics, electrophysiology, and stem cell transplantation to study circuit-specific interventions for mental illnesses. Dr. Donegan has a B.S. from Texas Christian University (magna cum laude) and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, followed by postdoctoral training in Pharmacology at the same institution.

Her research interests include molecular biology, electrophysiological methods, and the application of stem cell therapies to neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent work explores the role of GABAergic signaling and inflammatory pathways in psychiatric conditions. Key awards include a BRAIN Initiative Pathway to Independence Award and an American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Travel Award.

Publications highlight her contributions to understanding circuit-specific deficits in schizophrenia, ketamine's antidepressant mechanisms, and the impact of maternal stress on neurodevelopment. The Donegan Lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining molecular, cellular, and behavioral studies to develop targeted treatments for mental health disorders.