John G. Kerns

John G. Kerns is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Missouri, leading the Cognitive and Emotional Control Lab. His research integrates clinical psychology and neuroscience to understand psychotic disorders, with a focus on striatal functioning and aberrant salience.

His primary research interests include:

• Translational clinical neuroscience of psychotic disorders
• Cognitive and emotional control mechanisms
• Striatal functioning and feedback-related learning
• Aberrant salience and positive schizotypy
• Openness to experience in psychopathology

Analysis of Dr. Kerns' recent publications shows a strong emphasis on neuroimaging and behavioral studies of psychosis risk, particularly examining corticostriatal pathways and their relationship to cognitive deficits. His work consistently bridges personality factors with neural mechanisms.

No scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text.

Dr. Kerns mentors a vibrant team of graduate and undergraduate students. Current graduate students include Megan Liew and Tyler Rogers, and his alumni have secured prestigious positions in academia and clinical practice. He is accepting applications for graduate students starting in Fall 2026.

The Cognitive and Emotional Control Lab provides a collaborative environment for research on psychotic disorders, utilizing behavioral, clinical, and neuroimaging methods to advance understanding and treatment.