Peter Kochunov

Dr. Peter Kochunov is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with tenured roles as Professor and Associate Professor. He holds expertise in MRI physics and neuroimaging, focusing on genetic influences on brain structure and function. His work integrates advanced data analysis tools like SOLAR-Eclipse and ENIGMA pipelines.

Education:

• PhD in Medical Physics, University of Texas Health Science Center (2001)
• MS in Physics, University of Louisville (1997)
• MSEE in Control Systems, University of Perm, Russia (1995)

Research Interests: Dr. Kochunov investigates genetic determinants of brain variability, particularly in schizophrenia and neurodegenerative disorders. He develops neuroimaging tools for studying white matter integrity, gray matter thickness, and resting-state connectivity. His work bridges MRI techniques with genetic epidemiology and psychiatric diagnostics.

Grants & Projects: Leads the Amish Connectome Project (U01-MH108148) and computational tools for imaging genetics (2R01EB015611). Collaborates on high-altitude pilot brain integrity studies (USAF/AFMC FA8650-11-2-6162).

Awards:

• NIBIB Edward Naggy New Investigator Award (2014)
• H. McGee Jarboe Mental Health Research Award (2013)