Thomas Nassif

Thomas Nassif is an Assistant Professor and Deputy Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU). He serves as an active-duty Major in the U.S. Army and is a Scientist at the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS), focusing on military behavioral health and performance optimization.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience, American University (2013)
• M.S. in Biology, American University (2001)
• B.A. in Biology and Music, University of Virginia (1996)

Dr. Nassif's research centers on Suicide Prevention (leading the SAFEGUARD machine learning initiative with Harvard Medical School), Mindfulness interventions for Soldiers, Stress Management protocols, and Emotion Regulation techniques. His work at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research as Chief of the Sleep Research Center optimized fatigue management for military readiness, while his studies on yoga and mindfulness in Basic Combat Training demonstrated significant mental and physical health benefits for Soldiers.

His contributions are recognized through military honors:

• Meritorious Service Medal
• Army Commendation Medal
• Army Achievement Medal
• Armed Forces Service Medal

As a research leader, Dr. Nassif manages substantial grants including a $6M annual budget for the Sleep Research Center and CDMRP-funded suicide risk studies. He serves as Action Officer for DoD Psychiatry Global Grand Rounds and facilitates cross-institutional collaborations. His leadership extends to directing 20-person research teams and overseeing $2M facility renovations to advance military psychiatry capabilities.