
- Professor, John S. Dunn Foundation Distinguished Chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Director, Psychiatric Genetics Program, Director, UTHealth Houston Brain Collection for Research in Psychiatric Disorders
- Professor
The PhD in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences (CaBS) is a pioneering, interdisciplinary program—the first of its kind in Texas—designed to train the next generation of behavioral neuroscience researchers. This 80-credit hour program integrates psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, computational science, biochemistry, and genetics to explore how the brain regulates behavior across the lifespan.
Students will gain a deep understanding of the biological and psychological mechanisms that shape human behavior. Core areas of study include:
From the outset, students collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects. Areas of investigation include:
Students will contribute to peer-reviewed publications and develop a dissertation that advances the field of cognitive and behavioral science.
With a growing demand for mental health professionals and researchers, especially in Texas, CaBS graduates are uniquely equipped to address critical gaps in behavioral health care and innovation.
Graduates of the CaBS PhD program are prepared for impactful careers in:
Advancing psychological science through university-level research, instruction, and mentorship.
Developing products, services, and strategies to improve physical and mental health outcomes.
Bridging lab-based discoveries with real-world clinical applications to enhance healthcare practices.
Leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to innovate mental health assessment and care.
Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in neuroscience, psychiatry, and behavioral health. They bring diverse expertise in psychiatric genetics, translational neuroscience, and immunopsychiatry. Students benefit from: