Training

Dr. Lewis has served as a mentor to over 50 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty (including NIMH K awardees). He currently directs an NIMH-funded research training program for under-represented minority and disadvantaged undergraduate students, and has participated as a mentor to young investigators at multiple national meetings, including the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, American Psychiatric Association and Society for Biological Psychiatry. He has also served on advisory boards for multiple training grants.

In 2013, Dr. Lewis was awarded the William E. Brown Outstanding Mentor Award from the University of Pittsburgh & Carnegie Mellon University Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). The recipient of this annual award is elected by Pitt’s MSTP students in recognition of extraordinary performance and achievement in mentoring. The award is named in honor of William E. Brown, PhD, who demonstrated all of the qualities of a truly great mentor throughout his stewardship as co-director of the MSTP.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAM

The Lewis Lab provides first-hand research experience in neuroscience and medicine for undergraduate students. Undergraduate students work with a team of mentors on a specific research project acquiring skills in experimental design, laboratory technique, data analysis and scientific writing. During their training, students typically complete an honors thesis, attend a national scientific meeting, and co-author a scientific publication. The program also provides support and advice for applying for undergraduate fellowships like the NIMH Undergraduate Research Training Fellowship and for preparing applications for graduate or professional school. Interested individuals should e-mail Dr. Lewis.

Selected Undergraduate Student Researchers

POST BACCALAUREATE TRAINING

The Lewis laboratory offers opportunities for post-baccalaureates to gain professional research experience in neuroscience and medicine before pursuing graduate or medical studies. Trainees are hired into the program as specialized Research Associates and spend two or more years participating in world-class research projects, spanning a range of neuroscience approaches and techniques to study cortical circuitry structure, function and development in animals and humans. In addition, individuals gain clinical exposure through a shadowing program designed to familiarize basic scientists with the human experience of mental illness in order to develop a more holistic perspective from which to engage this complex problem. This program allows the participants to develop lasting relationships with highly successful translational researchers who can provide on-going career mentorship. Participants are exposed to professional examples of the many career paths available within neuroscience and mental health research, simultaneously enhancing their professional and technical exposure prior to pursuing further education.

Individuals interested in this program should e-mail a statement of interest, resume and undergraduate transcript to Dr. Lewis.

Selected Post Baccalaureate Trainees 

GRADUATE & POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING

Graduate students in neuroscience, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows (with either MDs or PhDs) receive training in a range of molecular, developmental and systems neuroscience approaches to the analysis of cortical circuitry in both primate and human brain. Opportunities are available for studies in the normal functional architecture of primate neocortex, the postnatal development of this circuitry, its disruption in schizophrenia and other brain disorders, and animal models of the disease process. Interested individuals should contact Dr. Lewis.

PITTSBURGH

In addition to world class universities, technology companies and UPMC, Pittsburgh has friendly people, great neighborhoods, affordability, walkability, 24 miles of riverfront trails, beautiful parks, museums, historic attractions, a thriving cultural district and award-winning restaurants.

Pittsburgh has been recognized as a first-rate city for several years, being described by the Huffington Post as “a modern mecca of culture and education, [and] a hidden gem”. The city’s economy has expanded into industries such as medicine, robotics, finance, and nuclear engineering, and has attracted major tech corporations like Google and Uber. It has consistently been rated as one of the most livable cities in the US since 2005.

In addition to having a low cost of living, Pittsburgh has a very family-friendly environment and vibrant food scene. The city continuously receives lifestyle accolades. It ranks as one of the top three cities on The Cool List of Global Destinations by National Geographic and has earned a reputation as one of the Top 10 Foodie Destinations. Pittsburgh was named the Most Livable City in the continental US by The Economist and is a wonderful place to raise a family. A collaborative group, Kidsburgh, provides ample online resources to give Pittsburgh parents ideas. To learn more about the city’s neighborhoods and exciting activities, visit Next Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh has a wealth of affordable housing options in one of the nation’s most diverse architectural communities. It is rated as one of the top three best cities for first time home buyers in the US. The city is the site of many major corporate headquarters, yet retains its small-town friendliness. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains at the confluence of three major rivers (the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio), the “City of Bridges” abounds in natural beauty, complete with lush parks and recreational sites.

America’s Most Livable Cities
Forbes

Best Cities to Relocate to in America. #1 Pittsburgh, PA
CNBC

What Millennials Love About Pittsburgh
The Atlantic

26 Rankings That Prove Pittsburgh is Better Than Every Other City
Fitt Pittsburgh

Fitt Pittsburgh
Discover health and fitness in Pittsburgh.

NEXTpittsburgh
A Pittsburgh publication about the people driving change in our city and the innovative and cool things happening here.

36 Hours in Pittsburgh
The New York Times

CONTACT

Interested individuals should contact Dr. Lewis.

Biomedical Science Tower, 16th Floor

Laboratory of David A. Lewis, MD

Researching the neural circuitry of the prefrontal cortex and related brain regions, and the alterations of this circuitry in schizophrenia.

 

 

© 2022 University of Pittsburgh

            a

lewisda@upmc.edu

            a

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
3811 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2593

            a

University of Pittsburgh
Department of Psychiatry
W1651 Biomedical Science Tower
203 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2593

            a

412-246-6010