# A Multidimensional Neuroimaging Investigation of Posttraumatic Stress in Humans

> **NIH NIH K00** · MCLEAN HOSPITAL · 2020 · $83,371

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Neuroscientists from underrepresents backgrounds drop out of predoctoral programs at a significantly
higher rate than traditional students. This attrition has a detrimental impact on the scientific field as decreases
in diversity diminish the range of techniques, perspectives, and potential for innovative collaborations
necessary for scientific discovery. Therefore, the objective of the current proposal is to institute a robust
individual research training plan to increase the diversity of the neuroscientific workforce. Specifically, a
structured and formal training plan will supplement the applicant’s intensive dissertation research on the
neurobiology of post-traumatic stress. Each year 25 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic
event, however only about 30% of these individuals develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Thus,
there is individual variability in stress susceptibility, which may be due to variability in the neurobiology of post-
traumatic stress. Currently, the acute effect (i.e. within a month) of post-traumatic stress on the brain is not well
understood. Determining the impact of trauma-induced distress on brain structure, function, and biochemistry
is critical for a thorough understanding of stress disorder that can then be translated into effective intervention
and treatment programs. The applicant’s research during the F99 phase will utilize human neuroimaging
technology with healthy and traumatized individuals to investigate how brain function, structure, and
biochemistry vary with post-traumatic stress severity. The proposed research project will be completed in
conjunction with a formal training plan. Specifically, training during the F99 phase will focus on developing
competency in 1) MR methods/techniques, 2) scientific writing/presentation, and 3) mentorship skills. The
applicant’s mentorship team includes established faculty members to provide formal training in these areas, as
well as direct mentorship regarding particularly sensitive issues (e.g., self-efficacy, navigating professional
interactions, etc.) for underrepresented minority scholars. The mentorship team is scientifically diverse drawing
from faculty within the Departments of Psychology (Dr. David C. Knight – Primary Mentor), Neurology (Dr.
Jerzy Szaflarski), Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology (Dr. Adrienne Lahti), and Neurobiology (Dr. Farah
Lubin). As part of the K00 phase, the applicant intends to translate the findings from the F99 phase into clinical
research using novel neuroimaging and neuromodulatory techniques. The research direction is intended to
focus on 1) prediction of stress disorder following trauma via advanced/integrated neuroimaging techniques
and 2) prevention of stress disorder development through neuromodulatory techniques. Training during the
K00 phase will focus on developing competency in 1) novel research approaches, 2) research program
development and management, and 3) teaching sk...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10012946
- **Project number:** 5K00MH119603-04
- **Recipient organization:** MCLEAN HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Nathaniel G Harnett
- **Activity code:** K00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $83,371
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10012946

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10012946, A Multidimensional Neuroimaging Investigation of Posttraumatic Stress in Humans (5K00MH119603-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10012946. Licensed CC0.

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