The Sklar Research Award for Psychiatry Residents

The Sklar Research Award for psychiatry residents aims to create an opportunity for continuous research in the field of neuroscience alongside clinical residency training with the goal of establishing research careers for psychiatry residents.

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The award is available to residents in the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) at McLean/MGH Hospital and in the BWH/HMS Psychiatry Residency Program (PRP). The program provides support for research in psychiatry at the Stanley Center for three years (PGY2 - PGY4). A total of 1-2 awards will be granted annually.

How to apply

Residents in the PSTP or PRP should discuss the application with their program director and establish a collaboration with a Stanley Center PI during PGY1. The application for the Sklar Research Award is due by May 15 of PGY1.

About the 2024 - 2027 Award Recipients

Natalie Gong Avin Veerakumar

Natalie Gong

Natalie Gong, M.D., Ph.D., received her M.D./Ph.D. from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania studying molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying early life sleep and sleep disruptions in neurodevelopmental disorders. She is currently a resident on the research track in the BWH/HMS Psychiatry Residency Program and joined Jen Pan’s lab to continue to utilize sleep to understand abnormal neurocircuitry and development in psychiatric disease.

Avin Veerakumar

Avin Veerakumar, M.D., Ph.D., received his M.D. and Ph.D. in bioengineering from Stanford University, where he identified neural circuits controlling cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary physiology and a neural circuit controlling sound volume. He is currently a resident in the research track in the BWH/HMS Psychiatry Residency Program and joined Steve McCarroll’s lab to investigate the molecular alterations in the cholinergic neuronal circuit in schizophrenia.

Psychiatry Residents FAQ

Who is eligible for the Sklar Resident Research Awards?

PGY1 residents in the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) at McLean Hospital (MGH) and in the BWH/HMS Psychiatry Residency Program are eligible to apply.

What degree is required to apply?

Applicants must have at least an M.D. degree.

How many Sklar Resident Research Awards are awarded annually?

Depending on the availability of funding, up to two Research Awards are awarded annually

How much time do I need to dedicate to research during my residency?

We have worked with the residency program directors to align the required research effort with feasibility in the context of residency training. The dedicated research effort is higher in later years of residency. Minimum requirements for research time effort in PGY2-4 are 6 weeks at 90% FTE in PGY2, 8 months at 40% FTE in PGY3, and 75% FTE in PGY4. Applicants should discuss exact details with their program directors

How can I find a good match for my research interests?

Please review the list of Stanley Center investigators and their research interests, and feel free to discuss your relevant interests throughout the application process

Can I sign up for the Stanley Center Symposium?

Yes, the Stanley Center Symposium on Severe Mental Illness is open to all who register and free to attend