Team
Terence A. Ketter, M.D. [Academic Profile]
Professor
Chief, Bipolar Disorders Clinic
Dr. Terence Ketter obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto and had internship and residency training in psychiatry at the University of California at San Francisco. He had subsequent fellowship training in brain imaging and psychopharmacology research methods at the Biological Psychiatry Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland. He is currently Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Chief of the Bipolar Disorders Clinic at the Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, California. Dr. Ketter's research interests include the use of brain imaging methods such as positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to better understand the neurobiology of mood disorders and to explore the possibility of using these techniques to more effectively target treatments for patients with bipolar disorders. Dr. Ketter also conducts research in the use of novel medications and combinations of medications in the treatment of bipolar disorders, with an emphasis on the use of anticonvulsants.
In constant demand as a speaker, he presents at numerous national and international conferences and advisory boards, and sits on the review panel of several major scientific journals. Within the University, he serves on the Institutional Review Board, the body responsible for reviewing all new research proposals for scientific soundness, ethical conduct, and protection of human subjects.
Inspired by his clinical work with exceptionally creative individuals, Dr. Ketter has developed a strong interest in the relationship of creativity and madness. In addition to his regular medical school and residency teaching duties, he is currently teaching a Sophomore Seminar course on Mood, Temperament, and Creativity. He is a featured panelist on the Alumni Association's Think Again tour.
Po W. Wang, M.D. [Academic Profile]
Senior Research Scientist
Assistant Professor
Dr. Wang completed his medical education at Washington University in St. Louis, where he started work in volumetric brain imaging in major depression, finding that duration of depression may be correlated with hippocampal atrophy. He came to Stanford University for his psychiatric residency training, served as Chief Resident, and then completed a research fellowship with Dr. Terence Ketter in the Stanford Bipolar Disorders Clinic on Bipolar Disorders treatment and neuroimaging. Dr. Wang also has an active clinical practice specializing in bipolar disorder patients in ongoing clinical care and under clinical research protocols.He has published numerous manuscripts on treatment of bipolar disorders, covering mood stabilizers, new anticonvulsants, and new antipsychotic medications. He was a site co-investigator for the Stanford site of the National Institutes of Mental Health sponsored study Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorders (STEP-BD).
His neuroimaging research focuses on the cerebral metabolism of bipolar depression and normal mood, in hopes of finding treatment response predictors. PET, MRI, and MRS are some of the technologies currently used in his work. In particular, he is working on investigating new neuroimaging techniques to measure cerebral levels of specific neurochemicals that may be important in mood disorders.
Dr. Wang currently continues his work in the Stanford Bipolar Disorders Clinic as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Jenifer L. Culver, Ph.D. [Academic Profile]
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Jenifer Culver graduated magna cum laude with degrees in Psychology and in Spanish from Furman University. She subsequently obtained her Master's degree from Wake Forest University and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Miami. She completed her postdoctoral training in Behavioral Medicine at Stanford University. Dr. Culver's research interests include psychosocial treatments of bipolar disorders and enhancing quality of life and positive experiences of individuals with mood disorders. She conducts a weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group adapted for individuals with bipolar disorder. In addition, she manages clinical trials, teaches, and supervises practicum students.
Meredith Childers
Clinical Research Manager
Meredith Childers graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). She then went on to pursue a bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of San Diego. She later received a Masters in Psychology at Loyola Marymount University. Prior to coming to Stanford, Ms. Childers performed neuromedical research at UCSD's HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center.
Shelley Hill, M.S.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Shelley Hill graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a minor in the Philosophy of Religion from the University of Idaho. She later received a Masters of Science in Experimental Psychology with an emphasis in Social Psychology. Before coming to Stanford, Ms. Hill worked for the Idaho State Appellate Public Defender conducting biopsychosocial investigations of people who had been sentenced to death, demonstrating to the Courts the complexity of human behavior. Ms. Hill's interests include the genetic and neurobiological basis of bipolar disorder and the scientific study of consciousness, specifically preceived self and volition. She works as a research coordinator for clinical drug trials and neuroimaging studies.
Kristine L. Keller, B.S.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Kristine L. Keller graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Communication at the University of Miami with majors in Psychology and Photocommunication. While at the University of Miami, she assisted with the multi-site National Institutes of Health funded Child Development after Cochlear Implantation study. Ms. Keller has also assisted with research in the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Psychology. Ms. Keller’s research interests include examining psychosocial factors in relation to bipolar disorders and using neuroimaging as a means of better understanding bipolar disorders and furthering the development of treatment options for patients with bipolar disorders.
Sophia Hwang
Research Assistant
Sophia Hwang is a senior at Stanford University majoring in Human Biology with a concentration in the Mental and Public Health of Underserved Communities. Sophia Hwang’s research interests include abnormal psychology, community-based care, child and adolescent mental health, and differential access to healthcare. Sophia Hwang hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology or psychiatry.
Kaja Johnson
Research Assistant
Kaja Johnson is a sophomore at Stanford University majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Health and Development, as well as pursuing a minor in Human Biology. She has assisted with research in the Mind, Culture, Society Lab, and the Culture and Emotion Lab on Stanford's campus, and is also a core member of the Black Psychology Student Association there. Kaja Johnson's research interests include African-American race relations in the U.S., prenatal and childhood development, and abnormal psychology. She hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology or psychiatry.
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