Katharine Thakkar

Bridging the gap between disciplines to tackle the complexities of psychotic disorders, Katharine Thakkar serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University. With a robust academic foundation, she earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Vanderbilt University in 2012, following a dual BA in Psychology and Mathematics from Boston University in 2004. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to unraveling the intricacies of the human mind, particularly focusing on the biological underpinnings of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Professor Thakkar's research is distinguished by its innovative use of translational methods to explore the fundamental aspects of impaired cognition and disrupted social abilities. By employing a diverse array of techniques, including eye tracking, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), behavioral experiments, and first-person accounts, she seeks to illuminate the disturbances in the sense of self that characterize these disorders. Her work is pivotal in identifying specific functional circuitry disturbances, which could pave the way for more precise and effective treatment strategies. Her research interests are deeply rooted in understanding how these disturbances manifest and affect individuals, aiming to bridge the gap between biological research and practical, clinical applications. By focusing on the basic building blocks of cognition and social interaction, she hopes to contribute to the development of targeted behavioral and pharmacological interventions that can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by psychotic disorders. Professor Thakkar's dedication to her field is evident in her comprehensive approach, which not only seeks to understand the biological basis of these disorders but also to translate these findings into real-world solutions. Her work is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research in addressing some of the most challenging questions in psychology and neuroscience. Through her teaching and mentorship at Michigan State University, she inspires the next generation of psychologists to pursue research that is both scientifically rigorous and profoundly impactful. Her commitment to advancing our understanding of psychotic disorders continues to drive her research and teaching, making significant contributions to the field of psychology.