Psychiatry professor wins Presidential Early Career Award for research on post-traumatic stress disorder

Katherine Iverson, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), has been named as a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Iverson, who is also a Clinical Research Psychologist at the VA Boston Healthcare System, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to research and clinical proficiency in women's mental health following potentially traumatic events, especially as they relate to intimate partner violence (IPV) among military veterans.

Iverson received her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, and her PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. She then performed her postdoctoral training through the BUSM/VA Boston fellowship program, where she specialized in research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her present research focuses on pinpointing best practices for the treatment and prevention of IPV among female military veterans, and is funded through a Department of Veterans' Affairs Career Development Award.

"I am honored by this award and inspired by the attention it is drawing to this important issue. It is my hope that this recognition will facilitate my continued research on the impact of intimate partner violence on military and veteran families," said Iverson.

"We are deeply pleased that Dr. Iverson was selected this year for this prestigious, interdisciplinary, national award," said Terence Keane, PhD, assistant dean for research at BUSM and Associate Chief of Staff for Research at VA Boston Healthcare System and Professor of Psychiatry. "Her work on the psychology of intimate partner violence and the effects of sexual assault is trend setting and she is poised to make significant contributions to the field for decades into the future," he added.

Established by President Clinton in 1996, awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach and is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Iverson joins Boston University's College of Engineering assistant professor of biomedical engineering Xue Han as two of this year's 102 awardees.

Source: Boston University Medical Center