Brendan Adkinson (b. 1994). An American neuroscientist, mental health advocate, and M.D.-Ph.D. candidate at Yale School of Medicine. He conducts research in the Multimodal Imaging, Neuroinformatics, & Data Science (MINDS) Lab, focusing on using human neuroimaging to build machine learning models that predict individual psychiatric symptom profiles. His work is supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) and specifically evaluates potential biases in underrepresented patient populations, particularly rural communities. Adkinson has emerged as a prominent voice in psychiatric research and mental health advocacy through his innovative approach to translating laboratory findings into clinical solutions. [Luce Index™ score: 88]
Adkinson earned a multidisciplinary education from Marietta College, graduating summa cum laude as a member of Phi Beta Kappa in 2016. He received three degrees simultaneously: a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. During his undergraduate years, he demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, serving as captain of the varsity tennis team and competing as a letterman on the varsity football team. His commitment to community service was evident through his mentorship role in the Pioneer Pipeline Program, an initiative that paired college students with high schoolers experiencing intellectual disabilities for vocational and social coaching.
Research and Academic Career
Currently pursuing his MD-PhD at Yale School of Medicine, Adkinson conducts cutting-edge research under the mentorship of Dr. Alan Anticevic in the Division of Neurocognition, Neurocomputation, and Neurogenetics. His research employs advanced neuroimaging techniques and computational modeling to study neural circuit dysfunction in various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Notably, his work includes pharmacological manipulation studies using ketamine to better understand therapeutic mechanisms in psychiatric treatment.
Adkinson describes his approach as “a balance between one-on-one patient interaction and mechanistic research,” emphasizing his dedication to bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. His research methodology focuses on developing machine learning algorithms that can predict individual psychiatric symptom profiles, with particular attention to addressing healthcare disparities in underrepresented populations. This work represents a significant advancement in personalized psychiatric medicine and has important implications for improving mental health outcomes in rural and underserved communities.
Global Engagement and Leadership
Brendan Adkinson’s commitment to international collaboration and community health extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. In 2014, he represented the United States at the prestigious U.S.-China Student Summit, demonstrating his ability to engage in cross-cultural scientific dialogue. His practical healthcare experience includes managing a tri-state mobile health unit that provided critical health screenings in underserved communities, including migrant labor camps, highlighting his dedication to addressing healthcare inequities at the grassroots level.
Mental Health Advocacy
Adkinson’s passion for mental health advocacy stems from personal tragedy—the suicide of his best friend, Matt, during high school. This profound loss shaped his understanding of mental health challenges and fueled his commitment to dismantling societal stigma surrounding psychiatric disorders. “This experience allows me to truly understand—not just empathize—with those battling addiction or depression,” Adkinson states. His advocacy work includes partnering with nonprofits to fund campus mental health initiatives and endorsing organizations like the Bauer Fund.
Entrepreneurship and Community Involvement
Beyond his academic pursuits, Adkinson has demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen as the founder of Elevation Gateway (elevationgateway.com), a platform dedicated to advancing mental health resources and support. He also serves as an advisor to Cocoa360 (cocoa360.org), an organization focused on community development and social impact initiatives.
Recognition and Future Goals
Brendan Adkinson was recognized as a 2016 J. Luce Foundation Scholar at a ceremony in New York City, acknowledging his outstanding academic achievements and potential for future contributions to science and society. He has presented his research at premier academic forums, including the International Meeting for Autism Research and the Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion, and Disability Conference, establishing himself as an emerging leader in psychiatric research.
Adkinson plans to complete his M.D.-Ph.D. program to advance clinical research on mental illness, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective, personalized treatments for psychiatric disorders while continuing his advocacy efforts to reduce mental health stigma in society.