Adjunct Faculty
Adjunct faculty typically have an academic or research appointment at another institution and contribute or collaborate with one or more School of Medicine faculty members or programs.
Adjunct rank detailsHanna Stevens, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of MedicineDownloadHi-Res Photo
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Titles
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Biography
Hanna Stevens joined the faculty of the Child Study Center in 2010. She is currently directing a program of research on model systems of early brain development. She is particularly interested in the impact of prenatal genetic and environmental factors on childhood behavioral problems and how early events in brain development relate to the onset of major mental illness, such as depression and schizophrenia, in adolescence and adulthood. The long term goals of her research program are to better understand the etiologies of child and adult mental illnesses and to improve outcomes for pregnant mothers affected by mood and anxiety disorders.
Dr. Stevens is also the associate training director of the Child Study Center's innovative psychiatry residency program. The Solnit Integrated Program provides psychiatrists-in-training with the opportunity to integrate general, child and research psychiatry across all stages of their career and will be a major pathway by which the next generation of academic leaders in child psychiatry are developed. See link below
Last Updated on April 07, 2025.
Appointments
Child Study Center
Assistant Professor AdjunctPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
- Child Study Center
- Discovery to Cure Internship
- Program in Neurodevelopment and Regeneration
- Yale Ventures
Education & Training
- Psychiatry Residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
- Yale School of Medicine (2010)
- MD
- University of Illinois (2004)
- PhD
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Neuroscience (2003)
Research
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Overview
Prenatal stress and forebrain development
Growth factors and prenatal stress
Role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 in forebrain functioning
Growth factors and prenatal stress
Role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 in forebrain functioning
Medical Research Interests
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms; Child Psychiatry; Neurobiology
Public Health Interests
Child/Adolescent Health
ORCID
0000-0002-3906-0786
Research at a Glance
Yale Co-Authors
Frequent collaborators of Hanna Stevens's published research.
Publications Timeline
A big-picture view of Hanna Stevens's research output by year.
Flora Vaccarino, MD
Anna Szekely, MD
James Leckman, MD, PhD
Marya Shanabrough
Michael Schwartz, PhD
Tamas Horvath, DVM, PhD
23Publications
425Citations
Publications
2025
Reflections on the NIEHS Virtual Consortium funding mechanism (ViCTER) and what it has taught us about the future of transdisciplinary science
Veiga-Lopez A, Stevens H, Rand M, Tjalkens R, Henn B, Marsit C, Bernstein A, Bonner M, Hoffmann H, Meliker J. Reflections on the NIEHS Virtual Consortium funding mechanism (ViCTER) and what it has taught us about the future of transdisciplinary science. Toxicology 2025, 518: 154283. PMID: 40972998, DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2025.154283.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsConceptsNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesEnvironmental Health SciencesUnited States National Institute of Environmental Health SciencesHealth SciencesPopulation-based researchEnvironmental health researchFunding mechanismsHealth researchHealth fieldEnvironmental health fieldResearch teamTransdisciplinary collaborationR01 grantsMultiple institutionsEpidemiologistsCollaborationCliniciansTeamTransdisciplinary scienceScientific advancesPlacental Igf1 overexpression sex-specifically impacts mouse placenta structure, altering offspring striatal development and behavior
Carver A, Fairbairn F, Taylor R, Boggarapu S, Kamau N, Gajmer A, Stevens H. Placental Igf1 overexpression sex-specifically impacts mouse placenta structure, altering offspring striatal development and behavior. Experimental Neurology 2025, 394: 115453. PMID: 40907731, DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2025.115453.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsInsulin-like growth factor-1Striatal developmentNeurodevelopmental disordersBehavior relevant to neurodevelopmental disordersPlacenta structureIGF1 expressionGrowth factor-1Postnatal brain developmentPlacental influencesComplicated pregnanciesPlacental contributionPlacental functionPlacental biologyChild outcomesIGF1 productionBrain developmentPersistent changesFactor 1DisordersPreventive interventionsCell compositionSex-SpecificNeurodevelopmentEarly differencesMaleParental preconceptual α-cypermethrin exposure alters embryonic brain transcriptomics in mice: Implications for autism spectrum disorder and stress vulnerability
Hing B, Taylor R, Eliasen S, Stevens H. Parental preconceptual α-cypermethrin exposure alters embryonic brain transcriptomics in mice: Implications for autism spectrum disorder and stress vulnerability. NeuroToxicology 2025, 110: 181-196. PMID: 40744256, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2025.07.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsAutism spectrum disorderStress vulnerabilitySpectrum disorderInhibition of BDNF signalingAberrant brain functionGenes associated with autismBDNF signalingBrain functionAdult C57BL6/J miceForebrainSynaptic processesBrain transcriptomeAutismDose-dependent effectC57BL6/J miceDisordersPotential contributionDNA damage signalling processesBiological processesParentsActivity of eIF4EWeighted gene correlation network analysisDorsal forebrainGene correlation network analysisParental exposureEffect of Maternal Dietary DHA and Prenatal Stress Mouse Model on Autistic-like Behaviors, Lipid Peroxidation Activity, and GABA Expression in Offspring Pups
Woo T, Ahmed N, Appenteng M, King C, Li R, Fritsche K, Sun G, Cui J, Will M, Maurer S, Stevens H, Beversdorf D, Greenlief C. Effect of Maternal Dietary DHA and Prenatal Stress Mouse Model on Autistic-like Behaviors, Lipid Peroxidation Activity, and GABA Expression in Offspring Pups. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences 2025, 26: 6730. PMID: 40724979, PMCID: PMC12295858, DOI: 10.3390/ijms26146730.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH Keywords and ConceptsMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAutism Spectrum DisorderAutistic DisorderBehavior, AnimalDietary SupplementsDisease Models, AnimalDocosahexaenoic AcidsFemalegamma-Aminobutyric AcidLipid PeroxidationMaleMiceMice, KnockoutPregnancyPrenatal Exposure Delayed EffectsSerotonin Plasma Membrane Transport ProteinsSocial BehaviorStress, PsychologicalConceptsAutism spectrum disorderChronic variable stressAutistic-like behaviorsRepetitive behaviorsSupplementation of docosahexaenoic acidGrooming behaviorDocosahexaenoic acid supplementationElevated plus maze testNon-stressful control conditionGenetic susceptibility to stressFrequency of grooming behaviorSerotonin transporter knockoutRepetitive grooming behaviorSocial approach testPlus maze testSocial preference behaviorDietary docosahexaenoic acidAutism-associated behaviorsOpen field testMaintenance of brain structureMale offspringStress mouse modelMouse modelSusceptibility to stressControlled diet conditionsMaternal α-cypermethrin and permethrin exert differential effects on fetal growth, placental morphology, and fetal neurodevelopment in mice
Elser B, Hing B, Eliasen S, Afrifa M, Meurice N, Rimi F, Chimenti M, Schulz L, Dailey M, Gibson-Corley K, Stevens H. Maternal α-cypermethrin and permethrin exert differential effects on fetal growth, placental morphology, and fetal neurodevelopment in mice. Toxicological Sciences 2025, 207: 91-108. PMID: 40517329, PMCID: PMC12448229, DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaf079.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsFetal growthGestational dayFetal developmentMaternal exposurePregnant CD1 miceGlutamate receptor signalingCorn oil vehicleType I pyrethroid permethrinFetal neurodevelopmentPlacental morphologyPlacental toxicityPlacental developmentCD1 miceExtracellular matrix remodelingOral gavageIndividual placentasOil vehicleDownregulation of genesReceptor signalingHuman studiesC-AMPNeurodevelopmentType I pyrethroidsType II pyrethroidsDorsal forebrainA head start: The relationship of placental factors to craniofacial and brain development
Carver A, Dunnwald M, Stevens H. A head start: The relationship of placental factors to craniofacial and brain development. Developmental Dynamics 2025 PMID: 40105397, PMCID: PMC12353629, DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.70018.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsPlacental functionBrain developmentCraniofacial developmentInsulin-like growth factor-1Etiology of neurodevelopmental disordersPlacental hormone productionGrowth factor-1Placental factorsCraniofacial skeletal growthFetal neurodevelopmentVitamin DGrowth hormoneCraniofacial morphogenesisHormone productionFactor 1PlacentaNeurodevelopmental disordersSkeletal growthBrainHormoneNutrient deliveryHead StartFunctional influenceNeuroplacentologyProlactinPrenatal stress alters mouse offspring dorsal striatal development and placental function in sex-specific ways
Maurer S, Hing B, Lussier S, Radhakrishna S, Davis J, Abbott P, Michaelson J, Stevens H. Prenatal stress alters mouse offspring dorsal striatal development and placental function in sex-specific ways. Journal Of Psychiatric Research 2025, 182: 149-160. PMID: 39809011, PMCID: PMC11959308, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.12.048.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsPrenatal stressAutism spectrum disorderSex-specific wayDorsal striatumNeurodevelopmental disordersGABAergic populationEffects of prenatal stressStriatal GABAergic neuronsReversal learningVentral forebrain regionsBrain changesSpectrum disorderForebrain regionsStriatal developmentGABAergic neuronsBehavioral assaysBrain developmentPlacental transcriptomeStriatumCognitionDevelopmental originsDisordersPlacental differencesPlacental functionPlacenta function
2024
Effects of 28-day nose-only inhalation of PCB52 (2,2′,5,5′-Tetrachlorobiphenyl) on the brain transcriptome
Bullert A, Wang H, Linahon M, Chimenti M, Adamcakova-Dodd A, Li X, Dailey M, Klingelhutz A, Ankrum J, Stevens H, Thorne P, Lehmler H. Effects of 28-day nose-only inhalation of PCB52 (2,2′,5,5′-Tetrachlorobiphenyl) on the brain transcriptome. Toxicology 2024, 509: 153965. PMID: 39369937, PMCID: PMC11588532, DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153965.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsBehavior compared to controlsImpact locomotor activityFemale ratsPCB52 exposureNose-only inhalationWorking memoryBrains of femalesBehavioral effectsLocomotor activityMale Sprague-Dawley ratsMale ratsRat brainStriatumNeurobehavioral testsBrain transcriptomeCerebellar cortexSprague-Dawley ratsBrainConsecutive daysNo significant differenceImmunohistochemical evaluationRatsChromatography-tandem mass spectrometryTotal cellsSignificant difference16p11.2 Microdeletion Induces Sex-Specific Defects in Placental Development in Mice
Carver A, Kelvingtion B, Fairbairn F, Abel T, Stevens H. 16p11.2 Microdeletion Induces Sex-Specific Defects in Placental Development in Mice. Placenta 2024, 154: e16-e17. DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.101.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchEffects of gestational hypothyroidism on mouse brain development: Gabaergic systems and oxidative stress
da Cunha Menezes E, de Abreu F, Davis J, Maurer S, Roshko V, Richardson A, Dowell J, Cassella S, Stevens H. Effects of gestational hypothyroidism on mouse brain development: Gabaergic systems and oxidative stress. Developmental Biology 2024, 515: 112-120. PMID: 39048051, PMCID: PMC11330572, DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.07.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsMeSH KeywordsAnimalsBrainCell MovementFemaleGABAergic NeuronsGene Expression Regulation, DevelopmentalGlutamate DecarboxylaseGlutathione PeroxidaseGlutathione Peroxidase GPX1HypothyroidismMaleMethimazoleMiceNF-E2-Related Factor 2Oxidative StressPlacentaPregnancyPrenatal Exposure Delayed EffectsThyroid HormonesConceptsGestational hypothyroidismGABAergic system developmentMaternal thyroid hormone supplyThyroid hormone supplyCortical GABAergic interneuronsMaternal thyroid hormonesGene expressionCD-1 miceCentral nervous system developmentEmbryonic day 9Central nervous systemIntrauterine restrictionGABAergic interneuronsGABAergic systemGPx1 gene expressionBrain gene expressionMouse brain developmentCD-1HypothyroidismEmbryonic dayNervous system developmentThyroid hormonesRisk factorsNeural system developmentHormonal imbalance
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
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Activities
activity Solnit Integrated Residency Program
CommitteesMemberDetailsSteering Committeeactivity Yale Child Study Center
07/01/2011 - PresentCommitteesMemberDetailsPublic Affairs Committeeactivity Department of Psychiatry
07/01/2009 - 06/30/2010CommitteesRepresentativeDetailsGraduate Education Committee
Honors
honor Young Investigator Memorial Travel Award
12/04/2009National AwardAmerican College of NeuropsychopharmocologyDetailsUnited Stateshonor Robinson-Cunningham Award
10/29/2009National AwardAmerican Academy Child & Adolescent PsychiatryDetailsUnited Stateshonor Seymour Lustman Resident Research Award
06/12/2009Yale School of Medicine AwardDepartment of Psychiatry, Yale School of MedicineDetailsUnited Stateshonor Young Investigator Award
05/10/2009International AwardNARSADDetailsUnited Stateshonor Fellow
11/15/2007National AwardGroup for the Advancement of PsychiatryDetailsUnited States
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