Erika Forbes PhD

Dr. Forbes’ research focuses on the role of neural reward systems in the development, pathophysiology, and treatment of depression and related problems during adolescence. She uses multi-method techniques for assessing positive affect and reward, including fMRI, transcranial magnetic stimulation, behavior observation, computer-task performance, and ecological momentary assessment. She investigates social and monetary forms of reward, with both standardized (e.g., photos from stimulus sets) and personalized (e.g., friends) stimuli. Currently, she is a mentor for 5 undergraduates, two post-doctoral fellows, and one K01 awardees, and she directs the Career Development Institute for Psychiatry. She has an especially strong record for mentoring trainees from under-represented groups.