Rachel Smith, Ph.D., is collaborating with researchers across UAB on the two-year project, which will focus on the intracranial neural networks responsible for major depressive symptoms in epilepsy patients. 

“I was always an existential-type kid,” said Atkinson. “I enjoyed psychology because it’s essentially the study of humans and human behavior, and how everything interacts with one another from a psychological perspective. I found that fascinating. I wanted to study that and learn more about it, and eventually be able to help people who are going through very difficult times in their life.”

More than half of the university’s 1,954 graduating students will walk in commencement this semester. The UAB President’s Medal will be awarded to Marnix E. Heersink, M.D.