About

Welcome to the Psychiatry and Early Neurobiological Development Lab (PENDL) at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine!  Led by Hanna Stevens, MD, PhD, we are interested in understanding how prenatal stress, environmental exposures, and genes that play a role in early development have an impact on childhood behavior and act as risk factors for multiple psychiatric disorders. 

We use mostly basic science techniques including molecular, cellular, neuroanatomical, and behavioral assessments of mouse models. Our studies particularly focus on the high-risk times of pregnancy and early development. Our research mission is to advance mental health diagnosis and treatment of disorders across the lifespan. We are dedicated to equipping the next generation of scientists to tackle critical scientific and clinical questions in addition to fostering their pursuit of discovery.