Dr. James Kesby obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Queensland, studying the developmental risk factors for schizophrenia in animal models. His postdoctoral training was at the University of California, San Diego.

Dr. Kesby’s research examines how dysfunction in a region of the brain called the associative striatum produces hallucinations and delusions (psychosis) and contributes to poor decision-making in people with schizophrenia. He uses a range of experimental approaches to manipulate brain circuits and neurochemistry in animal models during decision-making tests. These studies are demonstrating that the underlying brain dysfunction associated with psychosis can also impair cognitive function. Cognitive and psychotic symptoms have long been viewed as separate entities. Dr. Kesby’s research highlights that these two symptom groups are not separate and feature overlapping neurobiology that might be the targets of future treatments.

His current research is testing decision-making in people with psychosis and schizophrenia. Dr. Kesby’s translational approach aims to leverage the strength of basic research synergistically with outcomes obtained from direct patient-based clinical studies.