Amelia Gallitano named 2025 – 2026 Keating Family BIO5 Professor for Interdisciplinary Research

Amelia Gallitano, professor in the departments of Basic Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, and Translational Neuroscience at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, has been named the 2025 – 2026 Keating Family Endowed Professor for Interdisciplinary Research at the BIO5 Institute. 

A psychiatrist and neuroscientist, Gallitano bridges innovative research, clinical care, and mentorship across both the U of A Phoenix and Tucson campuses. 

“It is such an honor to have been selected for the Keating Family Endowed Professorship at the BIO5 Institute,” said Gallitano. “The professorship represents a recognition that research is strongest in an environment that promotes the sharing of ideas, and brainstorming among scientists from different disciplines, to come up with innovative approaches to solve the major problems affecting human health.” 

Established by former BIO5 Institute director Jennifer Kehlet Barton and made possible by the Thomas W. Keating family, this distinguished professorship honors a BIO5 faculty member who exemplifies excellence in interdisciplinary bioscience research, mentorship, collaboration, and science communication. The inaugural recipient was Michael D.L. Johnson, associate professor in the Department of Immunobiology at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson, in 2023. 

“It is an honor to recognize Amelia Gallitano as the 2025 Keating Family BIO5 Professor. As an exemplary physician-scientist, her work on bridging neuroscience, psychiatry, and molecular biology reflects the interdisciplinary spirit at the heart of BIO5," said Vignesh Subbian, interim director of the BIO5 Institute. 

“This professorship not only honors her basic and translational research contributions but also empowers future advances in understanding and treating mental health disorders such as schizophrenia. We are very appreciative to the Keating family for their visionary support of interdisciplinary research at the University of Arizona, and I look forward to seeing the important outcomes that will result from this professorship.” 

Beginning July 1, 2025, the Keating Professorship will provide support for new research directions, equipment, and student mentorship. The position is eligible for a one-year renewal following review by the BIO5 director. 

Gallitano joined the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix in 2007 as one of the founding faculty members. Her research investigates how genes and life experiences, especially stress, interact to affect brain function and contribute to serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Her lab works to identify biological markers that could enable earlier diagnosis and lead to more personalized, effective treatments. 

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In addition to her scientific work, Gallitano is a dedicated mentor and advocate for the next generation of scientists and leaders, especially women and individuals from marginalized groups. Her commitment to translational science and inclusive mentorship has earned her several honors, including recognition as one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s “Outstanding Women in Business” in 2020. 

“It is more important now than ever to share the findings from research being done at the U of A, and other universities across the country, with the public. People deserve to understand how their tax dollars are being spent to enable major scientific discoveries, create new technologies, and develop life-saving treatments,” said Gallitano. “The commitment of the BIO5 to mentoring, through programs like the KEYS Research Internship, gives students an opportunity to participate in this interdisciplinary research, and ignites their passion for careers in science and medicine. I am thrilled to have the support of the Keating Family Professorship to advance this critical work.” 

Gallitano will be recognized as the Keating Family BIO5 Professor at a private reception in September 2025.