Rachel BresnahanPlease tell us what position you hold in the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program!
I have joined the Prechter Program as the Marketing and Communications Specialist. My role is to increase visibility and awareness of the Prechter Program’s research within the University of Michigan community, throughout the state of Michigan, and nationally. I also work to educate the public about bipolar disorder and reduce stigma toward mental health. I work closely with the Prechter lab members, the Department of Psychiatry, and the Eisenberg Family Depression Center to promote the incredible and novel research happening in the Prechter Program.
What’s the best thing about working at the Prechter Program?
I have long admired the presence of the Prechter Program within the Department of Psychiatry—the cohesiveness of the lab, the incredible marketing reach the program has, and the passion the entire lab has for bipolar research is wonderful to be a part of. As someone who lives with mental illness, I feel strongly about reducing stigma toward mental health in our community, in treatment, and in ourselves. I love that I can be making changes in the way we speak about mental health at the Prechter Program.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m usually spending my time bouncing around garage sales, estate sales, and thrift stores. I collect vintage clothing, ephemera, and vintage analog cameras. Someone’s trash is my treasure! My prized possession is a mint green, bell bottom disco jumpsuit that I bought for $10. When I’m not treasure hunting I like to paint and run around with my dog, aptly named Disco.
Where do you hope to go next in your education and career?
I hope to stay working in mental health research! The field is so interesting. There are so many opportunities for growth and to continue to educate the public about the important research and why it matters. I’m also a self-taught graphic designer so I hope to continue doing self-learning and improving my design skills over time.
And finally: What are the three things you’d take with you on a deserted island?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, some sunscreen, and some chapstick. I wouldn’t last very long but I’d have some good tunes and no sunburns!