Department welcomes new faculty member
First-episode psychosis is the research specialty of psychologist and Assistant Professor Piper Meyer-Kalos, PhD, LP, the newest member of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences’ faculty. Meyer-Kalos transitioned from adjunct to faculty on February 19, 2020.
She is excited about returning to clinical work with the NAVIGATE team in St. Louis Park, MN. “NAVIGATE is a multi-disciplinary, treatment-based program specifically designed for persons with first-episode psychosis,” Meyer-Kalos explained. “The national model is called Coordinated Specialty Care. It includes a focus on evidence-based treatment that coordinates medication, family education, individual resiliency training, and supported employment and education.”
Research interests
In addition to treating patients, Meyer-Kalos brings several research projects with her. “My research is primarily focused on developing treatments for people with schizophrenia and serious mental illness,” she said. “Over the last 10 years, I’ve also become interested in first-episode psychosis.”
Most recently, Meyer-Kalos was the director of Research and Evaluation at the Center for Practice Transformation in St. Paul, MN (formerly the Minnesota Center for Chemical and Mental Health – MNCAMH). In that role, Meyer-Kalos served as principal investigator on all research and evaluation projects both national and statewide. She coordinated research and evaluation projects and supervised graduate and undergraduate students. Previously, Meyer-Kalos served six years as MNCAMH executive director.
Extensive research background
From 2005 to 2013, Meyer-Kalos built her investigative skills as an assistant professor of research with the Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Since then, she has been principal or co-investigator on 12 research grants funded by national, regional or local organizations.
“Another part of my job has been training clinicians across the state,” Meyer-Kalos said. “I’ve trained members of the NAVIGATE team, so it’s exciting to be part of that team.” In addition to her extensive teaching background, Meyer-Kalos has published 45 peer-reviewed articles, serving as first author on 8. She is a sought-after speaker and has given numerous poster or oral presentations to national and international audiences.
Meyer-Kalos lives in Hugo, MN, and when she has the time, loves to travel, seeking out new experiences and adventures. “I love culture and art and enjoy finding new museums,” she said. “It feeds my soul and is a source of inspiration.”
