J9 Austin

Degree

PhD, Neuropsychiatric Genetics, University of British Columbia
MSc, Genetic Counselling (CCGC/CGC)

Academic appointment

Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia
Researcher, BC Mental Health & Addictions Research Institute
Canada Research Chair in Translational Psychiatric Genomics

Biography

Dr. Austin’s research interests are around the clinical implications of psychiatric genetics, with a focus on mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. Specifically, they do ongoing research into genetic and environmental contributors to post-partum episodes of mental illness, the impact of psychiatric genetics on mental illness stigma, and the outcomes of providing genetic counselling to individuals with mental illness and their family members. Dr. Austin developed the first and only specialist psychiatric genetic counselling service in the world, which has won an award for its impact on patient outcomes. In addition to peer-reviewed publications, they have written a book and won awards for teaching, leadership, and research. J9 is a member of the College of the Royal Society of Canada, and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. J9 is also Editor in Chief of the Journal of Genetic Counselling.

What I do when I'm not working

When I’m not working, I really enjoy food related activities - cooking, of course, but also foraging mushrooms, fishing, scuba diving to catch crabs, or just going to the farmers market. My own mental health self care is all about CrossFit, getting the right amount of sleep (my partner describes me as a “motivated sleeper’), hanging out with my partner and cats (I’m an introvert!), mindfulness, and being outdoors.