PSYCHIATRY
LONGEVITY
HEALTH

Robert Raeder is a medical scientist primarily interested in metabolic psychiatry, longevity, and health optimization. He is currently a Research Principal at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s (UPMC) Western Psychiatric Hospital, working within the Phillips Mood and Brain Lab under the mentorship of Professor Mary L. Phillips, MD, MD (Cantab). The lab spans three centers: the Center for Neural Circuit-Based Technology Interventions in Psychiatry, the Center for Research in Translational and Developmental Affective Neuroscience, and the Center for Translational Research Incorporating Metabolism. Robert's translational work combines neuroimaging, metabolic, and behavioral measures to elucidate how metabolic interventions, including the ketogenic diet and exogenous ketones, influence neural circuits implicated in psychiatric disorders, particularly bipolar disorder. His overarching goal is to develop a precision-medicine framework for psychiatry that integrates metabolic and neural biomarkers to optimize mental and physical health across the lifespan.

An avid runner himself, Robert also collaborates with Dr. Jeffrey Brown, lead psychologist for the Boston Marathon, to examine the psychological and physiological factors influencing marathon running. Their research aims to establish best practices in psychological care for marathon runners and to elucidate bi-directional links between psychiatric vulnerabilities and endurance physiology, including factors that may predispose runners to medical encounter risks in marathon settings.

Previously, Robert served as a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Professor Nicola Clayton FRS. He also holds an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, an MA from the University of London, and a BA from Point Park University, where his early studies bridged biological sciences and the humanities.

Earlier in his career, Robert worked one-on-one with individuals to achieve evidence-based health outcomes through dietary interventions, with clients ranging from international supermodels to Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winners, as well as military veterans, domestic violence survivors, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Using personalized strategies, he has helped clients lose significant weight and overcome chronic health challenges, while also supporting their efforts to publish books, launch businesses, earn promotions, start families, and live more meaningful lives.