Prof. David Penn, PhD

Prof. David Penn, PhD is a distinguished research mentor and academic with decades of experience at the forefront of psychological science. A Research Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UNC Chapel Hill and Director of Psychological Services at Early Psychosis Interventions in North Carolina, David brings deep expertise in social cognition and psychosocial treatment for schizophrenia to everything he does.

Having earned his PhD from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and held faculty positions at the Illinois Institute of Technology and LSU, David has built a prolific career spanning rigorous clinical research, student mentorship, and evidence-based treatment development. His work covers CBT for psychosis, mindfulness-based interventions, and Social Cognition and Interaction Training, with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion in research and academia.

As a research and post-PhD mentor, David offers unparalleled guidance to emerging scholars navigating the complexities of academic careers, research design, and professional development, drawing on a lifetime of scientific achievement and a genuine passion for nurturing the next generation of researchers.