The fall semester's Full Professor Lecture Series in the College of Arts and Sciences opens with Kelly Rohan, professor of psychology, speaking on a timely topic as the days grow shorter: "Thinking Outside the Light Box: New Ways to Treat and Prevent the Winter Blues." The lecture will take place Thursday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. in Memorial Lounge, Waterman Building.

Central dogma in the field of winter depression has previously viewed seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as a purely biological subtype of depression. Professor Rohan's research suggests that psychological models and treatments for depression are relevant to SAD. She will explain how thoughts and behaviors play a role in triggering the winter blues and how a form of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy can effectively treat and even prevent SAD episodes. She will also present new data from her clinical trial comparing light therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy in adults with SAD.

The lecture series gives newly promoted UVM faculty an opportunity to share with the university community a single piece of research or overview of research trajectory meant to capture the spark of intellectual excitement that has resulted in their achieving full professor rank. 

Information: (802) 656-0756.