Maria Chrysovalanti Pitharouli

I'm a PhD Candidate in Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatician at the University of Helsinki, specialising in genetics, psychiatry, and statistical genetics. My research focuses on understanding the relationship between depression and inflammation from a genetic perspective, using polygenic risk score analysis and other omic approaches.

My academic journey began with a BA in English Language and Literature from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where I also completed an Erasmus student exchange at Uppsala University. I later transitioned to psychology, completing a BSc in Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London, before completing an MSc in Genes, Environment and Development in Psychology and Psychiatry at King's College London. This diverse educational background enables me to bridge the gap between genetics and mental health research.

I've published research in prestigious journals including the American Journal of Psychiatry, investigating the relationship between depression, inflammation (C-reactive protein levels).