Current Research
Documenting and modulating the underlying physiology of worry
Despite therapeutic advances in the treatment of mental health conditions, a sizable subgroup of individuals with commonly occurring disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder fail to achieve substantial treatment progress or experience recurrence of symptoms following treatment. The goal of this research arm is to identify underlying psychophysiological contributors to repetitive negative thinking (e.g., worry and rumination) and use those as treatment targets for non-invasive brain stimulation.
Evaluating the impact of cognition and executive function on anxiety and worry
Although research has shown that anxiety, stress, and worry can detrimentally impact our cognitive abilities, it is not entirely clear how this process occurs and under what conditions this happens. The goal of this research arm is to explore how both attention and cognitive factors impact, and are impacted by, worry, stress and anxiety. We aim to use this information develop better models of stress responding which incorperate affective and translational neuroscience.
Explore the relationship between mental health and weather/climate change
Severe weather, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, often leads to widespread destruction, displacement, and loss, which can trigger or exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding this relationship helps us identify vulnerable populations, improve mental health interventions, and develop strategies to build resilience in communities facing the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events due to climate change. The goal of this research arm is to explore how severe weather event impact mantal health to help inform public health policies and ensure that mental health support is integrated into disaster preparedness and response efforts.
