Principle Investigator
Jacob D. Kraft PhD
Dr. Kraft is an assistant professor at the University of South Dakota. His current program of research aims to document cognitive and physiological processes within anxiety and related disorders and determine their role as etiological or maintenance factors to better inform treatment. Using a variety of techniques (e.g., event-related potentials, time-frequency analyses, skin conductance, electrocardiography, heart-rate variability), he aims to better capture cognitive impairments (e.g., executive function, attention). His long-term goal is to continue using noninvasive brain stimulation techniques (e.g., tACS) to target disease specific and transdiagnostic physiological and cognitive processes.
His clinical interests include the treatment of anxiety and related disorders, including Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder using a variety of evidence based treatments, such as Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention.
Education and Training:
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Postdoctoral Fellowship at The University of Michigan and The Ohio State University
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Internship at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare
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PhD in Clinical Psychology from Oklahoma State University
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Augsburg University
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Graduate Students
Lindsey Aune
Graduate Student
Lindsey Aune is a 1st year clinical psychology Ph.D. Student at USD. She is passionate about bridging the gap between our understanding of neuroscience and clinical psychology. Her research and clinical interests include anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, and how our understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in these disorders can inform behavioral treatments. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing the piano and flute, and spending time with her family.
Christina Fanciullo
Incoming Graduate Student
Christina Fanciullo graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a B.A. in Psychology and is aiming to pursue a career in clinical psychology. Her research interests center around the psychopathology of mood and anxiety disorders with a focus on understanding how cognition is involved and impacted. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running, and being with her friends, family, and pets.
Undergraduate Students
Margaret Kathol
Lead Research Assistant
Margaret Kathol is in her 3rd year at USD studying psychology and arts in health. She is the vice president of the Student Art Alliance and works with SESDAC. She is interested in how anxiety affects the brain and how the arts can be used as alternative treatments. In her free time Margaret crochets, plays video games, and takes her cat on walks.
Josna Joji
Research Assistant
Josna Joji is in her Junior year at the University of South Dakota studying psychology. She is an International Student from India. She is interested in anything and everything related to anxiety and looks forward to a career in the same field. Outside of school and work, she likes to bake, read and loves to travel.
Yihaeseo Yang
Research Assistant
Yihaeseo Yang is in her second year at the University of South Dakota, studying Nursing. She is the vice president of American Red Cross Club. She is interested in depression and other mental disorders, particularly in the mechanisms behind them and holistic treatments. Outside of schoolwork, she loves being in nature, jogging, and dancing.
Skyler De Boer
Research Assistant
Skyler De Boer is a fourth-year student at the University of South Dakota. She is majoring in psychology with a deep interest in clinical psychology and trauma-informed therapy. By aligning with her passion for understanding anxiety, the PAWS Lab positions her for success in therapeutic environments centered on coping with emotional stress and building emotional resilience. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, writing creatively, and spending as much time with family as possible
Zachary Hesse
Research Assistant
Zach Hesse is in his second year at the University of South Dakota studying Psychology. He is interested in anxiety and OCD and applying those insights into clinical practice. Outside of school he enjoys watching professional sports, hanging with family/friends, and cooking!
Aubrey Liberty
Research Assistant
Aubrey Liberty is in her first year at the University of South Dakota, studying psychology and neuroscience. She is interested in the clinical practice of how mental disorders affect the brain. Outside of school/work Aubrey loves to watch true crime documentaries, cook, attend Pilates classes, and spend time with friends.
Katherine Elias
Research Assistant
Katherine Elias is in her second year at the University of South Dakota majoring in medical biology on a pre-med pathway. She is interested in anxiety and mental health and hopes to incorporate what she learns while working in healthcare. She is an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority on campus and is a Co-Director of Programming and Logistics for the Campus Activities Board. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family.
Gabbie Ahrendt
Research Assistant
Gabbie Ahrendt is in her Junior year at the University of South Dakota, studying medical biology. She is interested in the effects of stress and anxiety on the human body and hopes to apply the knowledge gained through research to her future career in medicine. Outside of school, Gabbie is part of the USD swim and dive team and also loves to hike, run, travel, and spend time with friends/family.
Mingma Dolma Dong Tamang
Research Assistant
Mingma Dolma Dong Tamang is a first-year student at the University of South Dakota majoring in Nursing. She has a strong interest in healthcare, research, and understanding human behavior and mental health, including anxiety and related disorders, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice. Outside of school, Mingma enjoys playing the ukulele, singing, and dancing.
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