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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Click here to via my CV.
Josna Joji
Research Assistant
Josna Joji is in her Sophomore 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.
Camilla Brøgger-Andersen
Research Assistant
Camilla Brøgger-Andersen is in her 3rd year at the University of South Dakota studying psychology and Business Administration. She is interested in clinical practice, and industrial and organizational psychology. Outside of school/work Camilla is on the USD Swim team, loves to read, crochet, and hang out with friends.
Kaylin Wanna
Research Assistant
Kaylin Wanna is a fourth-year student at the University of South Dakota, majoring in psychology and minoring in health science. She is passionate about exploring the neurological aspects of mental health and holistic treatments. The PAWS Lab’s focus on using tACS and EEG to ease anxiety connects with her goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, stargazing, and spending time with family and friends.
Margaret Kathol
Research Assistant
Margaret Kathol is in her 2nd 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.
Yihaeseo Yang
Research Assistant
Yihaeseo Yang is in her first 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.
James Ringleb
Research Assistant
"James is in him second year at the University of South Dakota double majoring in Psychology and Communication Studies. He is passionate about how therapy and communication strategies can improve mental health. He is an active member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity on campus. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys weightlifting, baseball, and golf - most anything else that keeps him active and social.
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
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