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Juliann P

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Expertise

Statistics, cognitive psychology, social psychology, neuroscience, cognitive behavioral therapies, psychotherapeutic interventions, racial disparities, substance use, trauma and PTSD

Bio

I recently completed my PhD in Medical/Clinical Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where my dissertation focused on neuroimaging and substance use. My main interests focus around substance use, PTSD, and neuroimaging, although I'm passionate about cognitive neuroscience in general! Currently I am a postdoctoral fellow at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School where I work on neuroimaging projects to better understand trauma and dissociation. Now that I've finished my PhD I have a lot more spare time! I recently moved to the Boston, MA area and I'm looking forward to exploring everything the city has to offer! I enjoy reading, cooking, and going for walks.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Foundations of Structural MRI Physics

In this project, you will learn about the physics of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You will explore the physics of the MRI machine and how those signals interact with the body to produce a structural MRI. You may choose to focus on anatomical images or diffusion-weighted images, or you may explore both topics. You will then produce an a scientific review paper or infographic depicting the process, depending on your preference. Prerequisites Basic understanding of physics and biology.

Foundations of Functional MRI Physics

In this project, you will learn about the physics of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You will explore the physics of the MRI machine and how those signals interact with the body to produce a functional MRI. You will then produce an a scientific review paper or infographic depicting the process, depending on your preference. Prerequisites Basic understanding of physics and biology.

Psychiatric Applications of Neuromodulatory Interventions

In this project, you will learn the mechanism of action for a specific neuromodulatory intervention (e.g., electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, etc). You will then review the current literature regarding the application of the intervention and discuss potential future directions. The project will culminate in writing a scientific review paper on your chosen neuromodulatory intervention. Prerequisites - Basic understanding of biology - Strong interest in the topic - A few hours of work outside of each session Additional Information You will need access to scientific journal databases, which can often be accessed through your local library.

Coding skills

SAS, SPSS, Mplus

Teaching experience

1) I have mentored 13 undergraduate and graduate students on a broad range of projects, from honors theses to research posters and papers. 2) Until COVID-19, I participated in community engagement projects at my local science center, such as Brain Awareness Week. These events are designed to educate community members ranging from kindergartners through adults on topics related to the brain and cognition. 3) I have guest lectured for both graduate classes and medical residents on topics ranging from statistical analyses to implementation of cognitive behavioral therapies.

Credentials

Work experience

McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School (2022 - Current)
Postdoctoral Fellow
Richmond VA Medical Center (2021 - 2022)
Psychology Intern
University of Alabama at Birmingham (2016 - 2021)
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Pennsylvania - Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation (2014 - 2016)
Research Specialist

Education

Gettysburg College
BA Bachelor of Arts (2011)
Psychology and Neuroscience
University College London
MS Master of Science (2013)
Clinical Neuroscience
University of Alabama at Birmingham
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Medical/Clinical Psychology

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