PROJECTS
Explore Our Research
Our projects examine mental health trajectories in trauma survivors, combining behavioral and neuroimaging assessments. We aim to identify biomarkers in PTSD, understand cognitive biases in trauma-exposed individuals, and focus on functional measures.
​
We also develop evidence-based, cost-effective social media interventions internationally to reduce treatment barriers for youth.
Cognitive processes underlying mental health outcomes among civilians in war zones
With the Homiyah Team & NATAL Organization
We assess the longitudinal impact of war-related stressors on the development of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in individuals living in conflict zones, comparing civilians and those on duty. Our focus includes cognitive processes, such as impaired belief updating, stigma toward mental health etc. to understand the link between these stressors and trauma-related psychopathologies.
Funded by the Azrieli Early Career Faculty Fellowship
Reducing Stigma to Promote Treatment-Seeking Behavior Among Youth Survivors of Childhood Trauma: A Cross-Cultural Approach
With the GC-TS Network (Global Collaboration on Traumatic Stress)
We use both human-narrated and AI-generated selfie-videos to reduce stigma and encourage treatment-seeking behaviors among youth across 15 different countries.
AI Simulation for Mental Health Professionals: Enhancing Communication with Traumatized Children
With Haruv Institute
We train mental health professionals working with abused and neglected children in therapeutic approaches using AI-driven simulators. Additionally, we develop online interventions to raise awareness of childhood maltreatment, such as ongoing emotional abuse.
​
To amplify this awareness, we collaborate with influencers and celebrities on social media.
Neuroimaging Activity in Childhood versus Adulthood Trauma Survivors
With Profs. Xi Zhu, Yuval Neria & Columbia University’s PTSD Team
We compare brain activity among childhood versus adulthood trauma survivors and utilize large clinical and imaging datasets to identify transdiagnostic biomarkers across PTSD including s-MRI and rs-fMRI from international datasets.
Sex-Specific Neurodevelopmental Effects of Childhood Trauma
With Prof. Xi Zhu, The Department of Bioengineering, UTA
Using data from over 11,000 youth in the ABCD Study, this project investigates how different forms of childhood trauma shape structural and functional brain development during adolescence — and how these effects may differ between boys and girls.
.png)