Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences

Dr. Marusak is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development, a Scientific Member of the Karmanos Cancer Institute and the CURES Center, and a Science Advisor for the nonprofit organization Kids Kicking Cancer.

Dr. Zundel earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wayne State University, then went on to complete a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience at Boston University School of Medicine. Her PhD work focused on the effects of neurotoxicant exposures on aging within the Gulf War veteran population, using neuropsychological assessment and structural brain imaging techniques. Dr. Zundel’s research interests include the impact of environmental stressors, particularly urban air pollution, on neurodevelopment and mental health in children and adolescents.

Breanna earned her Bachelor of Science from Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University, majoring in neuroscience. and recently earned a Master of Public (MPH) degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Her previous research was done with the Department of Surgery at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where she focused on trauma (firearm injuries, sink-bathing burns, circumstances surrounding dog bites).

Austin received his Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering in 2020 from Wayne State University. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Physics at Wayne State. Austin is interested in structural and functional changes of developing minds subjected to traumatic experiences. Other research interests include procedural memory, long-term potentiation, and fMRI biophysics.

Julia Evanski recently graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Neuroscience as well as a B.S. in Human Biology. Her recent research focused on the neuroscience of vision. Her future plans include continuing to pursue a path in neuroscientific research at Wayne State University. In her free time she enjoys playing with her kitten, loves to travel and is an avid hiker.

Aman earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2019 from Wayne State University. She is interested in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child mental health. Additionally, Aman has been interested in bridging the communication of research to the lay audience with her creative work in videography and photography.

Aneesh is a medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He completed his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences at Wayne State University. He is interested in pursuing a career in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and/or Neuropsychiatry.

Shreya is currently an undergraduate student at Wayne State University, working toward a major in neuroscience and a minor in psychology. She is interested in exploring brain development in children who have experienced trauma and she is also interested in researching the effects of mindfulness on children.

Mohammed is a third year medical student at Wayne State School of Medicine. Mohammed completed my bachelor's degree in genomics and molecular genetics at Michigan State University and is interested in pursuing a career in either Anesthesiology or Pediatrics.

Shelley is currently an undergraduate student at Wayne State University, majoring in Public Health and minoring in Neuroscience. Shelley plans to apply to medical school and is interested in specializing in Pediatric Oncology/Hematology. Shelley has been a research assistant in Dr. Marusak's studies for over 4 years and has worked on several projects, including two co-authored publications. In her free time, Shelley loves working out, attending Bikram Yoga, and spending quality time with her son Dylan and cat Piglet.

Autumm is a 2020 graduate from Wayne State University and received her bachelor’s degree in Public Health. She is currently working on the DRYVE study and is interested in the effects of community violence exposure on threat sensitivity. She hopes to attend medical school in the near future and plans to continue conducting research as a physician.

Zazai is an alumni of Wayne State University, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education. She currently works as a Special Ed.Teacher with developmentally delayed preschool and kindergarten children in Detroit, Zazai works concurrently as a Behavioral Health Technician with St. John Ascension Health. She is also a premedical student, applying to medical school. Zazai is facilitating a partnership between Detroit Public Schools and the THINK LAB.

Jennifer is an alumnus of Central Michigan University with her bachelor's degree in Psychology. She is currently a second-year graduate student in the Basic Medical Sciences program at Wayne State University. Jennifer is interested in better understanding the biological and environmental factors that puts children at risk for development of psychiatric disorders and utilizing neuroimaging techniques to evaluate structural and functional brain changes associated with psychiatric disorders.

Lauren is a current third year medical student pursuing family medicine or obstetrics and gynecology. She hopes to stay in Michigan and complete her residency in the metro Detroit area. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2018 and is currently in medical school at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She graduated with honors, a degree in Nutritional Sciences and minors in both Bioethics and Humanities and Health Promotion. She has conducted research on the impact of petroleum coke storage in Michigan through Wayne State University and has worked with the Department of Surgery at Children's Hospital of Michigan conducting research on patients diagnosed with intestinal failure.

Nina is currently an undergraduate student at the University of California San Diego, working toward her major in Biology. She is a premedical student who is interested in exploring the field of behavioral neuroscience and psychiatry.

Daed is currently an undergraduate premedical student at Wayne State University, working toward a degree in Environmental Science. She advocates for ecological remediation as she believes the climate crisis is a huge factor to our health complications. Daed is working on a literature review with Dr. Clara Zundel and Dr. Hilary Marusak that focuses on the relationship between outdoor air pollution and depression and anxiety. Daed is also the President of QueerMed WSU and is interested in LGBTQ+ mental health.

Myles is a graduate of Howard University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Former psychiatric care technician at Havenwyck Hospital, Myles has now redirected his focus back towards his studies. An aspiring physician, he is currently a Postbacc student at Wayne State with a focus in pre-med. Through education and research, he aims to acquire knowledge that will allow him to leave a lasting impact on the world we share.