Dr. Marusak interviewed about endocannabinoids and exercise
Dr. Marusak interviewed about endocannabinoids and exercise
2021
THINK LAB
Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences
Wayne State University School of Medicine
About
The "THINK" in THINK lab stands for Trauma History Investigation of Neurodevelopment in Kids. We study the impact of stress and trauma during childhood on brain development in children and adolescents, as well as, neurodevelopmental mechanisms leading to anxiety and other "fear-based" disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders are extremely common and affect about one in three people at some point during their lifetime. Fear-based disorders also begin during childhood and adolescence, so our research takes a developmental approach.
Research Themes
Techniques
To study brain development in children and adolescents, our research uses several neuroscientific techniques, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), structural MRI, electroencephalography (EEG), blood and saliva biomarkers, genetic variants, skin conductance responses (SCRs), and behavior.
Ongoing Research Studies
Volunteer for paid research opportunities
Participate in paid research studies!
Click below to complete a form to be contacted about research opportunities!
Wayne State ABCD study
Adolescent Brain Cannabinoid Development (ABCD) Study: Parents of 10-17 yr olds living in Detroit or the surrounding areas: Take a brief online survey and have your child complete a brief survey and earn a $20 e-gift card for your participation!
Help Wayne State researchers understand the things that children & teens experience. Your child may also be eligible for a larger study that compensates up to $380. Watch this 2-minute video to learn more about the study. Contact us to get started!
CBD Study
This study is to examine the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on anxiety and behavioral problems among children with epilepsy. In partnership with Dr. Aimee Luat, MD (Children's Hospital of Michigan).
E = MBH
This study is to learn about the beneficial effects of exercise and endocannabinoids on mental and brain health in 9-17-year-old children. In partnership with Dr. Jeanne Barcelona, PhD (WSU Center for Community Health).
Warrior C.A.R.E
The overall goal of this research program is to understand how cannabis affects mental health in United States armed forces veterans.
PATH Study
The Peer Adjustment and Teen Health (PATH) study is being conducted in partnership with Dr. Hannah Schacter's lab (WSU Department of Psychology). This study will examine the impact of social experiences on health of teens, ages 10-17 years.
BRAINS Study
Research opportunity for 14-17 yr-olds and one parent/guardian: Help Wayne State researchers learn about the effects of exercise on brain health in healths!
Recent Publications
For a list of the THINK lab's published research, click here
Getting a good night's sleep: Associations between sleep duration and parent-reported sleep quality on default mode network connectivity in youth
Journal of Adolescent Health (2023)
Air pollution, depressive and anxiety disorders, and brain effects: A systematic review
Neurotoxicology (2022)
Impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on functional connectivity of the salience network in children
J Neurosci Res (2022)
Impact of childhood trauma exposure, genetic variation in endocannabinoid signaling, and anxiety on frontolimbic pathways in children
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (2022)
Meditation reduces brain activity in the default mode network in children with active cancer and survivors
Pediatric Blood & Cancer (2022)
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of exercise on the endocannabinoid system
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (2021)
LAB MEMBERS
Meet the minds of the THINK Lab
Principal Investigator
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.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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.
Research Coordinator
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. Julia will be applying to doctoral programs for fall of 2023.
Research Assistant & Social Media Director
Aman earned her B.S. in Psychology in 2019 from Wayne State University. Her recent work at the lab has focused on the impact of perceived discrimination regarding sexual orientation on mental health and neurodevelopmental (e.g., brain structure) outcomes. Additionally, Aman has been interested in bridging the communication of research to the lay audience with her creative work in film. Aman will be applying to doctoral programs for fall of 2024.
Research Assistant & Recruitment Coordinator
(she/her/hers)
Leah graduated from the University of Michigan in 2022, earning a B.A. with a double major in Psychology and History. She is interested in examining how adverse childhood experiences impact brain and behavioral development. In the future, she plans on attending graduate school and earning a PhD in clinical science. Outside of the lab, Leah enjoys playing with her kitten, powerlifting, and watching Marvel movies.
Research Technologist
Reem is a Computer Science graduate from Wayne State University as of May 2022. She is interested in software development and data analysis. Reem plans to pursue a long-term technical career and obtain a master's degree in data science.
Neuroscience Ph.D. Student
Sam attended Albion College where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, concentrating her studies in neuroscience. She is currently a first-year PhD student in the Translational Neuroscience Program at Wayne State University. Her broad research interests include investigating the neurodevelopmental mechanisms of anxiety- and stress-based disorders. Outside of the lab, Sam enjoys painting, photography, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Research Volunteer
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.
Research Volunteer
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.
Research Volunteer
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.
Research Volunteer, Richard Barber Fellow
Mariya is currently an undergraduate student at Wayne State University majoring in neuroscience and minoring in psychology. She loves to learn about various fields of neuroscience, specifically developmental, cognitive and behavioral. Mariya is also interested in health psychology which ties in with her current research about the effects of exercise, meditation, and stretching on anxiety in youth.
Research Volunteer, BUILD Scholar
Carmen is currently a third year undergraduate student at Wayne State University. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and ultimately study the mental health of prisoners.
Research Volunteer, Richard Barber Fellow
Sarah is currently a senior undergrad student at WSU and in her last semester of her bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports Science. Additionally, she will begin grad school in the fall to pursue her master’s degree. She also has an associate degree in business and plans on earning 500-hour yoga cert next year. She loves learning and working out. When she is not hitting the books, she is in the gym, doing yoga, or doing research on health and fitness. She also really loves being outdoors. Her favorite pastime is fishing, but she enjoys anything that involves camping, hiking, or being in or by water.
Research Volunteer
Jovan is currently a Medical Student at the Wayne State University School of Medicine with an interest in intervention development and translational research. He has a background in mental health research and cognitive development, and is hoping to build and add to this experience while a part of the THINK lab. He hopes to take this experience and leverage it as a clinician in the future developing interventions that can address existing gaps in healthcare.
Research Volunteer
(she/her/hers)
Micala is a third year undergraduate student at Wayne State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Micala is currently a member of the social media team, allowing her to pursue her passion for science communication and making research accessible to the general public.
The THINK lab takes PhD students through the Translational Neuroscience Program and the Pharmacology Program and may be recruiting a postdoctoral research fellow for Fall 2023. Email Dr. Marusak if interested in a PhD or postdoctoral position.
We have openings througout the year for volunteer research assistant positions. Click here to apply!
Alumni
Autumm Heeter, undergrad and postbacc student at WSU. Now a medical student at Central Michigan University.
Mohammed Faraj, MD student at WSU. Now a resident (Emergency Medicine) at Beaumont Trenton/Dearborn.
Shreya Desai, undergrad student at WSU. Now a MD student at Oakland University.
Zazai Owens, postbacc student at WSU. Now an MPH student at Harvard University.
Sarah Haque, undergraduate student at WSU.
Evelyn Odunayo-Ojo, undergraduate student at WSU.
Myles Jennings, postbacc student at WSU.
Rima Maroki, BUILD scholar at WSU.
Nina Lipanski, undergrad student at UCSB.
Savanah Rayyan, now pursuing a graduate program and full-time employment.
Austin Morales, Master's of Science in Biomedical Engineering at WSU. Now abroad.
Breanna Borg, Master of Public Health.
Lauren Lowes, DO student at Michigan State University
Daed Daher, undergrad student at WSU.
Violet Zhou, postbacc volunter. Now a Research Assistant at University of Michigan
Pelli Mechnikov, undergrad student at MSU. Now a Research Assistant at Michigan State University
Saurav Singh, undergrad student at WSU. Now a JD student at WSU.
Affiliated Groups
Collaborators & community partners
MR Research Facility
Wayne State Core Facility
BEYOND SCIENCE
The THINK team in the lab and in the community!
Summer Camp visits
2022
THINK lab member Leah Gowatch brought the brains to Crowell Recreation Center over the summer.
Capitol Hill
2022
Three THINK lab members visit Capitol Hill with Science Policy Network-Detroit to advocate for federal science funding and science-based policies!
School visits
2022
THINK lab members visited the Melvindale Medical Club to talk to high school students about the brain.
Brain Day
2022
THINK lab members volunteered at Brain Day at the Michigan Science Center.
Community events
2021
THINK lab members help pass out resources and gun locks at the 11th precinct in Detroit
Washington, D.C.
2020
Dr. Marusak advocating for federal research funding for neuroscience on behalf of the ACNP and SFN
School visits
2019
In partnership with Kids Kicking Cancer
MRI
2019
Dr. Maruask high-fiving a child who completed one of our neuroimaging studies
Celebration of Life
2019
For pediatric cancer patients and survivors
Therapeutic Techniques for the 21st Century: Pediatric Psychosocial & Palliative Care
2019
Dr. Marusak discussing the impact of stress and trauma on the brain and the benefit of martial-arts based meditative techniques
Celebration of Life
2017
For pediatric cancer patients and survivors
EEG
2019
A child superhero participating in one of our EEG studies
NEWS & MEDIA
2021-2023
Dr. Marusak interviewed about endocannabinoids and exercise
2021
2019-2020
Dr. Marusak's article on CBD and anxiety published in The Conversation
2020
Dr. Marusak invited to speak to the ACS Gold Champions event
2020
Contact Us!
You're awesome. Let's talk.
Phone
313.577.1993
thinklab@wayne.edu
Location
Tolan Park Medical Building 3901 Chrysler Service Drive, Suite 2B
Detroit, MI 48201
@wsuthinklab
© 2019