THINK LAB
Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences
Wayne State University School of Medicine
About
The Trauma History Investigation of Neurodevelopment in Kids (THINK) lab studies 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
- The impact of environmental adversity on brain and behavioral development in children and adolescents. This includes childhood trauma —such as interpersonal forms of trauma (e.g., violence, peer victimization) and medical-related trauma (e.g., cancer diagnosis, treatments), and also environmental toxicants (e.g., particulate matter air pollution, lead).
- The role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating frontolimbic brain development and risk of fear-based disorders.
- Behavioral (e.g. exercise, meditation) or pharmacological interventions (e.g., cannabidiol, CBD) that target the endocannabinoid system for the treatment and/or prevention of fear-based disorders in youth.
- The impact of perinatal cannabis exposure and adolescent cannabis use on neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes.
- Effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on the brain and mental health outcomes.
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!
BRAINS Study: Recruiting now!
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 youth!
SERENITY Study: Recruiting now!
The Stress and Emotion Regulation through Endocannabinoids in Teen Youth (SERENITY) study will help researchers understand how teens ages 14-17 years handle stress and emotions.
Warrior C.A.R.E.: Recruiting now!
The overall goal of this research program is to understand how cannabis affects mental health in United States armed forces veterans.
Canna Mama Study: Recruiting now!
Survey for pregnant people living in the Detroit area about their perceptions and use of cannabidiol (CBD) and other substances during pregnancy.
Community & Mental Health Study: Recruiting now!
An online survey research study about the community in which you live and your mental health. Young adults eligible to participate must currently reside in Detroit.
Recent Publications
For a list of the THINK lab's published research, click here
Mindful young brains and minds: a systematic review of the neural
correlates of mindfulness-based interventions in youth
Jovan Jande, Isaac N. Treves, Samantha L. Ely, Leah C. Gowatch, Carmen Carpenter, MacKenna Shampine, Christian A. Webb, Matthew D. Sacchet, John D.E. Gabrielli, Hilary A. Marusak
Brain Imaging and Behavior (2025)
Threat sensitivity mediates the association between perceived safety and anxiety in adolescents from urban communities
Journal of Psychiatric Research (2024)
Endocannabinoid dysregulation and PTSD in urban adolescents: Associations with anandamide concentrations and FAAH genotype
Hilary A. Marusak, Samantha L. Ely, Clara G. Zundel, Leah C. Gowatch, MacKenna Shampine, Carmen Carpenter, Reem Tamimi, Alaina M. Jaster, Tehmina Shakir, Len May, Terri A. deRoon-Cassini & Cecilia J. Hillard
Psychopharmacology (2024)
Particulate matter exposure and default mode network equilibrium during early adolescence
Clara Zundel, Cole Brokamp, Jeffrey Strawn, Tanja Jovanovic, Patrick Ryan, and Hilary Marusak
Brain Connectivity (2024)
Endocannabinoids and stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of basal concentrations and response to acute psychosocial stress
Leah Gowatch, Julia Evanski, Samantha Ely, Clara Zundel, Amanpreet Bhogal, Carmen Carpenter, MacKenna Shampine, Emilie O'Mara, Raegan Mazurka, Jeanne Barcelona, Leah Mayo, and Hilary Marusak
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (2024)
Genetic variation in endocannabinoid signaling: Anxiety, depression, and threat- and reward-related brain funcitoning during the transition into adolescence
Shreya Desai, Clara Zundel, Julia Evanski, Leah Gowatch, Amanpreet Bhogal, Samantha Ely, Carmen Carpenter, MacKenna Shampine, Emilie O'Mara, Christine Rabinak, Hilary Marusak
Behavioural Brain Research (2024)
The impact of caregivers on COVID-19 fears, behaviors, and perceived impact in a majority Black American sample of children
Amanpreet Bhogal, Autumm Heeter, Leah Gowatch, Tanja Jovanovic, Hilary A Marusak
Mental Health Science (2024)
LAB MEMBERS
Meet the minds of the THINK Lab
Principal Investigator
(she/her/hers)Dr. Marusak is an Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine. She also has a secondary faculty appointment Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development and the Department of Pharmacology, is 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
(she/her/hers)Dr. Zundel earned her B.S. 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.
Neuroscience Ph.D. Student
(she/her/hers)
Sam attended Albion College where she graduated with a B.S. in Psychology, concentrating her studies in Neuroscience. She is currently a third-year PhD student in the Translational Neuroscience Program at Wayne State University. Her research focuses on the neurobiology of stress and emotion regulation in teens with mental health concerns. Outside of the lab, Sam enjoys painting, photography, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Kama is currently an MD/PhD student at Wayne State University of Medicine. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Neuroscience, Psychology, and French. She is interested in conducting research on externalizing disorders and neurodivergence as well as pursuing a clinical career in neurology, with a specialization in neurodevelopmental disorders. In her free time, she enjoys writing speculative fiction, working on her at-home espresso bar, and spending time with her loved ones and cat, Steve.
Biyyiah A. Strickland is a PhD student at Wayne State University’s College of Nursing. A Chicago native and registered nurse in Detroit, she has over fourteen years of experience in ambulatory care, home health, care coordination, and community-based nursing. She earned her Master's degree in advanced public health nursing from Wayne State University in 2021 and now focuses her research on cannabis use and mental health disparities in underserved urban communities, with an emphasis on policy, education, and healthcare equity. In her free time, she enjoys community advocacy, mentoring future nurse leaders, and spending time with her family.
Reem Tamimi, M.S.
Research Associate/Tehcnologist (with Dr. Eric Woodcock)
(she/her/hers)
Reem is a Computer Science graduate from Wayne State University as of May 2022 and received a Master's degree in Data Science and Business Analytics in December 2024. Reem's interests lie in the field of neuroimaging data analytics.
Research Assistant and Social Media Editor
(she/her/hers)
Carmen earned her B.A. in Psychology and B.S. in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University and is currently pursuing a Master's of Social Work at Wayne State University. Her research interests include the effects of sleep duration and violence exposure on mental health. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and spending time with her bunny.
MacKenna recently graduated from Hope College in May 2023 with a B.A. in Psychology. Her research interests include post-traumatic therapeutic interventions, resilience, and heart rate variability. MacKenna plans to pursue her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology to work clinically and in academic settings. In her free time, she enjoys reading, coffee, and paddle boarding.
Research Assistant
(she/her/hers)
Jennifer is an alumnus of Wayne State University with her Master's degree in Basic Medical Sciences, preceded by her B.S. in Psychology from Central Michigan University. Her main research interest lies 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.
Emilie graduated from the University of Michigan in 2023, where she earned a B.S. in Neuroscience. She is interested in using neuroimaging to investigate the brain-behavior mechanisms underlying trauma and substance use disorders. Outside of the lab, Emilie enjoys spending time outside, traveling, and hanging out with her dogs.
Research Volunteer
(she/her/hers)
Shelley is currently an undergraduate student at Wayne State University majoring in Public Health and minoring in Neuroscience. She is currently studying for the MCAT and her plans are to apply to medical school and specialize in Pediatric Oncology. Shelley has been a research assistant in Dr. Marusak's lab for over 4 years and has worked on several projects and co-authored 2 publications. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son and cat.
Research Volunteer
(she/her/hers)
Mariya earned her B.S. in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology from Wayne State University. 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
(she/her/hers)
Sarah is a dedicated academic and researcher with a Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Science and a Ph.D. in Community Health at Wayne State University. As a second-year Ph.D. student, her dissertation focuses on integrating classroom physical activity and mindfulness into the academic curriculum of elementary schools, aiming to enhance physical and mental well-being among young students. Since the beginning of 2022, Sarah has been a research assistant in the Think Lab. Additionally, she has served as a teaching assistant in the Division of Kinesiology, Health, and Sports Science since Fall 2021, where she is passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of health professionals.
Outside of her academic and research endeavors, Sarah enjoys spending her free time at the gym or immersed in a good book, balancing her intellectual pursuits with physical and mental well-being.
Research Volunteer
(he/him/his)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.
Shravya is currently a medical student at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine with an interest in pediatric psychology. She has prior experience with mental health outreach and clinical pediatrics, and is hoping to build upon that while contributing to the THINK Lab.
Sneha is currently a medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine. She received a bachelor’s degree from UCLA in Psychobiology. She is interested in pursuing a career in pediatrics and/or psychiatry. For fun she likes to try new restaurants and outdoor activities.
Shivani graduated from Wayne State University with a B.S in Neuroscience and is currently pursuing her medical degree at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. She is interested in pursuing a career in pediatrics and loves to cook new recipes in her free time.
Alex earned his B.S. in Honors Neuroscience and B.A. in French, with minors in Psychology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry from Wayne State University. In the future, he would like to attend medical school to become a physician and an educator. His interests include neuroscience, chemistry, music, writing, and languages.
Emily is a first year medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine. She received her Bachelor's degree in Honors Neuroscience from Wayne State. Her research interests include neurodevelopment and oncology and she plans on working in a pediatric specialty. In her free time, Emily loves to explore Michigan and spend time with friends.
Jess earned her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from Wayne State University. She is specifically interested in neuropsychology and the relation of brain and behavior. With plans to pursue a PhD program in the future, Jess is very excited to gain experience with research at the THINK lab. In her free time, she loves playing with her cat, making music, and being outdoors.
Aidan is currently an undergraduate student at Wayne State University. He is studying Neuroscience with hopes of going to medical school after graduation. Outside of the lab, he enjoys listening to music and playing the drums.
Gehad is an undergraduate student at Wayne State University studying Neuroscience and Health Psychology. Her research interests include childhood trauma and recovery. She has a passion for planning and organizing. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health and to apply to podiatry school. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and watching movies.
Join the lab!
The THINK lab takes PhD students through the Translational Neuroscience Program and the Pharmacology Program. 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!
(FURRY) LAB MEMBERS
Affiliated Groups
Collaborators & community partners
Cannabinoids in Neurodevelopment Division (CANDID)
Director: Hilary Marusak, PhD
Science Policy Network-Detroit
Dr. Marusak is a faculty advisor
BrainSTEM podcast
Hosted by Dr. Marusak and produced by Amanpreet and Manmeet Bhogal
Kids Kicking Cancer
International nonprofit organization
Drug Lab Detroit
Drs. Leslie Lundahl, Mark Greenwald, Eric Woodcock, and Dave Ledgerwood
TNP2 Lab
PI: Christine Rabinak, Ph.D.
Detroit Trauma Project
PI: Tanja Jovanovic, Ph.D.
MR Research Facility
Wayne State Core Facility
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Division Chief: Jeffrey Taub, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Behavioral and Field Research Core
Scientific Director: Felicity Harper, Ph.D.
Adolescent Relationships in Context Lab
PI: Hannah Schacter, Ph.D.
Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program
Medical Director: Aimee Luat, M.D.
Wayne Pediatrics
Chief Medical Officer: Christopher Youngman, M.D.
Center for Health & Community Impact
Asst. Professor of Community Health: Jeanne Barcelona, Ph.D.
BEYOND SCIENCE
The THINK team in the lab and in the community!
If you are interested in having us visit your classroom, school, or other group, please complete this form.
Science advocacy
2023
SciPol-Detroit's second annual visit to Capitol Hill!
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
Contact Us!
You're awesome. Let's talk.
Phone
313.577.1993
Email
thinklab@
wayne.edu 
Facebook
Location
Tolan Park Medical Building 3901 Chrysler Service Drive, Suite 2B
Detroit, MI 48201
BlueSky/Instagram
@
wsuthinklab Research Support
If you would like to make a donation to the THINK lab or the School of Medicine, visit this link: DONATE. For THINK lab donations, hit "Other" under Designation, then write in "THINK lab".
We are thankful for research support from various funders. Our current and prior research is supported by One Mind, the National Institute of Mental Health, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the Children's Foundation, the State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs/Cannabis Regulatory Agency, the WSU Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, and the NIH/NIEHS CURES P30 Center.
