Dr. Marusak interviewed about endocannabinoids and exercise
Dr. Marusak interviewed about endocannabinoids and exercise
2021
THINK Lab
Wayne State University
THINK Lab
Wayne State University
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
- 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 prenatal 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 on this link 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 $180. 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).
DRYVE Study
The Detroit Research on Youth Violence Exposure (DRYVE) study is an online survey study to learn more about local Detroit neighborhoods and community violence in teens. Teenagers between the ages of 14-18 yrs (and one parent/guardian) living in Detroit may be eligible to participate. If that's you or your teen, contact us!
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.
Recent Publications (past year)
For a list of the THINK lab's published research, click here
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)
Martial arts-based curriculum reduces stress, emotional, and behavioral problems in elementary schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot study
Mind, Brain, and Education (2021)
Are the kids really alright? Impact of COVID-19 on mental health in a majority Black American sample of schoolchildren
Psychiatry Research (2021)
Violence exposure and mental health consequences among urban youth
Psychiatry Research (2021)
Bridging the gap: Preparing the next generation of brain scientists to communicate with the general public and lawmakers
Neuropsychopharmacology (2022)
Community Violence Exposure is Associated with Hippocampus–Insula Resting State Functional Connectivity in Urban Youth
Neuroscience (2021)
LAB MEMBERS
Meet the minds of the THINK Lab
Principal Investigator
(she/her/hers)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
(she/her/hers)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
(she/her/hers)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
(she/her/hers)Aman earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2019 from Wayne State University. As an aspiring pediatric physician, she is passionate about working with children and studying brain and behavioral development in youth. Additionally, Aman has been interested in bridging the communication of research to the lay audience with her creative work in film.
Research Assistant
(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 Technician
(she/her/hers)Shreya is recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology from Wayne State University. She is interested in pursuing medical school, and in exploring brain development in children who have experienced trauma. She is also interested in researching the effects of mindfulness on children, and in science communication and policy.
Research Volunteer
(he/him/his)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
Mohammed is a fourth year medical student at Wayne State School of Medicine. Mohammed completed his bachelor's degree in genomics and molecular genetics at Michigan State University and is interested in pursuing a career in either Anesthesiology or Pediatrics.
Research Volunteer
(she/her/hers)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
(she/her/hers)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.
Research Volunteer
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.
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
(she/her/hers)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
(she/her/hers)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
(she/her/hers)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.
We are recruiting!
Email us
We are recruiting graduate students through the Translational Neuroscience PhD Program in the Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Interested? Please email Julia.
(FURRY) LAB MEMBERS
Affiliated Groups
Collaborators & community partners
Science Policy Network-Detroit
Co-founded by THINK lab members Breanna, Saurav, Shreya, and Dr. Marusak
BrainSTEM podcast
Hosted by Dr. Marusak and produced by Amanpreet and Manmeet Bhogal
Kids Kicking Cancer
International nonprofit organization
Detroit Trauma Project
PI: Tanja Jovanovic, Ph.D.
TNP2 Lab
PI: Christine Rabinak, Ph.D.
MR Research Facility
Wayne State Core Facility
The Drug Lab
Drs. Mark Greenwald & Leslie Lundahl
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!
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
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
Twitter
@
wsuthinklab Research Support
We are thankful for research support from various funders. Our current research is supported by 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.
