Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For Study Participants
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Yes! The MRI research we do in the CATS Lab is non-invasive and relies on strong magnetic fields and radio frequencies to image the human brain.
However, MRIs are not safe (or comfortable) for all people. Participating in our studies may not be right for you if you have irremovable metal in your body, have a pacemaker, or are claustrophobic. As part of our screening procedures, we conduct a thorough safety check to ensure your safety.
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Our study team will meet you at the Biosciences Research Laboratories (BSRL) building, located at 1230 N. Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721.
If heading south on Campbell Road, make a right turn onto East Speedway Blvd or Helen St. or 1st Street. Then take a right onto North Cherry Avenue.
When heading south on N Cherry Avenue, take a right onto E. University Blvd. Take a left after the bus stop after crossing the 4-way stop.
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Yes! BSRL has dedicated research participant parking spots in the lot directly across from BSRL. Please park in one of these spots. Your experimenter will meet you at your vehicle to provide you with a permit and escort you to the testing area.
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Please try to remove any piercings and avoid wearing jewelry to your study visit. We will ensure you have no metal on your person before entering the scanner and will provide you with a locker to store your personal belongings; however, we encourage participants to not come with jewelry since small items are more likely to be lost or misplaced when removed.
Please also make sure to dress appropriately and comfortably. Things to avoid in the scanner include bras with underwire, clothing with metallic fibers (including certain athletic clothing and leggings), and metal belt buckles. In general, we ask you try to minimize the amount of metal in your clothing to minimize possible risks (though things like a standard pants zipper shouldn't cause any problems!). We also can provide hospital gowns for you to change into if we have any concerns about the safety or comfort of what you're wearing.
For most studies, you are able to eat and drink normally prior to the visit. Please keep in mind that you may be in the scanner for up to 1.5 hours and will have limited opportunities to use the bathroom once the study is underway.
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We do not provide any clinical services, including mental health counseling or emergency services.
If you are experiencing a crisis and are thinking of harming yourself or attempting suicide, please:
Call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for 24-hour, confidential support, or visit the nearest emergency room.
There are many resources in the Tucson area to receive treatment, based on your mental health needs. Here are a few:
Sierra Tucson
UA Behavioral Health Clinic
VA Southern Arizona -
For our active studies, we are recruiting biological female adults between 18 and 30 OR aged 60+.
If you think you might fit these criteria, please check out our website for more information. You can take a pre-screen for this study here LINK.
We may also be able to add you to a list of interested research participants. We will record your name and contact information so that we can let you know of any new studies going on in the CATS Lab!
Please feel free to reach out to lab coordinator, Nancy Huynh for more information on our current studies or future recruitment.
For Prospective Lab Members
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Maybe! There are many factors that go into decisions to admit PhD students into the Psychology Department at U of A, but I AM reviewing applications for a new Clinical Science PhD student to start in Fall 2025.
If you have questions about whether you should apply or not, please see the next question ('How do I know if I am a good fit for the CATS Lab?') and/or feel free to email me!
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Excellent question! When I am evaluating applications, I look at applicants' experiences holistically. Although some exposure to neuroscience is helpful, I don't expect that students who apply to my lab have extensive research in neuroimaging (though I do expect them to be enthusiastic about diving into this research!). I hope to recruit new graduate students who are excited about discovering new insights that help us better understand the brain bases of PTSD, and who I feel like I could mentor effectively.
Thus, my lab is best suited to applicants who are interested in translational neuroimaging research. Specifically, I expect that my students will gain a strong foundation of knowledge in human neuroscience and develop practical skills in functional and/or structural MRI during their training. It also means that students should expect that most of the research conducted in the lab will be mechanistic, rather than interventional (i.e., identifying brain-based mechanisms associated with PTSD and related conditions, rather than conducting clinical trials to treat these disorders). The PhD program also follows a clinical science model, so it is best suited for students who wish to pursue primarily academic/research careers (rather than full-time clinical practice). There is an established minor for students interested in neuropsychology.
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Emailing me prior to submitting an application is NOT necessary.
As a rule, I also do not meet with prospective graduate students outside of the formal application and interview process. The reasons for this are two-fold. First, I do not want to unintentionally bias my opinions about applicants prior to official review of applications (particularly when many trainees may be unaware that having an informal meeting with a potential advisor is possible). Second, I receive many inquires and applications from students interested in working with me, and I do not practically have time to arrange these meetings on top of my busy research and teaching schedule (and I need to prioritize my time for my current students and trainees).
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Yes! I love welcoming new undergraduate student volunteers to join the lab. There are several different mechanisms to get involved, and I generally request availability for 10-20 hours per week, two semesters:
(1) Volunteer:
(2) Directed Research:
(3) Independent Research:
(4) Honors Thesis:
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Although currently I am only mentoring Clinical Science students, my lab’s research is also an excellent fit for non-clinical students. If interesting in pursuing a PhD with me in the CNS program, please send me an email to inquire whether I am considering recruiting a CNS student in the current application cycle.
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For Scientists & Learners
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There are many free resources around geared toward learners of all levels! Here are some of the ones I recommend:
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Yes! If you are a fellow scientist, I would love to chat more to see if there may be an opportunity to collaborate on a future project. I have wide-ranging interests and expertise in human neuroimaging, neuropsychological assessment, trauma, and anxiety. Please send me an email, and we can talk more!
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Yes! Although the courses I teach vary by semester, here is a history of the courses I have taught:
Fall 2023 - PSY 504a - Human Brain and Behavior Relationships
Spring 2024 - PSY 528 - Affective Neuroscience
Fall 2024 - PSY 504a - Human Brain and Behavior Relationships, PSY 381 - Abnormal Psychology
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This is a frequently asked question?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.