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Department of Psychiatry Department of Psychiatry
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Principal Investigator

 

Jessica Bomyea, PhD

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Education and Professional Experience

Dr. Bomyea is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego and a research scientist in the Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health. Dr. Bomyea received her doctoral degree from the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in clinical psychology. Dr. Bomyea’s research seeks to understand the link between aspects of neural and cognitive functioning (e.g., cognitive biases, executive functioning) and mental health disorders.  

Research Focus
Dr. Bomyea’s research seeks to understand the link between aspects of cognitive functioning (e.g., cognitive biases, executive functioning) and PTSD. In addition, she studies novel interventions for PTSD with the goals of translating cognitive science principles to new treatment approaches and delineating the processes of change during treatment. She is currently examining the neurobiological characteristics of individuals with PTSD and/or TBI, and the efficacy and neural substrates of cognitive interventions for PTSD.

Graduate Students

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Morgan Caudle

Morgan Caudle is a predoctoral student in the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology in the Experimental Psychopathology Track, mentored by Dr. Jessica Bomyea.
Morgan is broadly interested in the research and development of novel evidence-based treatments and utilizing neuroimaging to further our understanding of the neural correlates of treatment outcome. She is particularly interested in computerized interventions focused on improving executive functioning and reducing clinical symptoms. Outside of the lab you'll find Morgan snowboarding, playing board games, or reading fantasy novels. 

Lab Coordinators

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Nathalie Dugas

Nathalie received her Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego in 2021. She has worked with Dr. Bomyea since 2019 as an undergraduate and is now a lab coordinator, studying anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Nathalie is particularly interested in aspects of cognitive control and executive function. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Outside the lab Nathalie enjoys reading mystery novels, testing out new recipes, and paddleboarding.

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Edith Jimenez

Edith Jimenez received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a minor in Psychology from California State University San Marcos. Her prior work consists of investigating factors that contribute to the onset and course of anxiety and mood dysregulation in young children. Edith is broadly interested in the reduction of mood/anxiety symptoms through interventions designed to improve executive functioning. Outside of the lab you’ll find Edith hiking, running, and spending time with her fur babies. 
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McKinna Barnes

McKinna obtained her Bachelor of Science in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego in 2023. As an undergraduate, she worked in a research lab studying sex differences in dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease risk. McKinna is interested in research on women’s health relating to neurological disorders using neuroimaging studies. She plans to pursue a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology or Neuroscience. Outside of lab, she enjoys traveling, sailing, reading, and trying out local bakeries to find the best chocolate chip cookies in town.