People

Faculty & Staff

Graduate Students

Milad Kassaie

I am a PhD student in the Brain and Cognitive Science area of USC Psychology program. I am interested in human motivation and decision making, and the contextual factors that influence them. I use neuroimaging, physiological measurements, and computational modeling to tackle issues of interest in these fields. I have previous experience in using non-invasive brain stimulation(TMS, tES)  and fMRI to study value-based decision making and food craving.

Shuning Wang

I am a PhD student in BCS. I am interested in self-control, addiction, motivation, decision-making, and behavioral economics. I find it both fascinating and entertaining to utilize my own human brain to study the brains of others. During my leisure time, I enjoy reading novels or philosophical books, exercising, and traveling.

Natalia “Natalie” Peraza

Natalia “Nat” Peraza is a 4th year PhD student in the Brain and Cognitive Science area of the Psychology program at the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on understanding the relationship between substance use and psychological vulnerabilities, with the goal of reducing substance use and improving mental health outcomes among underserved and vulnerable populations. Natalia is also interested in exploring the neural correlates of addiction, as well as assessing the abuse potential and therapeutic effects of drugs to inform public health policy.

Project Assistant

Jacob Aguilera

Jacob is a full-time Project Assistant in the Addiction and Self-Control Lab. In his role, he coordinates research operations, manages participant recruitment and scheduling, supports data management and quality assurance, and contributes to study design and data analysis. His research interests center on addiction among young adults, with a particular focus on the cognitive and behavioral factors that influence substance use and recovery. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with the goal of conducting research on addiction and developing evidence-based interventions to improve mental health outcomes. Outside of the lab, Jacob enjoys reading, attending concerts, and exploring coffee shops throughout Los Angeles.

Undergraduate Assistants

Madison Haaland-Ford

I am an undergraduate Human Biology student on the pre-medical track with a minor in Business Administration. As a member of the Cerebro study team, I am trained in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess cortical hemodynamic responses associated with cue-reactivity. My research interests focus on the behavioral appeal of oral nicotine products (ONPs) and their potential role in craving reduction and harm reduction strategies. Outside of research, I compete as a Division I women’s water polo athlete at USC and enjoy hot yoga and Pilates in my free time.

Zachary Haywood

I am an undergraduate psychology student on a pre-med track. As part of the team for the Cerebro study, I am trained to operate functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) on participants to observe hemodynamic patterns related to cue-reactivity. My research interests include the relative appeal of oral nicotine products (ONP) and their abilities to reduce craving in smokers. In my free time, I love singing with my a cappella group and exploring cafes across Los Angeles.

Holly Pearce

I am an undergraduate neuroscience student with hopes to get my PhD in Clinical Psychology in the future. In my role as an undergraduate research assistant for the CEREBRO study, I help recruit participants, run baseline and experimental sessions, and am trained with operating functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in order to observe changes in brain activation when participants are presented with smoking and non-smoking cues. I am interested in studying the familial and genetic basis of addiction, and am especially curious about the motivations behind nicotine use in young adult populations. Outside of the lab, I love to read, hangout with my friends, and play with my cats.

Olivia Jabro

I am an undergraduate Health Promotion and Disease Prevention student with a minor in Health Administration. Being part of the TCORS ONP study, I am trained to recruit, schedule, and run different sessions with study participants nationwide while following standardized research protocols. My interests include addiction and how nicotine use influences decision making in individuals’ day to day lives as well as the public health effects of addiction using research we’ve gathered to support evidence based prevention. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach and attending music festivals.

Sama Madooh

I am an undergraduate psychology student interested in behavioral science and how environmental and contextual factors influence behavior. My interests include decision-making, self-control, and behavior change, particularly understanding why behavioral patterns develop and how they can be changed. I hope to apply behavioral research to better understand these processes and support meaningful behavior change. In my free time, I enjoy exploring California through its beaches and hiking trails.

Alexis Vo

I am an undergraduate Health Promotion and Disease Prevention student on the pre-med track. As part of the TCORS/ONP study, I am trained to recruit and schedule participants, prepare study materials, and conduct baseline and experimental sessions examining responses to oral nicotine products. My research interests include the neurobiological processes associated with nicotine exposure and the influence of genetic and psychological factors on substance use disorders. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing tennis, pickleball, and table tennis.

Bryce Blaugrund

I am an undergraduate Human Biology student on the pre-medical track with a minor in Addiction Science. My role in the TCORS/ONP study involves coordinating participant recruitment and scheduling, organizing materials for study visits, and administering baseline and experimental protocols investigating the effects of oral nicotine products. My research interests center on addiction, particularly the neurocognitive effects of addictive substances, as well as the neurobiology underlying brain function and the mechanisms involved in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching sports, especially tennis and basketball, as well as playing board games and exploring new restaurants with friends.

Christine Cardenas

I am an undergraduate psychology student with a minor in addiction science. As part of my role on the Cerebro study team, I am involved in recruitment and am trained to use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with participants. My research interests include addiction among underprivileged groups and possible harm reduction strategies. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology and strive to conduct research regarding addiction among underserved populations and explore interventions to support impacted communities. Outside of research, I enjoy crocheting, reading, and watching horror movies.

Jacolyn Galajyan

I am an undergraduate student studying Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, with minors in Occupational Science and Forensics & Criminality. As part of the CEREBRO study team, I am trained in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine cortical hemodynamic responses related to cue reactivity. Through the TCORS/ONP study, I support participant recruitment and scheduling, coordinate study materials, and conduct baseline procedures examining the effects of oral nicotine products. My research interests center on how behavioral, neurological, and social factors shape substance use, health, and human behavior across different contexts. Outside of academics and research, I enjoy ballet and hot sculpt.

Mya Kamara

I am an undergraduate Neuroscience student on the pre-medical track with a minor in Business. My role in the TCORS/ONP study involves coordinating participant recruitment and scheduling, organizing materials for study visits, and administering baseline and experimental protocols investigating the effects of oral nicotine products. My research interests include early childhood development and education, particularly how early experiences shape learning, behavior, and long-term well-being. I am also interested in the neurocognitive effects of substance use and how addictive substances can influence brain function, decision-making, and behavior. Outside of research, I enjoy reading and volunteering overseas.