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Alexandra Moussa-Tooks: I am a graduate student working towards Ph.D.s in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience in the IU Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neural Science Departments. I graduated in 2015 from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Neuroscience. During my time there, I also served as a TV news reporter for the university station, VTv. My research currently is focused on understanding how the cerebellum contributes to basic impairments (i.e., learning, timing) in individuals with psychosis. Additionally, I am honored to work with this population as a therapist-in-training. Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that afflicts 1% (1 in 100) of the population. Its prevalence and impact on society and individuals that suffer from the disorder make research and awareness critical to scientists and the general public to improve treatment and reduce stigma.

Entries by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

A reminder to the community: systemic racism is not just about the tools (but it’s a good start)

Posted July 25, 2020 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

Four images depict Inequality, Equality, Equity, and Justice.

[Four images depict Inequality, Equality, Equity, and Justice.]

Systemic racism has ravaged our country since its creation; America was built on it and continues to bask in it. It has taken lives and left them nameless and forgotten. More recently, though, some of those names are being heard and some of those faces are being seen…

4 Go-To Skills to Support Your Mental Health During COVID–19 (and Beyond)

Posted May 23, 2020 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

[calm-woman-in-lotus-pose-meditating-after-awakening-at-home]

We’re living in a very stressful time due to the sweeping, global effects of the COVID–19 pandemic. Although much of the focus has been on physical health, mental health is equally important during these times. Broad feelings of uncertainty, job loss, fear, and drastic changes to our normal schedules and activities take a toll on our mental well-being. Below are four of the skills that I have relied on to maintain and support my mental health during COVID–19, though their utility extends to any time I’m experiencing stress in my life…

Conflating mental illness with the supernatural and occult

Posted June 22, 2019 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

Roll of movie tickets.

Disclaimer: Spoilers for the film Hereditary present throughout this piece! I have seen hundreds of horror films; in fact, I even began my graduate school personal statement on the topic. As a shameless horror fan, I am often asked, with perplexed and disgusted looks, “Why?” I am fascinated by the psychological processes —decision making, sensory… Read more »

A change of perspective

Posted June 1, 2019 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

A colorful, symmetrical structure that resembles a butterfly with antennae on a black background.

One author is ScIU guest writer Melanie Chin, a graduate student in IU’s Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience. This post is part of a series featuring amazing science images and the stories behind them. Comment below with your guess and read on to see if you are correct! There is no argument that the… Read more »

Science as a bridge to barriers in diversity and inclusion

Posted February 26, 2019 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

Students of diverse backgrounds sitting together

A look inside the work of Dr. Mary Murphy in celebration of Black History Month Picture this: you’re a Black student on a large college campus. This is your first year. One day, you are accosted by a White male slinging racial slurs and threats, as your peers (~70% of whom are White) stare, yet… Read more »

The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative: A brief look

Posted January 1, 2019 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

Image depicting the RDoC framework including 5 current domains of research which can be analyzed across neural and behaviorally based units of analysis. An arrow spanning the graphic indicates the importance on neurodevelopment, from conception, across all levels of research. Moreover, a green sphere encompassing the units of analysis represents the importance of environmental factors in our understanding and measurement of these constructs.

Even for non-researchers, it is important to be informed about the various initiatives that change the way we do science and, ultimately, the way scientists choose to spend government dollars. In the wake of the 10-year anniversary of RDoC’s inception [1], I would like to unpack this commonly misunderstood acronym that is popping up in… Read more »

An open letter to BRAVO TV regarding the misrepresentation of schizophrenia

Posted December 11, 2018 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

Woman in White Bed Holding Remote Control While Eating Popcorn

Dear BRAVO TV, I have been a regular viewer of your series of shows entitled “The Real Housewives of [Insert City Here because, truthfully, I watch them all]” since it first aired in 2006 featuring Orange County. As a student of psychology, I love watching the housewives – seeing how other people engage in various… Read more »

The art of dissemination part 3: Care to share?

Posted August 14, 2018 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

Man in lab coat lecturing to children in a medical setting.

This is the third part of a series on the dissemination of science. Catch up on part 1 here or part 2 here! Flowing from a renaissance of scientific dissemination, the public is hungry for knowledge. The increasing accessibility of information right at our fingertips (or keyboards) has caused a surge in media-based public dissemination… Read more »

The art of dissemination part 2: Consumer report

Posted May 15, 2018 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

Man in suit lecturing to three people

This is the second part of a series on the dissemination of science. Read part 1 here! Many of the products and services we consume are the result of rigorous science. This may be more noticeable in the health field – a new treatment, a new drug – but you may not realize that science… Read more »

The art of dissemination part 1: Publish or perish

Posted April 17, 2018 by Alexandra Moussa-Tooks

Just like scientific findings themselves, the processes by which scientists communicate within their communities and with others can be nebulous. Historically and today, academic scientists have developed a contentious relationship with public communication of their work (e.g., books, news, social media, etc.), which has been perceived by other scientists as a sign of questionable scientific… Read more »

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