The CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE LAB
Using neuropsychology and neuroscience
to investigate mind-body approaches
OYE GBADEYAN
Dr. Madhura Phansikar
BA in Psychology from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, India
MA in Applied Psychology from University of Mumbai, India
MSc and PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Urbana-Champaign, US
Research Interests
I focus on the effectiveness of lifestyle physical activity and mind-body interventions, such as yoga, in reducing age-related cognitive decline and improving psychosocial functioning. I am also interested in the feasibility of tech-based delivery of behavioral interventions, as well as looking at factors that predict engagement in such interventions.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
I am committed to diversity and inclusion in both my professional and personal life. As a woman of color and an immigrant myself, I recognize the need for creating environments that whole-heartedly accept all forms of diversity. I believe that diversity helps us develop wider perspectives and is one of the most important factors in ensuring that we develop appropriate and relevant behavioral interventions. I strive to continue making efforts to create inclusive environments. Some of the steps I have taken in that direction are co-chairing the 'International Postdocs' committee at the OSU Postdoctoral Association, being an active member on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Task Force at the Department of Psychology, and developing tech-based interventions to increase accessibility of the interventions.
Hobbies
I love hanging out with friends, traveling, and eating delicious home-made food (made by others)!
Publications
Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S. P. (2019). Exploring Active Travel and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Relationships with Cognition among Older Adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 28(4), 580-587.
Phansikar, M., Ashrafi, S.A., Khan, N.A., Massey, W.V, & Mullen, S.P. (2019). Active Commute in relation to cognition and academic achievement in children and adolescents: A systematic review and future recommendations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 16(24), 5103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245103
Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S. P. (2022). Cognitive and psychosocial effects of an acute sun salutation intervention among adults with stress. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 22, 100431
Ashrafi, S.A., Phansikar, M., & Wilund, K. (2022). Subjective thirst in relation to interdialytic weight gain: A systematic review of observational studies. Blood Purification (in press).
Adamek, J.F., Phansikar, M., & Petruzzello, S. J. (2022). Does engaging in a variety of leisure-time physical activities lead to better cognitive function despite NOT meeting PA guidelines? Journal of Physical Activity and Aging (under review).
Mullen, S. P., Palac, D., Adamek, J. F., Phansikar, M., Taggart, A., North, J., & Krishna, V. (2022). Perceived efficacy of evidence-based and non-evidence-based self-treatments for managing chronic concussion symptoms. Journal of Athletic Training (under review).
Johnson, A., Pukin, F., Krishna, V., Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S. P. (2022). Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of two technology-assisted vocal interventions for older adults living in a residential facility. Journal of Voice (submitted).
Presentations
North, J., Cohen, J., Palac, D., Bullard, T., Phansikar, M., Wong, B., Wilund, K., & Mullen, S. P. (April, 2018). Increased sleep efficiency through heat therapy and exercise. A poster presented at the annual meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. New Orleans, LA.
Cohen, J. D., Palac, D., Bullard, T., North, J. R., Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S. P. (April, 2018). Relationships among affect, memory, perceptions, and physical function in older adults with cancer. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. New Orleans, LA.
Mullen, S. P., Cohen, J., Palac, D., Bullard, T., Phansikar, M., North, J., Wong, B., & Wilund, K. (April, 2018). A pilot RCT testing effects of steam-room usage after exercise on cardiovascular functioning among pre-hypertensive adults. A poster presented at the annual meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. New Orleans, LA.
Phansikar, M., Palac, D., Cohen, J. D., Bullard, T., North, J. R., Wilund, K., Wong, B., & Mullen, S. P. (April, 2018). Complementary effects of exercise and heat therapy on mindfulness and cognition. A poster presented at the annual meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine.
Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S.P. (March 2019). Exploring non-recreational and recreational physical activity relationships with cognition. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Washington D.C.
Canton, I., Taggart, A., Phansikar M., Palac D., Cohen, J. & Mullen, S.P. (April 2020). Perceived mental fatigue: measurement validation in two studies of adults with chronic cognitive complaints. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. San Francisco.
Phansikar, M., Wong, B. & Mullen, S.P. (April 2020). Relationship between perceived stress and executive functioning: the moderating role of combined exercise and thermotherapy. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. San Francisco.
Mullen, S.P., Adamek, J.A., Phansikar, M., Canton, I., & Massey, W.V. (June 2020). Relationships among executive functioning, future time perspective, identity and physical activity self-regulation among low-active middle-aged adults. A poster presented at North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity, Vancouver.
Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S.P. (February 2021). Testing the impact of flow-based, moderate-intensity yoga on executive functioning and stress among low active working adults having symptoms of stress. A work-in-progress presentation at the Big Apple Health Psychology Colloquium.
Mullen, S.P., Adamek, J.A., Phansikar, M., Roberts, B., & Larrison, C. (April 2021). Role of First-gen Status, Friends, Engagement in Physical Activity and Therapy in Life Satisfaction among College Students. A poster to be presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine.
Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S.P. (April 2021). Acute effects of sun salutations on cognitive functioning and psychosocial stress among low-active adults. A research talk given at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine.
Mullen, S.P., Shen, Phansikar, M., Taggart, A., Thomas, D., Lussier, M., Kramer, A., & McAuley, E. (May 2022). Primary outcomes of the cognitive regulation training and exercise (CORTEX)-II trial: Effects on physical activity engagement. A research talk given at the Annual Meeting for the North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity.
Mullen, S.P., Phansikar, M., Taggart, A., Thomas, D., Kramer, A., & McAuley, E. (May 2022). Psychometrics of the self-efficacy for exercise memory questionnaire (SEEM-Q) and associations with self-efficacy beliefs for exercise and memory. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity.
Phansikar, M., Gothe, N., Hernandez, R., Lara-Cinisomo, S., & Mullen, S.P. (May 2022). Feasibility and impact of a remote flow-based, moderate-intensity yoga intervention on executive functioning, during a pandemic, among working adults. A research talk given at the Annual Meeting for the North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity.
Dr. Erika Pugh
BS in Psychology from University of Tennessee at Martin, TN
MA in Psychology from University at Buffalo, NY
PhD in Clinical Psychology from Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, LA
Post-Doctoral Associate
Research Interests
Erika’s work largely focuses on examining psychosocial factors that impact ethnoracial disparities in cognitive aging. She is particularly interested in the identification of early markers of cognitive decline, especially subjective cognitive decline and blood-based biomarkers. Erika’s research also extends into lifestyle interventions that could potentially mitigate future cognitive decline, with an aim to adapt these interventions for diverse populations. More broadly, her interests encompass the scope of multicultural neuropsychology, seeking to understand and integrate cultural sensitivity into the training, assessment, and treatment processes. Her work is driven by a commitment to refining the field of neuropsychology to be more culturally responsive and accurate in its scientific inquiry and clinical application.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Erika’s dedication to diversity and inclusion is woven throughout her research on cognitive aging disparities and social determinants of health. She is equally committed to enriching the field of neuropsychology by increasing the recruitment and retention of underrepresented trainees, ensuring that the next generation of neuropsychologists reflects the diversity of the populations they serve. Her professional background, which includes specialized training in multicultural neuropsychology at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, further demonstrates her commitment to cultural sensitivity and equitable treatment. Additionally, Erika is committed to service; having served on various committees to support DEI initiatives as well as volunteer work to engage with underserved communities. With a vision to develop culturally adapted lifestyle interventions, Erika seeks to bridge gaps in care and research, while challenging the field to foster an inclusive environment that not only reflects but also celebrates the rich diversity of our global community.
Hobbies
In her free time, Erika enjoys reading, yoga, indoor gardening, learning languages, exploring coffee shops, volunteering, and spending time with her pets.
Publications
Robinson A., Huber, M., Breaux, E., Pugh, E., & Calamia, M. (2022). Failing the b test: The influence of cutoff scores and criterion group approaches in a sample of adults referred for psychoeducational evaluation. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology. Advance online publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2022.2153805
Gwizdala, K.L., Pugh, E.A., Carter, L., Newton, R.L., Carmichael, O.T. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle factors and research participation among older African Americans. Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders. 36(4), 350-353. doi:10.1097/WAD.0000000000000512
Pugh, E., Robinson, A., Montgomery, V., & Calamia, M. (2022). Trainees’ perceptions of multicultural climate and supervision in neuropsychology. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology. 44(5-6), 386-397. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2022.2107185
Divers, R. M., De Vito, A. N., Pugh, E. A., Robinson, A., Weitzner, D. S., & Calamia,
M. R. (2022). Longitudinal predictors of informant-rated everyday function in mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology. Advance online publication: https://doi.org/10.1177/08919887221093360
Miller, L. R., Divers, R., Reed, C., Pugh, E., & Calamia, M. (2021). Resilience as a moderator of depression and anxiety: a bidimensional approach to predictors of subjective cognition in older adults. Aging & Mental Health. 1-6. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2021.2013432
Pugh, E., Stewart, J., Carter, L., Calamia, M., Carmichael, O., & Newton Jr, R. L. (2021). Beliefs, understanding, and barriers related to dementia research participation among older African Americans. Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders. 36(1), 52-57. doi: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000476
Divers, R., Robinson, A., Miller, L., De Vito, A. N., Pugh, E., & Calamia, M. (2021). Beyond depression: examining the role of anxiety and anxiety sensitivity on subjective cognition and functioning in older adults. Aging & Mental Health, 26(11):2300-2306. doi:10.1080/13607863.2021.1966747
Pugh, E., Robinson, A., De Vito, A. N., Bernstein, J. P., & Calamia, M. (2021). Representation of US Black Americans in neuropsychology research: how well do our reporting practices show that Black lives matter? The Clinical Neuropsychologist,
36(2):214-226. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1958923
Pereira, C., LaRoche, A., Arredondo, B., Pugh, E., Disbrow, E., Reekes, T. H., ... & Sawyer, R. J. (2021). Evaluating racial disparities in healthcare system utilization and caregiver burden among older adults with dementia. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 136(2):214-226. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1951844
Buckner, J. D., Ecker, A. H., Walukevich-Dienst, K., Lewis, E. M., Pugh, E., & Abarno, C. N. (2021). Brief motivation-based interventions for students sanctioned for violating campus cannabis use policies. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy. 35(2), 90-103. doi: 10.1891/JCPSY-D-20-00026
Pugh, E., De Vito, A., Divers, R., Robinson, A., Weitzner, D. S., & Calamia, M. (2020). Social factors that predict cognitive decline in older African American adults. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 36(3), 403-410. doi: 10.1002/gps.5435
Weitzner, D. S., Pugh, E. A., Calamia, M., & Roye, S. (2020). Examining the factor structure of the Rey auditory verbal learning test in individuals across the life span. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 42(4), 406–414. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2020.1741517.
Mecca, A., McDonald, J., Michalak, H., Godek, T., Harris, J., Pugh, E., … van Dyck, C. (2020). PET imaging of mGluR5 in Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, 12(1), 1-10. doi: 10.1186/s13195-020-0582-0.
Kemp, E. C., Ebner, M. K., Ramanan, S., Godek, T. A., Pugh, E. A., Bartlett, H. H., ... & Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. (2020). Statin use and risk of cognitive decline in the ADNI cohort. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(5), 507517. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2019.11.003.
Weitzner, D., Calamia, M., Stasik-O’Brien, S., DeVito, A., & Pugh, E. (2019). Psychometric properties of the expanded version of the inventory of depression and anxiety symptoms (IDAS-II) in a sample of older adults. Aging and Mental Health, 24(11):1847-1853. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1636206.
Pugh, E. A., Kemp, E. C., Dyck, C. H., Mecca, A. P., & Sharp, E. S. (2018). Effects of normative adjustments to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 26(12), 1258-1267. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2018.09.009.
Mecca, A., Michalak, H., McDonald, J., Kemp, E., Pugh, E., Becker, M., . . . Van Dyck, C. (2018). Sleep disturbance and the risk of cognitive decline or clinical conversion in the ADNI cohort. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 45(3-4), 232-242. doi:10.1159/000488671.
In Preparation
Pugh, E.A., Robinson, A., Davis, K., & Calamia, M. (In Prep). Measurement Invariance and the Influence of Psychosocial Factors in Reporting Subjective Cognition across Black & White Older Adults.
Davis, K., Pugh, E.A., Manrique, I., Taylor, J., Calamia, M., Carmichael, O., & Newton, R. (In Prep). Attitudes towards Covid-19 and Research Participation among Older African Americans.
Prakash, R.S., Fernandes, M., Pugh, E.A., Block, C., Weinstein, A., Aghamoosa, S., Norman, M., Calamia, M.R., Okonkwo, O., Loring, D. (In Prep). Building a Research Career in Neuropsychology.
Mckenna, M., Gbadeyan, O., Andridge, R., Pugh, E.A., Scharre, D. W., Prakash, R.S., for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. (In Prep). p-tau/Aβ42 Ratio Associates with Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults.
Presentations
Pugh, E., Robinson, A., Montgomery, V., & Calamia, M. (2023). Trainees’ Perceptions of Multicultural Climate and Supervision in Neuropsychology. Talk presented at the Multicultural Alzheimer’s Prevention Program Summer Scholars Seminar, Virtual.
Pugh, E.A., Martinez, J.E., McDowell, C.P., Munera, D., Vila-Castelar, C., Quiroz, Y.T. (2023). Psychosocial Factors & Subjective Cognitive Decline in Ethnoracially Diverse Populations. Talk presented at the Massachusetts General Hospital Memory Disorders Unit Noon Conference, Virtual.
Pugh, E.A., Martinez, J.E., McDowell, C.P., Munera, D., Vila-Castelar, C., Quiroz, Y.T. (2023). Perceived Discrimination & Subjective Cognitive Decline in Ethnoracially Diverse Older Adults Living in the United States. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Massachusetts General Hospital Public and Community Psychiatry Symposium, Virtual.
Avery, K., Divers, R., Breaux, E., Pugh, E., Rasmussen, L. & Calamia, M. Subjective Cognition in African American and White Older Adults: Interactions with Psychosocial Factors. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, San Diego, CA.
Pugh, E., Robinson, A., Montgomery, V., & Calamia, M. (2022). Trainees’ Perceptions of Multicultural Climate and Supervision in Neuropsychology. Talk presented at the American Psychological Association Division 40 WIN/JCEN Symposium, Virtual.
Pugh, E. (2022). Away from Universalism: Multiculturalism in Neuropsychology. Talk presented at The Ohio State University Early Career BIPOC Seminar Series in Neuropsychology, Virtual.
Huber, M., Robinson, A., Breaux, E., Pugh, E., & Calamia, M. (2022). Failing The b Test: The Influence of Cutoff Scores in a Sample of Adults Referred for Psychoeducational Evaluation. Poster presented at LSU Discover Day Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, Baton Rouge, LA.
Pugh., E., Divers, R. & Calamia, M. (2021). Childhood Trauma & Social Resources Moderate Relationships between Perceived Discrimination & Late-Life Cognition in Older African Americans. Talk presented at International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Diversity & Disparities Professional Interest Group (PIA), Virtual.
Pugh., E., Divers, R. & Calamia, M. (2021). Childhood Trauma & Social Resources Moderate Relationships between Perceived Discrimination & Late-Life Cognition in Older African Americans. Poster presented at Alzheimer's Association International Conference, Virtual.
Pereira, C., Pugh, E., LaRoche, A., Calamia, M., Arredondo, B., Sawyer, J., & Mizuki, B. (2021). Exploring the Relationship between Caregiver Characteristics and Neuropsychiatric Symptom Report in Patients with Dementia. Poster presented at Southeastern Psychological Association Meeting, Virtual.
Pugh, E., Stewart, J., Carter, L., Calamia, M., Carmichael, O. & Newton, R. L. (2021). Beliefs, Understanding, and Barriers Related to Dementia Research Participation among Older African Americans. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, Virtual.
Divers, R., Robinson, A., Miller, L., De Vito, A., Pugh, E., & Calamia, M. (2021). The Role of Anxiety Sensitivity, Dementia Worry, and Health. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, Virtual.
Pugh, E., De Vito, A., Calamia, M., LaRoche, A., Sawyer, J., Arredondo, B., & Mizuki, B. (2020). Patient and Caregiver Factors of Caregiver Burden Prior to Intervention. Poster presented at the 17th Annual Ochsner Research Day, Virtual.
Pugh, E., De Vito, A., Divers, R., Robinson, A., Weitzner, D., & Calamia, M. (2020). Social Factors that Predict Cognitive Decline in Elderly African Americans. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, Denver, CO.
Peterson, D.L., Pugh, E., & Calamia, M. (2020). Moderating Influence of Depression on the Relationship Between Loneliness and Cognition in Elderly African Americans. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, Denver, CO.
Weitzner, D., Calamia, M., Roye, S., & Pugh, E. (2019). Examining associations of objective memory process scores and subjective cognitive complaints. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, New York, NY.
Pugh, E., Kemp, E., van Dyck, C., Mecca, A. & Sharp, E. (2018). Effects of Normative Adjustments on Test Characteristics of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, Washington, D.C.
Kemp, E., Ramanan, S., Ebner, M., Godek, T., McDonald, J., Pugh, E., van Dyck, C. & Mecca, A. (2018). Statin Use and Risk of Cognitive Decline in the ADNI Cohort. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, Washington, D.C.
Mecca, A., Michalak, H., McDonald, J., Kemp, E., Pugh, E., Becker, M., . . . Van Dyck, C. (2017). Sleep Disturbance and the Risk of Cognitive Decline in the ADNI Cohort. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, New Orleans, LA.