NOMAD Laboratory

Dr. Miller currently directs the NOMAD Lab and is an Assistant Professor of Biological Psychology at California State University, Fresno. He received his PhD in Neurosciences from Stanford University School of Medicine. His research interests broadly include the development and application of meta-analytic and machine-learning tools for the functional neuroimaging of psychiatric disorders, particularly mood and anxiety-related disorders, to advance our understanding of their neural signatures and mechanisms and to strengthen our diagnostic systems and clinical interventions. Professor Miller deeply enjoys and values mentoring students in his research lab, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. In his personal time, he enjoys traveling, dancing, biking, and playing frisbee with his dog.

Caitlin Baten is a graduate student and the current lab manager of the NOMAD lab, where she researches major depressive disorder (MDD) using meta-analytic tools for functional neuroimaging studies. Her research interests lie in the interdisciplinary fields of neuroscience, biology, and psychology, with a focus on discovering the biological markers of affective disorders to advance treatment precision. Caitlin plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Apart from her research, Caitlin enjoys practicing yoga and pilates as well as hosting dinner parties for her friends.

Alexandra Arnett is a psychology student at California State University, Fresno, conducting research in the NOMAD Lab. She is interested in the treatment efficacy of cannabinoids for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Alexandra holds a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland and is currently the Lead Researcher for NuggMD. After graduating, she plans to continue her research career at NuggMD while pursuing a Ph.D.

Anush Ghoogasian is a current graduate student at Fresno State University conducting research in the NOMAD Lab. Her research interests revolve around neural basis of mental disorders and interventions. Anush plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology after her time at Fresno State. In her free time, Anush enjoys doing puzzles, playing board games, writing Yelp reviews, and spending time outdoors.

Ellie began participating in NOMAD lab in the spring of 2023 and began grad school in the fall of 2024. Their research interests are primarily trauma-related with particular interests in early life trauma and racial trauma -- the collective, historical trauma caused by the cumulative impact of colonization on BIPOC communities and its pervasiveness across generations. Additionally, they have an interest in mental health conditions such as Bipolar Disorder and ADHD, as well psychedelic-assisted therapeutic techniques. Ellie's ultimate goals are to complete a PhD program and work at a research university. Eventually they hope to open comprehensive and integrative trauma-informed care facilities aimed at treating marginalized communities. Ellie's hobbies include reading, playing video games, and spending time with their daughter. When they actually leave their house they enjoy going to concerts and seeing live comedy shows with their spouse.

My name is Gladys Zamora and I am a second year graduate student in the General Experimental M.A. Program. My research focuses on the neural activation patterns associated with successful antidepressant medication response in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) to reduce the trial-and-error approach to MDD treatment. After my M.A., I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in neuroscience and become a researcher in the realm of treatment for psychiatric disorders. In my free time, I love to go on walks and spend time with my five nephews!

Amanda Klassen is a psychology student in the NOMAD lab at Fresno State. She is interested in the neuroscience of affective and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD). After graduating, she plans to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog and friends, and what she refers to as her “grandma hobbies”: reading, painting, crocheting, and knitting. 

Zulaikha Ali is a biochemistry major with a minor is psychology at California State University, Fresno. Her research interests involve Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and MRI contrast agents. She aspires to be a physician, working in an underserved community. She enjoys sleeping, binge-watching Bollywood movies, and eating french fries in her free time.

Manuel Cardenas is a psychology major in the NOMAD lab at Fresno State. His research interests include mood disorders specifically anxiety disorders and the neural mechanisms of addiction. Manuel wishes to pursue a career in clinical psychology or in neuropsychology. On their free time, Manuel enjoys reading, walking his dog, spending time with friends and going to concerts.

My research interests include the neural basis of psychopathy, mood disorders, and eating disorders. My career interest is to go to medical school to become a psychiatrist. My hobbies include reading, martial arts, and baking.

Melanie Gonzalez is an undergraduate psychology student at California State University, Fresno, conducting research in the NOMAD Lab. She is interested in the neural and biological basis of disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, and major depressive disorder. She plans on pursuing an Ed.S. in School Psychology following the completion of her undergraduate degree at CSU Fresno. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and video games.

Ariana Sanchez is a psychology honors student in the NOMAD lab. They have interests in transdiagnostic biomarkers between psychiatric conditions and plans to pursue a PhD in clinical neuropsychology. During their free time, Ariana loves to cross-stitch and read.

Ting Guo is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Molecular Environmental Biology and B.A. in Psychology and a member of the NOMAD lab at Fresno State. She is interested in emotion regulation and biological psychology, specifically the relationship of psychiatric disorders and physiological mechanisms. She plans to pursue a career in medicine following her gap years. In her free time, she loves to go to the movie theater, hang out with friends, and watch C-dramas and K-dramas.

Kollin Grunberg is a Fresno State graduate and emeritus student in the NOMAD lab. He is a current student at UC Davis School of Medicine. Kollin is interested in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and pickleball.

Saneh Kahlon is a neuroscience student in the NOMAD Lab at Fresno State. She is interested in investigating the neural basis of psychiatric disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. Upon graduating, she plans on pursuing a career in medicine and psychiatric research. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to good music, and going on long walks!

Adam Badawia is a high school senior at University High School and a member of the NOMAD lab at Fresno State. He's interested in fueling the development of new treatments and methods for diagnosing mental disorders by discovering neural activation differences through meta-analyses. Outside of the lab, he wishes to pursue a career in medicine, organizing informational events with physicians about the medical field, and conducting diabetes research for an outpatient endocrine clinic. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering at the local hospital, practicing violin, playing frisbee, and reading Russian novels.

My name is Maya Roberts. I am an undergraduate student at Amherst College currently planning on majoring in neuroscience. I have been with the lab for 2 semesters and researched the effects of  PTSD and social anxiety on the brain. In the future, I hope to study the effects of schizophrenia. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano, rowing, and rock climbing!

Adesh Kailay is a University High School senior in the NOMAD Lab at Fresno State. He is interested in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology, and he is fascinated by psychiatric disorders. He has plans on pursuing a bachelors in Biological psychology, or a degree that demonstrates the correlation between biology and psychology.  After receiving his bachelors, he would like to go to medical school, in hopes of getting matched to become a Psychiatrist, later specializing in pediatrics so he can become a Pediatric Psychiatrist. Outside of the academic environment, he's a mental health advocate who prioritizes advocating for suicide prevention and the de-stigmatization of mental health. When he's free, he likes to play badminton professionally and likes to go mountain biking, or meet up with friends from school.

Chris Leung is a high school student at University High School working in the NOMAD lab. His research interests include psychometrics, treatment efficacy, and neurological markers of psychiatric disorders. Chris aspires to a career as a clinician-scientist in psychiatry, where he can combine patient care with ongoing research. In his free time, you can find him playing jazz piano, volunteering, practicing karate or taking an afterschool nap.

Aruthra Ranjithprabhu is a BS/MBA/MD student at Union College and Albany Med conducting research in the NOMAD Lab. She is currently majoring in Biology and Sociology while minoring in psychology. Her interests center around cognitive neuroscience and she enjoys researching panic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorders. When she’s not in the lab or studying, Aruthra loves writing for the John Locke Institute, geeking out over philosophy, practicing calligraphy, or cooking for her friends.