Research

Palo Alto University (PAU) places a strong emphasis on research and creative activities as a cornerstone of academic excellence. Our faculty, researchers, and students engage in a diverse array of scholarly pursuits, from innovative research projects to groundbreaking creative endeavors. We are dedicated to supporting these efforts through a range of resources and services, including grant proposal assistance, research compliance, and collaborative opportunities. Our commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering discovery ensures that PAU remains at the forefront of academic research and contributes significantly to our fields of study. Whether through internal support or external funding, we champion the pursuit of new insights and impactful scholarship, reinforcing our mission “to address pressing and emerging issues that equitably meet the needs of our ever-changing human condition."

Research Spotlights

Faculty

Tilman Schulte, PhD

Dr. Tilman Schulte's research focuses on understanding the effects of normal aging, chronic alcoholism, HIV infection, and Parkinson’s disease on the brain using various in vivo neuroimaging techniques. His extensive expertise in Cognitive Psychology is applied to functional MRI paradigms to explore the neural correlates of cognition and behavior in both healthy and pathological aging. Dr. Schulte's work includes investigations into attention, working memory, executive control, emotion and reward processing, and the integration of these functions with visuomotor coordination and brain laterality. His research employs different brain-imaging modalities to quantify group differences and age-related changes in brain structure and connectivity.

Donya Wallace, PhD

Dr. Donya Wallace's research delves into critical consciousness and wellness among African American women, examining the impacts of racial reckoning and the Strong Black Woman archetype. Her work includes studies on culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy and the wellness of African American women. Additionally, Dr. Wallace has contributed to the understanding of microaggressions in online learning environments and the integration of positive psychology with diversity in counseling education.

Students

Allie Gregoire

Clinical Psychology PhD Student Allie Gregoire’s research examines the cultural loss experienced by Chinese transracial adoptees and its impact on their mental health. Her investigation seeks to illuminate the complex psychological effects of cultural dislocation on these individuals, providing valuable insights into their unique experiences and contributing to a broader understanding of mental health within this population.

Shirin Aghakhani

Clinical Psychology PhD Student Shirin Aghakhani’s research focuses on the use of AI-based chatbots to support individuals with autism and their families. Her studies include research on the efficacy of chatbot interventions for parents and the analysis of mental health conversational agents' messages about autism spectrum disorder. Through her innovative approach, Aghakhani aims to enhance digital health tools and improve support for the autism community.

About

Research involving human subjects must be approved by the IRB, through the submission of your proposal via IRB Manager.

PAU faculty, staff, students or affiliates MUST seek IRB approval prior to engaging in the following research projects:
- receiving archival data
- collaborating with researchers at another institution who already have IRB approval
- proposing original data collection

For more information contact irb@paloaltou.edu or to visit the IRB Website.

For more information contact irb@paloaltou.edu or to visit the IRB Website

Janice Kuo, PhD

Professor of Psychology
IRB Chair
Ph: (650) 433-3870
irb@paloaltou.edu

Charlotte Beard, PhD

Assistant Professor of Psychology
IRB Vice Chair
Ph: (650) 433-3870
irb@paloaltou.edu

Contact Us

Stephanie Storms, EdD

Assistant Provost for Faculty Affairs, Development, & Diversity
650.433.3878
facultysucess@paloaltou.edu

Cristal Ponciano Sanchez, M.A.

Grants Administrator
Assistant Director, Center for Educational Excellence
650.417.2062 ext. 9778
grantsoffice@paloaltou.edu

Tonie Peralta

Senior Accountant
sponsoredprojects@paloaltou.edu