College of Sciences
Department of Psychology Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, On behalf of the Department of Psychology at San Diego State University, I extend our deepest gratitude to our donors for supporting our educational and research missions. Their commitment to advancing psychological science and education plays a vital role in the success of our students and faculty. Thanks to our donors, we provide exceptional learning experiences, scholarships, research opportunities, and support for innovative projects with real-world impact. Their generosity fuels discoveries that advance scientific knowledge and improve lives. The psychology program is experiencing exciting growth through its expanding neuroscience emphasis and increased student research opportunities. Faculty and students are advancing knowledge in autism, behavioral health, aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and evidence-based interventions that improve mental health and well-being. A partnership with Southwestern College expands access by allowing transfer students to complete upper-division coursework and earn a bachelor’s degree there. We thank our donors for their generosity and support.
Paul Gilbert, Ph.D. Chair and Senate Distinguished Professor
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Spatio-Temporal Brain Imaging Lab Support Fund The Department of Psychology received generous support for the Spatio-Temporal Brain Imaging Lab Support Fund, which advances the laboratory’s mission to better understand the neural mechanisms underlying cognition, emotion, language, and decision-making. Using cutting-edge brain imaging technologies such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the lab conducts innovative research on brain function and behavior. Contributions to the fund provide flexible resources that strengthen research initiatives, support student training and mentorship, and expand opportunities for scientific discovery in cognitive and affective neuroscience. Richard and Elizabeth Mancuso Scholarship for the Advancement of Social Science in Psychology The Department of Psychology received a generous gift to establish the Richard and Elizabeth Mancuso Scholarship for the Advancement of Social Science in Psychology, which provides scholarship support to students pursuing degrees in psychology. The fund encourages academic achievement and engagement in the social sciences, helping students deepen their understanding of human behavior and society.
Students and researchers use MRI technology to investigate the neural processes that shape cognition, behavior, and mental health.
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Carolina L. Costa, Class of 2026 Class Level: Graduate Student College: College of Sciences Major: Psychology Carolina earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from SDSU after transferring from community college. Originally from Brazil, she moved to the U.S. with her family at age 14 and often had to navigate the American education system on her own. The mentorship and support she received from SDSU faculty and staff inspired her to continue her graduate studies at SDSU. As a master’s student researching cognitive aging, Carolina embraced opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ariana Stickel, she led independent research projects, presented at national and international conferences, and co-authored several research articles, including a first-author manuscript. In February 2026, she successfully defended her thesis and is now preparing her work for publication. Carolina also mentored students in her lab and remains committed to providing others with the same guidance and support that shaped her own journey. In fall 2026, Carolina will begin the Ph.D. program in gerontology at the University of Southern California, where she will continue studying cognitive aging and aging trajectories. Her goal is to lead a research lab at an R1 institution.
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The mentorship and support [Carolina] received from SDSU faculty and staff inspired her to continue her graduate studies at SDSU.
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Student Spotlight
Maya Rusnak, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Sciences Major: Psychology, Emphasis in Neuroscience Maya began her undergraduate studies intending to become a clinical psychologist and volunteered with Alzheimer’s San Diego to gain experience while serving her community. Her introduction to Dr. Jennifer Thomas during her sophomore year and the opportunity to conduct research at the Center for Behavioral Teratology sparked a passion for neuroscience. Under Dr. Thomas’ mentorship, Maya participated in preclinical studies on prenatal drug exposure and gained experience in research, statistical analysis, and scientific presentation. Maya received support through the SDSU Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RSCA) Program under Dr. Thomas and Dr. Jessica Baker and completed an honors thesis under Dr. Thomas. She presented her work at local and national conferences and is preparing a first-author manuscript for publication. This fall, Maya will begin a Ph.D. program in behavioral neuroscience at the University at Albany, SUNY, under the mentorship of another SDSU alumnus.
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Maya’s SDSU journey provided opportunities to grow, explore different areas of psychology, and gain confidence through research.
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Student Spotlight
Maria Isabel Gutierrez Miller, Class of 2025 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Sciences Major: Psychology As a psychology student at SDSU, Isabel combined research, service, leadership, and academic excellence. Under the mentorship of Dr. Mary Baker-Ericzén, she worked on research projects, including the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention to Drive, and completed the Summer Undergraduate RSCA Program (SURP). She later mentored student researchers. Isabel also served as a group facilitator for the SUCCESS program at the National Foundation for Autism Research, helping individuals strengthen social and vocational skills. In addition, she volunteered as a driving coach for autistic individuals, supporting safe driving and independence. As a student researcher, Isabel presented at the S3 Student Symposium, received the Undergraduate Research Excellence Award, and co-authored two academic journal articles. She was also active in the Sirens of State a cappella group and served as treasurer. Following graduation, Isabel joined Intricate Mind Institute as a service coordinator and works part-time as a research associate for the SDSU Research Foundation. This fall, she will begin a Master of Social Work program at UCLA and plans to serve underserved communities as a licensed clinical social worker.
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As a student researcher, Isabel presented at the S3 Student Symposium, received the Undergraduate Research Excellence Award, and co-authored two academic journal articles.
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Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Current Rankings Clinical Psychology, a joint doctoral program with UC San Diego, ranked No. 24 nationally, the highest ranking in program history. Statistics of Interest The Department of Psychology is the largest academic department at SDSU, with more than 2,300 undergraduate majors. Undergraduate enrollment has increased 60% over the past 10 years, 18.4% over the past five years, and 4.5% over the past year, as of fall 2025. In May 2026, more than 700 students earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology. Nearly 70% of psychology majors complete their degrees in four years or less. The department also offers master’s and doctoral training opportunities through its graduate programs. Recent Highlights The Department of Psychology continues to experience strong growth in both undergraduate and graduate education. Undergraduate enrollment has increased significantly in recent years, making psychology the largest academic department at SDSU. The department offers a master’s degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology through its long-standing partnership with the University of California San Diego. The clinical psychology doctoral program provides rigorous education and research training for future clinical scientists and professionals. Continued growth in enrollment and degree completion reflects the department’s commitment to student success and high-quality academic programs.
No. 24
SDSU’s joint doctoral program in clinical psychology with UC San Diego ranked No. 24 nationally, its highest ranking ever.
Psychology Growth
2,300+ Undergraduate students and 60% undergraduate enrollment growth over the past decade.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Jillian Lee Wiggins, Ph.D. Title: Professor, Department of Psychology College: College of Sciences Achievement: In the past year, Dr. Wiggins and the 12 students under her mentorship published papers delineating aspects of neural pathways to mental health problems in preschool-age children and adolescents and how these pathways interact with early trauma. Dr. Wiggins’ research uncovers the brain signatures of mental health risk in very young children so that we can prevent compounding, lifelong mental health problems. Unlike academic medical centers, Dr. Wiggins’ lab centers undergraduate and graduate involvement in the research process, producing not only scientific discoveries but also training the next generation of scientists.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Georg Matt, Ph.D. Title: Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Tobacco and the Environment College: College of Sciences Achievement: Dr. Matt’s work contributed to the passage of California Assembly Bill 455, the first law in the U.S. to define thirdhand tobacco smoke residue as an environmental hazard and require disclosure in residential real estate transactions. Dr. Matt’s work advances both the science and policy solutions needed to address the toxic legacy of tobacco use in indoor and outdoor environments. In indoor settings, his research helped move thirdhand tobacco smoke from an emerging exposure-science issue to a recognized tobacco-control policy concern. Through collaborations at SDSU and within the Thirdhand Smoke Research Consortium, he demonstrated that thirdhand smoke requires policy solutions distinct from those used for secondhand smoke. Because thirdhand smoke persists in buildings, vehicles, dust, furnishings, and surfaces long after smoking ends, it creates exposure pathways that smoke-free air laws often fail to address. This work produced peerreviewed publications identifying policy gaps, proposing stronger protections, and developing reference levels for identifying thirdhand smoke hazards. In outdoor environments, Dr. Matt studies tobacco product waste, including cigarette butts, disposable vapes, and nicotine pouches, as sources of microplastic pollution and chemical contamination. His team conducted the first field assessment using a random sample of census blocks to estimate cigarette-butt litter across San Diego County’s eight largest cities, finding that more than 200 million cigarette butts are discarded annually. A subsequent study in Pacific Beach demonstrated that this pollution cannot be meaningfully reduced through street cleaning or volunteer efforts alone, highlighting the need for upstream policy solutions. Dr. Matt’s work translates scientific evidence into action, informing policy in housing, real estate disclosure, environmental health, water quality, health education, and the protection of children and other vulnerable populations.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Linda Gallo, Ph.D. Title: Professor, Department of Psychology; Co-Director, South Bay Latino Research Center College: College of Sciences Achievement: Dr. Gallo is PI of the renewed NIH/NHLBIfunded HCHS/SOL San Diego Field Center, continuing a landmark longitudinal study of cardiovascular and chronic disease risk and resilience among diverse U.S. Hispanic/Latino adults. Dr. Gallo shared the following: My research focuses on understanding and addressing cardiometabolic and cognitive health disparities, particularly among Hispanic/Latino communities. Much of this work has been carried out through the SDSU South Bay Latino Research Center, which I co-direct with Dr. Greg Talavera. The center has become an important home for communityengaged research, training, and collaboration in the South Bay region of San Diego County. A major part of my recent work has been with the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), a large, multisite longitudinal cohort study that has followed diverse Hispanic/Latino adults for nearly two decades. Through HCHS/SOL and related studies, our team examines how social, psychological, behavioral, biological, genetic, and environmental factors interact to shape cardiometabolic and cognitive aging outcomes. I also lead and collaborate on NIH-funded intervention studies designed to improve diabetes care, self-management, and access to culturally appropriate health services in community settings. This work depends on sustained collaboration among researchers, students, staff, health care partners, and community members. Through SDSU’s South Bay Latino Research Center, our work brings together population health research and community partnerships to inform more effective and accessible prevention and care while creating opportunities for SDSU faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and early-stage investigators.
Thank you for your generous support.
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