Dr. Jena Hales is an associate professor of neuroscience in the Department of Psychological Sciences. She received her Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Bowdoin College, where she worked with Dr. Seth Ramus examining cortical physiological representations of hippocampus-dependent memories in rats. She then received her Ph.D. in Neurosciences from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she worked with Dr. James Brewer and used fMRI to examine human brain activity during the learning of object associations. She continued working at UCSD in the lab of Dr. Robert Clark as a postdoc, where she used rats as a model system for exploring the biological mechanisms of memory formation, storage, and retrieval. Since starting her lab at USD in 2015, Dr. Hales has continued exploring memory function and dysfunction using tightly controlled as well as more naturalistic and ecologically valid behavioral tasks combined with precise stereotaxic, neurosurgical manipulations and detailed histological processing. Her current research has focused on the involvement and interaction of the hippocampus and adjacent medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) in spatial and temporal memory domains. 

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Avery is an honors student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and considering a minor in chemistry. She joined the Hales lab in summer of 2024, after conducting EEG research with Dr. Getz, to expand her knowledge of different areas of neuroscience research at USD. She has served as a TA for general chemistry and as a manager for the USD women's club volleyball team. After graduation, Avery plans to pursue a PhD in cognitive neuroscience and to explore opportunities within biotech, focusing on the development of treatments for dementia. Avery also enjoys reading, snorkeling, and paddle boarding in her free time. 

Giulio is a Behavioral Neuroscience major and Ethnic Studies and Chemistry double minor. He is a McNair Scholar and joined the Hales lab in spring 2024. Outside of research, he is a linebacker on the USD football team and a member of the USD ministry retreats. In his free time, Giulio likes to work out, go to the beach, listen to music, and grill/cook is favorite meals. His goals after graduation are to pursue a PhD/MD with a focus on orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. 

Luka is an honors student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. He joined the Hales lab in the fall of 2023 and has never looked back! Outside of research, he is a member of USD’s club ultimate frisbee team the Flat Tax Ballers, as well as the Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical Fraternity and Alcala Club. Torn between research and medicine, Luka would love to combine the two in his future career. His favorite part of the lab is learning new histology techniques and in his free time, he surfs and plays viola! 

Madeline is an honors student studying Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in chemistry. She joined the Hales lab in the spring of 2024, excited to dive into the research that summer. At USD, she is involved with Outdoor Adventures, STEM Outreach, and the Phi Delta Epsilon pre-medical fraternity. In her free time, she enjoys climbing, biking, and exploring new hikes around San Diego. 

Sophia is an honors student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish. She joined the Hales lab spring of 2023 and loves learning new techniques! At USD, Sophia is involved in her sorority Pi Beta Phi and you can always catch her playing one sport or another. Outside of school she works Padres games at PetCo Park and enjoys going to the beach, reading, and thrifting! After graduation, Sophia plans to go to graduate school, earn her Ph.D., and pursue a career in neuroscience research focused on Alzheimer’s Disease.  

Josh is an honors student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Biology and Asian Studies. He joined the Hales lab in the fall of 2022 and has loved every second of it. Josh loves neuroscience and is a member of the BN club as well as STEM Outreach. After college, he hopes to continue his education and eventually hopes to find a job in research. Outside of the lab, Josh enjoys surfing, hiking, and longboarding. 

Julia is a Behavioral Neuroscience major with double minors in Chemistry and French. She joined the Hales lab in spring 2024 and feels honored and excited to have this opportunity. Outside of research, she serves as the Vice President of Administration on Panhellenic Exec, the recruitment chair for the Phi Delta Epsilon pre-med fraternity, a University Ministry scholar, and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. In her free time, Julia enjoys working out, reading historical fiction, cooking, and going on adventures in San Diego with friends. After graduation, she aims to pursue a career in medicine. 

Egemen is an undergraduate student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and planning to minor in Cognitive Science. He joined the Hales Lab in summer 2023 and is interested in a possible career as a researcher. Having gone to high school in Istanbul, Egemen speaks Turkish and German and enjoys traveling to new places. He’s an avid member of the climbing club and likes to spend time outdoors and make origami in his free time.