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Amy J. Jak

Amy J. Jak

Credentials: 

  • PhD.

Current Position(s): 

  • Director, Traumatic Brain Injury Cognitive Rehabilitation Clinic, VASDHS

  • Co-Director, Clinical Research Unit, Center of Excellence in Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VASDHS

  • Co-Director, UCSD/VA Psychology Internship Training Program, VASDHS

  • Associate Professor of Psychiatry, UCSD

Personal Statement: 

Dr. Jak received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with specialization in neuropsychology, from the University of Cincinnati (2004). She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS)/Veterans Medical Research Foundation (VMRF) from 2004-2007. Dr. Jak is currently a Staff Neuropsychologist and Director of the TBI Cognitive Rehabilitation Clinic at the VASDHS as well as an Associate Professor, In Residence, of Psychiatry, at UCSD. Dr. Jak has extensive experience in the neuropsychology of traumatic brain injury in Veterans and active duty personnel, particularly among OEF/OIF Veterans. She is also the Co-Director of the Clinical Research Unit of the VISN 22 Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH) and an investigator with the VA/DoD Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC). Dr. Jak’s work has been funded by VA, DoD, NIH, and/or Alzheimer’s Association since 2007. She is a fellow of Division 40 of the American Psychological Association (APA), serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, and has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles.

Professional History:

  • Associate Professor, In Residence, Department of Psychiatry, UCSD, 2015-Present

  • Co-Director, VA/UCSD Psychology Internship Program, 2014-Present

  • CESAMH Faculty, VASDHS; 2014-Present

  • Co-Chief, Neuropsychology Unit, CESAMH, VASDHS, 2009-2014

  • Staff Neuropsychologist and Director, TBI Cognitive Rehabilitation Clinic, VASDHS, 2008-Present

  • Neuropsychologist, Neuropsychological Associates, UCSD, 2007-2016

  • Assistant Professor, In Residence, Department of Psychiatry, UCSD, 2008-2015

  • Research Scientist, VMRF, 2007-Present

  • Research Psychologist, VASDHS; 2007-2010

  • Assistant Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry, UCSD, 2007-2008

  • Neuropsychologist, DVBIC, Camp Pendleton Concussion Clinic, 2006-2007

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, VMRF/ VASDHS; 2004-2007

  • Adjunct Graduate Instructor, Alliant International University/California School of Professional Psychology, 2004-2006

  • Predoctoral Psychology Intern, APA Internship in Clinical Psychology, VASDHS and UCSD Department of Psychiatry, 2003-2004

  • Neuropsychology Technician, Mellen Center for MS, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; 1997-1999

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 2004

  • Master of Arts in Counseling, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, 1995

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 1994

Honors/Awards:

  • Fellow, American Psychological Association, 2013

  • AAICAD Travel Fellowship, 2011

  • Merit Designation for “Impact of Exercise on Hippocampal Volumes in Mild Cognitive Impairment,” accepted for presentation at the International Neuropsychological Society Annual Meeting, 2009

  • The Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter - Reagan-Thal Legacy Award: accepted on behalf of young scientists at the UCSD Shiley-Marcos ADRC

  • American Psychological Foundation and APA Division 40 Henry Hécaen Scholarship for outstanding graduate student in neuropsychology

  • Cincinnati Psychological Association and Cincinnati Academy of Professional Psychology, Award for Outstanding Graduate Thesis

 

National/Global Website: National Center for Biotechnology Information

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