Theresa D. Hernández, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Research, in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
Since 1985, she has studied traumatic brain injury (TBI) using basic and clinical neuroscience methods aimed at optimizing recovery and functional outcome in Veterans, civilians and athletes, by reducing the impact of stress and promoting psychological health. This includes conducting randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded trials of novel interventions, including acupressure, with funding from NIH, the State of Colorado and Department of Defense.Â
Her recent funded research from the Pac-12 assesses student athlete health and well-being beyond graduation, and as a co-Investigator of the Pac-12 Concussion Coordinating Unit (PCCU) – a multi-center study across the Pac-12 conference.). She also works in partnership with the Wardenburg (
i.e., Student Health Center) Concussion Team to develop ways to enhance campus-wide concussion education, awareness and understanding. This program of research and action has led to evidence-based tool that can be accessed by the community (Campus, city, state, national, international) to support and promote health and well-being across a variety of populations. This includes the funded website she created (Individualized Training and Education in Acupressure, ITEAplus.com). Included as part of the website are trainings in ITEAplus for groups such as Marcus Institute for Brain Health, CU students and the Wardenburg Concussion Team. This work is done through her appointments in the Depts of Psychology & Neuroscience and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado and as a Sr. Investigator and Research Psychologist at the Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Research, Education & Clinical Center (MIRECC).
