Jesus De Luna, Research Coordinator
What brought you to work here?
Stress and all the impactful work the lab has produced to understand, address, and combat experiences of early adversity.
What is one project you’re excited about that you are working on in the lab right now?
The STAR Study! Not only it is one of the first studies of its kind, but it's also such an amazing undertaking of trying to better understand the mechanisms linking stressful life events with psychopathology, in real time. This study will help so many people in the future. It will further enrich our understanding of the brain, which will then lead to a revaluation of our intuitions about the impacts of stress on development.
What is something that you enjoy doing outside of work?
I'm grateful I get to listen to the art of Roberto Cacciaplagia:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qmo5qQvN80
Other than listening to the piano (and trying to learn it #workinprogress #haven'tplayedin2months), I also enjoy reading about a wide array of non-fiction topics. Though, I do tend to have a slight preference for books centered around the discipline of cognitive science, especially those tackling philosophical questions with modern-day scientific tools.
Going to the gym, creating stories, and playing games with friends are also things I'm quite lucky to indulge in.
What do you want to be when you “grow up”?
Hopefully someone who increases the luck of others.
What is something that you are personally working on improving (about yourself, about the world, about your community etc)?
At this point in my life, I'm just trying to do better. That means something different every now and then. Today, it means I want to be actively compassionate. The "how"? I don't know, but I'm trying to figure that out.
If you could be anything (outside from your current field) what would it be?
I would want to work for an anti neo-slavery organization, going around the world helping modern-day slaves reclaim their intrinsic dignity. Either that, or a film director.
Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what?
My hidden talent is that I can count all the sides of a triangle in one go. I have never met anyone else who could do such a thing. Also, I happen to be able to make this really cool and loud sound by swiftly slapping my palms together, several times in a row. It took me a couple of years to master this ancient technique, but the key is to picture a fly on your left palm, then attempt to smack it with your right palm. Then, repeat.
What's important to know about you?
Not so much about me, but I think it's important to know about "Giving Multiplier"
This is a phenomenal tool that allows you to make bundle donations between a charity of your choice and one among a couple of organizations that have been shown to be exceedingly effective at meeting their goals. Furthermore, Giving Multiplier will match a percetange of your donation at no extra cost. This website gives you the chance to help your own community (or a cause close to your heart), while saving lives in the process: