April Thames

Dr. April Thames is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She serves as Director of the Social Neuroscience and Health Psychology Laboratory and Chief Psychologist of the Adult Psychology Division at UCLA. Her research program explores how social and cultural contexts influence brain and physical health outcomes, with a focus on HIV, aging, racial disparities, and psychosocial factors.

• Affiliation: David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
• Lab: Social Neuroscience and Health Psychology Laboratory
• Ranks: Associate Professor, Chief Psychologist

Dr. Thames investigates the impact of racial discrimination on gene expression and neurocognitive outcomes, as well as the role of stress, inflammation, and social adversity in HIV populations. Her lab employs multimodal methods including neuroimaging, cognitive testing, and biomarker analysis (blood, urine, saliva). She has contributed to understanding dissociative interference in trauma-related memory complaints and aging processes in HIV.

Recent publications focus on cultural competence in neuropsychology, HIV-neurocognitive disorders, and digital health interventions for marginalized communities. Her work spans collaborations with the ENIGMA Consortium and Alzheimer's Association initiatives. Dr. Thames received the Luminary Award from the Society of Black Neuropsychology (2023) for her contributions to diversity in neuropsychology.

She actively engages with community stakeholders to promote equitable healthcare and has served on panels addressing Alzheimer's disease agitation in disinvested communities. Her research is supported by grants from institutions focused on HIV, aging, and health disparities.