Bruce Christensen

Professor Bruce Christensen is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist serving as Deputy Director and Psychology Discipline Head at the School of Medicine and Psychology, ANU. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University. His career includes roles at the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Research focuses on cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms of mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, affective disorders) using neuroimaging (MRI, EEG) and psychophysical methods. He has directed research labs and clinics, and contributed to clinical assessment methodologies. Notable administrative roles include Associate Editor for the journal Assessment and Board Member at Healthy Minds Canada.

Education:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University
• APA-approved internship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Postdoctoral fellowship at Rotman Research Institute

Research Interests: Cognitive psychopathology, neuropsychology, clinical neuroscience, and mental health service delivery. Current projects include studies on solastalgia, bushfire mental health impacts, and decision-making in clinical services.

Grants & Teams: Leads projects funded by ANU and external bodies, including investigations into health data validity during outbreaks and Indigenous mindfulness practices. Active in lab-based research on cognitive mechanisms and clinical service optimization.

Labs/Teams: Directs research labs exploring brain mechanisms of mental illness and heads clinical assessment clinics. Collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining neuroscience and market research tools (e.g., Discrete Conjoint Analysis).