Rayna Hirst

Dr. Rayna Hirst is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Neuropsychology Program at Palo Alto University. She leads the BRAIN lab (Behavioral Research and Assessment In Neuropsychology), which conducts research on brain-behavior relationships and neuropsychological assessment.

Dr. Hirst earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY in 2010, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine in 2012. Her academic journey began with a BA in Psychology from Penn State University in 2005.

• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine (2012)
• Internship in Clinical Psychology, VA Ann Arbor/University of Michigan Healthcare System (2010)
• PhD Clinical Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY (2010)
• MA Clinical Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY (2008)
• BA Psychology, Penn State University (2005)

Dr. Hirst's research focuses on multiple areas within neuropsychology, including neuropsychological assessment validity, cognitive effects of substance use (particularly cannabis), sport-related concussion, and memory processes. She has made notable contributions to the field through her work on the "jay-dar" phenomenon (the ability to identify cannabis users from photographs) and the influence of motivation on cognitive performance in chronic marijuana users. Her research spans across various populations including youth athletes, older adults, and individuals with substance use disorders.

Analysis of Dr. Hirst's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on validity testing in neuropsychological assessment, the cognitive effects of cannabis use, concussion assessment in youth sports, and geriatric neuropsychology. Her work often bridges clinical practice with research, addressing practical challenges in neuropsychological assessment across diverse populations.

Dr. Hirst has received recognition for her work, with several publications selected for Editor's Choice awards by journals including the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society and Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.

• Selected for Editor's Choice for JINS CE credit (2021)
• Selected for ACN's Editor's Choice Award (2020)

As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Hirst actively supervises graduate students in her research lab, with numerous publications featuring student first authors. Her BRAIN lab provides opportunities for students to engage in diverse research projects related to neuropsychological assessment and brain-behavior relationships.

Dr. Hirst's BRAIN lab serves as a hub for innovative research in neuropsychology, fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and clinical practitioners. The lab's work has implications for improving neuropsychological assessment practices across various clinical settings.