Curiosity, Leadership, and the Science of PTSD: Career Lessons from Prof. Deborah Beidel

How can innovative technologies like VR and neuromodulation improve how we understand and treat PTSD? How can curiosity and leadership open doors in neuroscience and mental health? What does it take to build a meaningful career impacting millions?

In this inspiring episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, Dr. Milena Korostenskaja (Dr. K) sits down with Prof. Deborah Beidel — Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor of Psychology and Medical Education, and Executive Director of UCF RESTORES — to explore a career built on courage, innovation, and compassion.

Career Development with Purpose
Prof. Beidel shares how her early desire to be a detective evolved into a lifelong career as a clinical psychologist. Guided by curiosity, she carved her path by listening deeply to patient stories, identifying underexplored research gaps, and taking bold steps into leadership roles. “Not everything works out, but everything's a learning experience,” she says — a mantra that defines her career resilience.

She also offers valuable career advice for students, including:

• Why it’s okay not to know your path early on

• How to create your own opportunities instead of waiting for them

• Why leadership is often about building — people, programs, and impact

• How to approach mentors, research projects, and rejection with strategy and grace

This episode features questions submitted by members of the Neuroscience Alliance at UCF — a student group making waves in shaping the future of neuroscience education (listen to their episode here: https://www.neuroapproaches.org/podcast/episode/f59186d5/neuroscience-alliance-at-ucf-with-sudeepta-matha-andrei-nesterenko-mae-torra-charisse-melendez-and-prof-kiminobu-sugaya).

The Neuroscience of PTSD
Prof. Beidel dives deep into the evolving understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder. Listeners will learn:

• Why PTSD is not just a psychological issue, but a sensory and neurological one

• The overlooked power of smell in trauma memory and treatment

• How PTSD affects more than just veterans — including first responders, mass shooting survivors, and even ICU patients

She also introduces her groundbreaking work with UCF RESTORES, where she leads a three-week, evidence-based treatment program using virtual reality, group therapy, and individualized exposure therapy. “It’s like putting out a wildfire with every hose you’ve got,” she says.

New Frontiers in Neurotechnology
Prof. Beidel talks about using evoked potentials to differentiate between trauma responses in combat veterans, and the potential of neuromodulation and AI to personalize PTSD treatment. She emphasizes the need for secure, clinician-friendly tech that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows.

“The future of PTSD diagnosis and treatment may rely on tools we’re just beginning to understand — and the students listening today may be the ones to build them.”

Whether you’re considering graduate school, already in research, or exploring clinical applications of neuroscience, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in and take notes from one of the leading voices in trauma recovery and career mentorship in psychology and neuroscience.

Learn more about Prof. Beidel’s work at ucfrestores.com
📧 Contact: [email protected]
More from the host: neuroapproaches.org