Overview
Welcome to the CUSM Center for Brain and Behavioral Health
The Center for Brain and Behavioral Health at California University of Science and Medicine is a transformative hub dedicated to advancing health equity in brain, behavioral, and neurological health. Through innovative research, integrated clinical care, education and workforce training, and meaningful community engagement, the Center works to address disparities in health outcomes, with a particular focus on underserved communities in the Inland Empire.
Our Mission
The CUSM Center for Brain and Behavioral Health serves as a catalyst for collaboration among healthcare providers, scientists, educators, and community partners. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we develop and implement evidence-based interventions and contribute to a health workforce ready to meet brain and behavioral needs for our Inland Empire community and beyond.
Our Comprehensive Approach
The Center's work is organized around four interconnected pillars that together address the full spectrum of brain and behavioral health equity:
Research
Dedicated to advancing neuroscience, brain health, and behavioral health through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. We engage affiliated faculty researchers with diverse expertise in neurology, psychiatry, implementation science, and neuro-immunology. The Center builds research capacity through interdisciplinary workshops, training programs, and seed funding opportunities, further contributing to workforce development in the Inland Empire.
Clinical Care
Provides comprehensive neurological and behavioral health care through expert treatment for neurological conditions (including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and stroke) and neurobehavioral disorders including dementia. We partner with patients and families to optimize neurological and behavioral wellness, delivering care specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of Inland Empire communities.
Education and Training
Develops the regional health workforce through comprehensive education and training in brain and behavioral health. We prepare future healthcare providers through specialized medical school curricula while offering healthcare professionals and community members evidence-based courses, interactive workshops, and training programs. Our educational initiatives support diverse career paths in neurological and behavioral health services and equip participants with practical skills to respond effectively to mental health needs.
Community
Centers community partnership as fundamental to meaningful improvements in brain and behavioral health equity. We engage deeply with community members, ensuring they benefit from our expanding knowledge base and resources while contributing valuable insights to shape our research priorities and clinical approaches. Through regular community forums and collaborative initiatives, we share findings, increase awareness, and create accessible opportunities that empower our community partners in advancing brain and behavioral health for all.
About Us
Leadership Team:
Founding Director
Dr. Zohray Talib
MD, FAC
Associate Director
Dr. Lisa Schwartz
MD, MBA
Manager
Patricia Lozano
MBA
Pillar Leads:
Research
Dr. Edith Wakida
BIFA, MA, MRA, PhD
Clinical Care
Dr. Elizabeth Morrison-Banks
MD, MSED
Education and Training
Dr. Vanessa Orozco
PhD
Community
Dr. Joél Arvizo-Zaval
PhD, MEd, CHES
Advisory Board Members
- Louise Borda, MBA, BS - Senior Associate Dean, Education Operations
- Hani Atamna, PhD, MSc - Associate Dean, Research
- Andres Gonzalez, MD, MMM - Chief Medical Officer
- Gordon Green, MD, Med, EdD - Senior Associate Dean, Simulation and Patient Safety
- Sunny Nakae, PhD, MSW, BS - Senior Associate Dean, Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Partnerships
- David Seigler, MD, FAPA - Chair Behavioral Health, ARMC
Supporting the CUSM Mission
The Center directly advances CUSM's mission by:
- Advancing the science of medicine through innovative research in neuroscience, neurology, mental health, brain health, and population health equity
- Training health workforce leaders and future scientists who are equipped to address health disparities in brain and behavioral health
- Improving community health outcomes through evidence-based interventions and community engagement
Community at Our Core
At the heart of our Center is a commitment to community partnership. We believe that meaningful improvements in brain and behavioral health equity can only be achieved by working directly with the communities we serve. Our community partners help shape our research priorities, inform our clinical approaches, and guide our educational initiatives.
Join Us
Whether you're a healthcare professional, researcher, student, community organization, or community member interested in brain and behavioral health equity, there are many ways to get involved with the Center. Contact us to learn more about our initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities for collaboration.