N/NY-RE-311 - FNIRS and Self-Report Assessment of Artmaking in Virtual Reality

Dr. Girija Kaimal (EdD, MA, ATR-BC) is an Assistant Professor in the doctoral program in Creative Arts therapies at Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions. She has a Bachelor's degree in design from the National Institute of Design in India; Master's degree in art therapy from Drexel University; and a doctorate in human development and psychology from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She also serves as the President of AATA and is an Assessment Fellow for Drexel University.

Katrina Carroll-Haskins is an art therapist and educator. She is currently a PhD candidate and research fellow at Drexel University. She has worked therapeutically with groups and individuals diagnosed with autism, dementia, intellectual disabilities, chemical dependency, eating disorders, trauma, and sexual offenses. Her research interests include art-based supervision, professional identity development for art therapists, and innovative technologies (VR, AR) and their applications to art therapy practice

Asli Arslanbek, Ph.D., ATR-BC, is an Assistant Professor and program coordinator of the BA in Art Therapy at the University of Tampa. She teaches art therapy courses including Introduction to Art Therapy, Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents, Art Therapy with Adults, and Capstone Project. Asli earned her Ph.D. in Creative Arts Therapies from Drexel University, specializing in arts-based psychosocial support interventions in humanitarian emergencies. Her research interests span a wide range of topics, including the therapeutic role of indigenous and traditional art forms, qualitative visual methodologies, and trauma-informed practices. Her scholarly contributions include numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, where she advocates for strength-based and inclusive approaches to art therapy. Her work emphasizes four key areas: integrating community-based healing practices and traditional art forms into therapeutic interventions; developing arts-based well-being intervention trainings in humanitarian emergencies; exploring the use of written and visual journals to process and make sense of experiences and beliefs; and examining the relationship between personal trauma history and emotional responses to artistic imagery. In addition to her academic and research endeavors, Asli actively collaborates with national and international organizations to promote art therapy and develop sustainable, community-centered art therapy programs. She currently serves as the President of the Florida Art Therapy Association. Through her teaching, research and art therapy practice, Asli is committed to fostering resilience and well-being by promoting creative expression.