Jude Bayyat

Jude Bayyat is a PhD student with Morsani Medical Sciences program at the University of South Florida studying the neural mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Her research focuses on motivational circuitry and effort-based behavior, particularly investigating the therapeutic potential of novel neuroplasticity-promoting compounds derived from tryptamine scaffolds such as Psilocybin or Dimethyl tryptamine. Her work aims to understand how these compounds influence motivation, reward processing, and neural plasticity.

Prior to beginning her PhD, Jude worked in the preclinical development of PSIL006, through an internship and commercial collaboration with PSILERA, which sparked her interest in translational neuroscience and the development of innovative pharmacological treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions utilizing neuroplastogens. 

Outside of the lab, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and training.