UNF grad contributes to human freeze response research

Ula McCarthy, who graduated last semester from the University of North Florida with a master’s degree in psychological science, has taken an in-depth look at how the human body reacts to fear and perceived threats as part of her master’s research.  

Using advanced wireless Biopac neurophysiology equipment — made available through a philanthropic gift from longtime UNF benefactor Jim Van Vleck — McCarthy explored the biobehavioral markers associated with the freeze response, contributing to the growing body of knowledge about this psychological phenomenon in humans.  

McCarthy says the benefit of Biopac technology is its ability to measure numerous bodily functions, including muscle activity, respiration, blood pressure and blood pulse volume, by connecting electrodes to various parts of the body. In her research, human participants viewed movie clips intended to evoke freezing responses. 

Although extensive research has been conducted on freeze response behaviors in animals, much of the research on humans is preliminary. McCarthy’s research aims to bridge the gap between animal-based and human-based exploration of the freeze response. 

“My research is another step in the process to further refine the studying of techniques to measure this specific response in humans,” she said. “The more we conduct research like this, the more we can understand human physiology, and how our brain responds to fear, and how our behavior responds to our brain.” 

The findings were part of McCarthy’s master's thesis, "A Pilot Study of the Freeze Response: Physiological Markers Under Threat Versus Safety Video Conditions." 

Dr. Lori Lange, professor and chair in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, compliments McCarthy’s exceptional drive and willingness to tackle complex, underexplored areas of research. 

“Ula has evolved from a capable student into an independent researcher who can design and execute studies, troubleshoot challenges and think critically about both data and implications,” Lange said. 

McCarthy credits Lange’s mentorship for positively contributing to her research studies. 

“Dr. Lange has been such an amazing mentor,” said McCarthy. “She has given me numerous research opportunities, and I have learned so much under her guidance.” 

In the fall, McCarthy will continue her research efforts at Florida International University while pursuing a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience.  

Discovering an interest in science and pursuing a psychology degree 

Originally from Jamestown, Rhode Island, McCarthy moved with her family to St. Augustine, Florida at the age of 12. A family trip to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., led her to pursue a career in psychology. While there, she was amazed by an exhibit about human evolution that focused on the human brain. 

“It sounds cliche, but I saw that exhibit and I knew I wanted to pursue science. Specifically, I wanted to focus on humans,” she said. 

Initially, she thought about becoming an evolutionary scientist but later became interested in studying neuroscience. 

“I’m really interested in discovering how our brain and our behavior connect,” said McCarthy. “Understanding that connection was something I wanted to carry with me throughout my studies.” 

Following high school, she began her collegiate studies at the University of Central Florida in 2019 — graduating with honors in 2023 boasting a bachelor’s degree in neuropsychology with a minor in biology. 

While studying at UCF, McCarthy interned at a local psychological services center and participated in various research lab projects, including conducting research in both a driving lab and a cognition lab. 

Experiences at UNF and making lifelong connections 

Immediately following her graduation from UCF, McCarthy began her Osprey journey in fall 2023 in UNF’s Master of Science in Psychological Science (MSPS) program. She chose to pursue a graduate degree at UNF because of the robust research opportunities in the MSPS program. McCarthy also received funding from UNF to conduct research — a gift that she never expected. 

“I am forever grateful that UNF cared that much about my research journey and my academic path to fund me,” she said. 

The cohort-based MSPS program pairs students with faculty advisors, and as fortune would have it, McCarthy was paired with Dr. Lange, who shared her research interest in psychophysiology and autonomic reactivities.  

In addition to Lange, McCarthy says she is incredibly grateful for the endless support she has received from Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Paul Fuglestad. 

“I cannot say enough about how much Dr. Fuglestad has been a support system to not only me, but everyone in my cohort,” said McCarthy, recalling how Fuglestad’s assistance for students included reviewing thesis documents and running statistics. 

Fuglestad said McCarthy’s “invaluable” efforts helped him adapt his lines of research to incorporate neurophysiological measures. 

"Ula is charismatic, intelligent, conscientious and passionate about psychological research and promoting mental health,” Fuglestad said. 

McCarthy shares the same fondness for her 14 fellow cohort members as she does for UNF faculty. 

“My cohort kept me going and having that support is what got me through this program,” said McCarthy. “I will always view them with so much love in my heart.” 

While in the MSPS program, McCarthy honed her lab and research skills working as a graduate research assistant/lab coordinator in the Advanced Laboratory for Innovative Experiments in Neurophysiology, often referred to as the ALIEN Neurophysiology Lab. It is here that she mastered the use of the Biopac equipment, sharing this knowledge with fellow students. She also learned neuroimaging techniques while working in the fNIRS Brain Imaging Lab. 

During her time at UNF, McCarthy was involved in other research endeavors including participating in the 2024 Florida Data Science for Social Good summer internship program and co-hosting an Electromyography (EMG) workshop with Dr. Lange during Research Week 2024. Based on research conducted at Mayo Clinic, McCarthy and Lange presented their poster, "Mind Over Matter: How Pre-Transplant Illness Perceptions Shape Mental Health Outcomes in HSCT Patients," at the American Psychological Association 2024 Conference for Division 38 held in Seattle, Washington, highlighting the role of mental health in predicting recovery outcomes post-transplant. 

The Next Chapter 

While she will miss her tenure at UNF, McCarthy is ready to begin the next chapter of her life furthering her research in cognitive neuroscience as a doctoral student at FIU beginning in August. While there, she will conduct research in the Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab under the direction of Dr. Fabian Soto, associate professor of psychology. 

Her long-term goals are to use her research to help companies succeed and aid industry practices. 

“I’d like to work with companies as a consultant and provide accurate research to help them make informed decisions based on what I’m able to produce from an ethical, sound and empathetic mindset,” she said.