David J. Finitsis
Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
208 High Street, 300860-685-685-
PHD University of Connecticut
David J. Finitsis
Prof. Finitsis' research focuses broadly on stress, anxiety and health behavior both within specific medical populations (HIV, cancer) and among more general populations. Studies from his lab will typically combine biological and behavioral methods to understand patient engagement in preventative care and treatment for chronic illness. His work includes both systematic review/meta-analysis and primary research studies. A willing research mentor, Prof. Finitsis looks forward to hearing from students interested in joining his Behavioral Medicine Lab at Wesleyan: current projects include: a study of healthcare disparities in cancer screening and one exploring the effects of hormonal based cancer treatments effects on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and cognitive functioning.
Dr. Finitsis completed his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Bowdoin College in 1995 and continued to live in Maine thereafter, working a variety of jobs from organic farming and commercial fishing to adventure based counseling and 911 first response. It was those years of paramedic work in particular that first granted him insight into the psychology of heath, illness, and injury. After marrying and moving to Connecticut in 2010, he returned to school as a graduate student in Psychology at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Finitsis received his PhD in 2016 and completed an internship in Clinical and Community Psychology at the Yale School of Medicine. A New England native, Dr. Finitsis has an abiding love of the outdoors that he frequently persues both on foot and by bicycle. He is a happy husband and father of two children.
Academic Affiliations
Office Hours
Courses
Summer 2023
PSYC 211Z - 01
Rsch Mthds in Clinical Psych
Fall 2023
PSYC 211 - 02
Rsch Mthds in Clinical Psych
PSYC 251 - 01
Psychopathology