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Biography

Dr. Barbara Colombo, Ph.D., is a Core Faculty member in the Ph.D. in Applied Psychological Sciences program at Fielding Graduate University and serves as the President of the Vermont Psychological Association (VPA). With a robust scientific background, Dr. Colombo’s teaching, research, and service exemplify a steadfast commitment to health equity, cognitive well-being, and inclusive education.

Her research focuses on the role of cognitive reserve and non-invasive brain stimulation in promoting emotional and physical health across diverse populations, including young adults, adults, and aging individuals. Her recent studies examine how cognitive reserve mediates adverse health conditions such as sleep disorders, chronic pain, and COVID-19-related PTSD. Driven by a passion for health equity, Dr. Colombo’s work also addresses health disparities, with particular attention to individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. Colombo’s educational journey reflects her deep commitment to academic rigor and lifelong learning. She holds two master’s degrees—one in Social Sciences from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy, and another in Psychology from The Open University in London, UK. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, where she served as a tenured Assistant Professor before transitioning to Champlain College (VT) in 2014. Dr. Colombo also pursued postgraduate education at Harvard Medical School, with a focus on Clinical Research and Biostatistics.

Dr. Colombo’s academic impact is reflected in her extensive research contributions. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, many co-authored with her students. In addition to her editorial and peer-review roles for several academic journals, Dr. Colombo has been featured in the media as an expert in her field.

Her professional experience spans academia and community engagement. Dr. Colombo has led workshops on health and well-being, peer education, emotion regulation, and inclusivity. Her dedication to applied education is evident in her history of fostering experiential learning opportunities for students, empowering the next generation of scholars and practitioners in applied psychological sciences.