About Me
My name is Dhea Katkuri
Hi, I’m Dhea. I’m a high school junior and researcher who believes that mental health should be treated with the same urgency and importance as physical health. My work bridges the gap between the lab and the community, combining my neuroscience research with a Research Professor from USC with creative advocacy to make emotional well-being feel less like a clinical chore and more like an empowering tool. Whether I’m designing "Neuro-Joy Kits" for kids in hospitals or leading mental health campaigns that have raised hundreds of dollars for children in need, my goal is the same: to show that when we combine art with science, healing becomes more human and approachable for everyone.
Let’s build a happier brain, one canvas at a time.
My Mission
I believe mental health care shouldn't feel clinical or intimidating. By combining art and science, I aim to make healing more human and approachable for children and teens.
My Research
Advancing Neuroscience and Physiological Research
My commitment to medicine is rooted in rigorous scientific inquiry and a focus on neurodegenerative pathologies. Currently, I serve as a researcher within the USC. Under the mentorship of Professor Jobin, my work focuses on the biochemical mechanisms of diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s. This research involves investigating biomarker development and protein-membrane interactions to better understand how these conditions progress at a molecular level.
My Leadership
Leading the Change in Healthcare
Founder, Mind Over Matter
Developed a wellness initiative focused on sustainable stress management and evidence-based guidance.
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President-Elect, HOSA
Spearheading organization and service initiatives for future health professionals.
Co-Founder, Revive the Mind:
Led a student campaign to reduce stigma and provide research-informed mental health content.
National Editorial Team:
Contributing to Clean Choices Together, translating complex health topics for a national audience.
My Medical Activities
1 / Pediatric Advocacy
Designing "Neuro-Joy Kits" for hospitals to help kids feel curious rather than anxious about their healing.
2 / Senior Memory Care
Volunteering at Oaks Senior Living to lead exercise groups and social events for residents in memory care.
3 / Global Health
Digital Marketing Intern for Therapeutic Impressions and Public Health Intern for Leadership Initiative, supporting sanitation in Africa.
4 / Community Support
Over 40 hours dedicated to food security with Meals by Grace.
Upcoming Events
NeuroArt: An Interactive ExperienceMon, Mar 02Neuroscience Theater
Artistic Brainstorm WorkshopMon, Mar 02The Creativity Workshop Hub
Art & Brain: Creativity Insights PanelMon, Mar 02The Art Gallery Room
Blogs
Connect with Us
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a neuroscientist, or simply curious about the intersection of art and brain function, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us for inquiries, collaborations, or to share your thoughts. Your engagement is integral to our canvasandcortex.com community.