Victoria Zajac | VGTx Research Initiative
Bradley University
VGTxresearch@gmail.com
LinkedIn
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Mental health advocate, educator, and researcher focused on trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and game-based mental health research. Builds community-centered psychoeducation and research translation through VGTx, with current work at the intersection of neurocounseling, psychophysiology, and therapeutic game design.
EDUCATION
Bradley University
M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), focus in Neurocounseling, expected 2027
Thesis (in progress): Buffs, Nerfs, and Nerves: The Experimental Impact of Combat, Choice, and Lore Mechanics on Momentary Mood.
Post University
B.S., Psychology, 2021, magna cum laude
Focus in Neuropsychology and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), GPA 3.98, President's List
Capstone topic: MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and HPA axis implications in trauma survivors
CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
BCIA Board Certification
BCIA Board Certification in Neurofeedback (in progress)
CITI Program Certifications
Completed
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR, Basic)
Research Misconduct and Reporting Procedures
Data Quality and Adverse Events
Privacy and Confidentiality in Research
IRB Review Process
Informed Consent and Vulnerable Populations
Data Security and Storage Compliance
Mentoring and Research Environment
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Trauma-Informed Harm Reduction Training
Comprehensive training in empathetic, evidence-based approaches to supporting individuals, focusing on safety, dignity, and reducing adverse outcomes.
Game Design & Research Coursework
Advanced studies from IBM, MIT EdX, Harvard EdX, and Stanford EdX, covering foundational and cutting-edge aspects of game development and research methodologies.
Video Game Writing Essentials
Mastery of narrative design, character development, and interactive storytelling techniques crucial for engaging video game experiences.
Mastering Game Programming
In-depth understanding of coding principles, engine mechanics, and development cycles to bring game concepts to life efficiently.
A Complete Guide to Game Design
Holistic overview of the game design process, from conceptualization and prototyping to playtesting and final implementation.
Psychological Aspects of Game Design
Exploration of cognitive and behavioral psychology applied to game mechanics, player motivation, and emotional engagement.
Generative AI for Games Development
Training in leveraging AI tools and techniques for content generation, procedural design, and intelligent NPC behavior in games.
PUBLICATIONS & SCHOLARLY WORKS
Book chapters, pending publication
Zajac, V. (2025). Fight, flight, Faerûn: Decision-making under acute stress in Baldur’s Gate 3. In A. Bean (Ed.), The Psychology of Baldur’s Gate. Geek Therapeutics Press.
Zajac, V. (2026). Wretched Worlds, Cultural Constructions of Fear: WuChang, The Last of Us, and Comparative Horror Psychology. Psychgeist, chapter in preparation.
Peer-reviewed manuscripts, in preparation
Conrad, R., & Zajac, V. (2025). Therapeutic applications of tabletop role-playing games: A scoping review (1990–2025). Manuscript in preparation.
Contribution: Conceptualization, PRISMA-ScR methodology, data curation, formal analysis, visualization, and gap synthesis.
Thesis and research projects, in progress
Zajac, V (expected 2027). Buffs, Nerfs, and Nerves: The Experimental Impact of Combat, Choice, and Lore Mechanics on Momentary Mood. Project in development.
Zajac, V. (expected 2028). VGTx Clinical Trial and Protocol Design, EEG and HRV-integrated therapeutic gaming framework. Research proposal in development.
Other current writing and media projects, in progress
Zajac, V.(2026) Boss Fights and Better Coping: Using Difficult Video Games for Emotion Regulation. Project in development
Zajac, V. (2026)Parallel Play, Parallel Worlds: The History of Neuropsychology and Video Games. Series in development.
Zajac, V. (2026) Patch Notes, Update In Your Sleep: Dopamine and Memory Consolidation. Project in development.
V. Zajac. (expected 2026). VGTx Live Play Protocol: A Proposed Framework for Synchronous Gameplay Telehealth. VGTx Research Initiative.
RESEARCH FOCUS
Game-based mental health, neurocounseling and psychophysiology, and experimental studies isolating mechanic-level mood effects. Emphasis on trauma-informed, harm reduction-informed design and accessible science communication through VGTx.
Game-Based Mental Health
Exploring the therapeutic use of commercial video games, focusing on evidence-based integration into clinical practice to enhance patient care.
Neurocounseling & Psychophysiology
Investigating affect regulation, stress physiology, and biometric-informed intervention design embedded within gameplay experiences.
Experimental Methodologies
Developing robust experimental methods to isolate mechanic-level effects on momentary mood, utilizing controlled gameplay and repeated measurements.
Trauma-Informed Frameworks
Designing harm reduction strategies for safer engagement with high-arousal and high-frustration game loops, prioritizing player well-being.
Therapeutic Game Design
Advancing neurofeedback and biofeedback integration (EEG, HRV) to create neuroadaptive, closed-loop therapeutic gaming standards.
Science Communication
Translating complex research through VGTx into psychoeducation, clinician-facing tools, and accessible summaries for public audiences.
PRESENTATIONS
Enhancing Cognitive Performance Through Game-Based Neurofeedback
Zajac, V. (2025, June). Neurocounseling, Bradley University, ENC 607
Proyecto: Counseling Con Cultura
Martinez, L., & Zajac, V. (2025, June). Professional Advocacy Campaign, Bradley University, ENC 620
Career Counseling, Mental Health, and Video Game Therapy (VGTx)
Zajac, V. (2025). Innovation in Career Counseling, Bradley University, ENC 621
Boss fights and better coping: Difficult video games as emotional regulation labs
Zajac, V. (2025). Presentation, details forthcoming.
RESEARCH & WORK EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant, Geek Therapeutics, 2024 to present
Therapeutic gaming scholarship and academic manuscripts with APA 7 compliance.
Data extraction, coding, and thematic analysis for TTRPG therapy scoping review (1990 to 2025).
Psychology Research Intern, The Commons XR, October 2025
Research support in immersive technology, affect regulation, and behavioral tracking.
Beyond Dope Productions, Psychoneuropharmacological Academic Researcher, Apr 2025 to Present
Supports psychoneuropharmacology research through literature review, evidence synthesis, and APA 7-aligned research writing for trauma-informed harm reduction education.
Beyond Dope Productions, Volunteer and Group Facilitator, Apr 2016 to Present
Facilitates harm reduction education and peer support, provides trauma-informed group support, and contributes to community health workshops.
Newmind Space for Wellness, Manager, Consent Advocate, Program Creator, 2015 to 2022
Trauma-informed consent education, survivor support, conflict mediation, restorative practices.
TEACHING & INSTRUCTION
Adjunct Professor
STEP Program, SUNY New Paltz, April 2025 to present
Educational college bridging course on video game psychology, neuropsychology and therapeutic interventions for youth and DEI-focused programming (6-hour seminar blocks)
VGTx Zoom Instructor
STEP Program, SUNY New Paltz, June to August 2025
Educational course on video game psychology, neuropsychology and therapeutic interventions for youth and DEI-focused programming (6-week class structure)
LEADERSHIP, PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT, & COMMUNITY BUILDING
Founder and Principal Investigator, VGTx Research Initiative
Research frameworks combining video games, biofeedback, neurofeedback, and counseling psychology
Mood regulation and psychophysiology during gameplay, ethical and governance considerations
Science communication and education across online platforms
Runs the VGTx Discord community for students and professionals
CORE SKILLS
Trauma-informed practice
Grounded, safety-first approach to support, education, and research work with high-stress or vulnerable populations.
De-escalation and crisis support
Calm, practical de-escalation skills for tense moments, emotional escalation, or safety concerns in community settings.
Harm reduction
Nonjudgmental, evidence-informed harm reduction education, peer support, and community health facilitation.
Group facilitation
Leads group-based learning and support through Beyond Dope groups, workshops, STEP instruction, and seminars.
Psychoeducation
Translates clinical and research concepts into clear, accessible teaching for youth programs, workshops, and VGTx public content.
Consent advocacy
Consent-centered support and education, survivor-support aligned communication, and safety-oriented community practice.
Program design and session planning
Designs structured sessions, workshop flow, learning objectives, and materials for education and community-based delivery.
CBT and DBT-informed psychoeducation
Uses CBT, DBT concepts as psychoeducational tools, skills language, and framework structure for workshops and teaching.
Mindfulness-based skills (MBSR-informed)
Integrates mindfulness-based grounding and regulation skills in education and skill-building contexts.
Neurocounseling & psychophysiology
EEG concepts and interpretation
EEG interpretation across band power, asymmetry, and connectivity, including alpha reactivity and theta/beta patterns, with artifact-controlled preprocessing
HRV and biometric tracking
Neurofeedback and biofeedback training (in progress)
Cognitive load and attention mapping
Psychoneurochemistry and neuroplasticity education
Binaural beats and neuroadaptive intervention design
Designs game-based regulation concepts using binaural beats and state-responsive (EEG/HRV-informed) intervention logic
Research and methods
Research Methodologies
  • PRISMA-ScR scoping reviews
  • Systematic reviews
  • Mixed methods
  • Data coding and thematic synthesis
  • Survey construction (personality and mood measures)
  • IRB and research ethics
  • APA 7 writing and editing
  • SPSS and R in training
Game-based research and development
  • Therapeutic game design and prototyping
  • Neuroadaptive gameplay mechanics (EEG and HRV concept integration)
  • Emotional regulation systems in games
  • Narrative and symbol psychology integration
  • UX in therapeutic gaming
  • Game studies and media psychology analysis
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI)
International Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society
American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Psychology Association (APA)
Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA)
RESEARCH ADVISORS & COLLABORATORS
Dr. Erik Braun
Bradley University, Department of Counseling
Thesis advisor
Dr. Mentzer
Bradley University
Faculty research advisor
Dr. Bean
Geek Therapeutics, Geek Therapeutics Press
Editor and PI
Dr. Sara Roldan
University of San Diego
Consultant, collaborator
Jason VandenBurge
BrainLab
Consultant
Dr. Woodruff
University of the Pacific
Consultant
Dr. Kaufman
Dr Gameology
Consultant