Justin Bonagura Moran

About

Researcher passionate about using interactive technology and computational models to understand how people think, learn, and share information. Currently a PhD student in Dr. Eshin Jolly's SciMinds Research Studio at UCSD. I blend naturalistic experimental methods with web development, simulations, and game design to study social cognition.

Research Interests

Computational Modeling
Theory of Mind
Cognitive Psychology
Education Technology
Social Cognition
User Experience
Web Development for Research Applications
Video Games and Simulations as Research Platforms

Current Positions

PhD, Experimental Psychology

University of California San Diego (2026-Present)

Lead projects to build computational models to understand and predict learning mechanisms, and to develop online platforms for better and more robust research. Create and utilize game platforms as simulated environments for large multiplayer-scale studies on cognition, behavior, learning tools, social dynamics, and collaborative learning. Develop general tools, frameworks, and templates to make the research process technically easier and more accessible.
Advisor: Eshin Jolly, PhD, Cognitive Neuroscience, Assistant Professor of Psychology - UC San Diego
SciMinds Research Studio @ UCSD

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

University of California San Diego (2020-2024)

GPA: 3.77, Provost Honors

Creative Work

Beyond research, I create and play music of many different sorts, most recently and prominently for my jazz project Reflections, a reflection of my relationship with music and the people who I do and experience music with.

Recent News

2026 September: Started PhD in Experimental Psychology at UCSD under Dr. Eshin Jolly at SciMinds Research Studio
2026 April: Attended the Social and Affective Neuroscience Conference (SANS) in San Diego, California
2026 March: Attended and presented at the Virtual Shared Reality Conference
2026 March: Accepted into and committed to the PhD program in Experimental Psychology at UCSD under Dr. Eshin Jolly
2025 November: Traveled to Denver, Colorado for the Psychonomic Society Annual Meeting
2025 June: Started official Research Scientist position at SciMinds Research Studio
2025 April: Began working with Dr. Eshin Jolly
2024 June: Joined LIME Lab as Research Assistant
2024 June: Graduated from UCSD with B.A. in Psychology
2024 March: Joined PSI Lab as Research Assistant
2023 January: Moved back to San Diego and joined Laboratory of Comparative Human Cognition as Content and Web Developer
2022 May: Started studying with Dr. Oscar Baldelomar in the Cultural and Social Development Lab in LA