Three Squares Lab
We specialize in translational psychology to understand and address challenges related to body image and eating behaviors, leveraging cutting-edge research in AI and human affect to create innovative solutions
At Three Squares Lab, our mission bridges the science of brain directed learning with real-world applications in body image, eating behaviours, health literacy, and human affect. We aim to blend neurocognitive interventions with evidence-based translational research to understand how brain processes (not just what we think but how we think) influence body image and eating behaviours.
At our lab, we also leverage AI and machine learning, enhancing detection to aid development of both preventative and clinical interventions in eating and body image concerns to help promote healthier behaviours grounded in in rigorous translational research with real-world impact.
Meet Dr Jay Raman
Academic Clinical Psychologist
Researcher | Founder, Three Squares Lab
Advancing Psychology for Global Impact
Dr Jay’s research is aligned with pressing global health priorities.
22 of her publications contribute to three United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals:
Zero Hunger
Good Health & Wellbeing
Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Her work reflects a commitment to addressing complex health challenges through evidence-based, translational research.
Collaborators
Dr Jay is an academic clinical psychologist and researcher at the School of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle, and the Founder/Director of the Three Squares Lab. She also holds adjunct and conjoint academic appointment at Western Sydney University.
Her research on obesity and neurocognition has been internationally recognized, with findings contributing to a documented paradigm shift in the field. In 2023, she received CSIRO’s ON Prime award for high-impact research.
Her papers have been referenced in three international policy reports. Her publications have been cited 421 times by authors affiliated with over 160 institutions in over 68 countries, demonstrating the global reach and influence of her research.
Dr. Raman is ranked 4th in Australia (2019–2025) in scholarly output for Bariatric Surgery, Obesity, and Quality of Life.
Her national leadership is formally recognized through her appointment as an ARC Review Panel Member and various PhD confirmation and examination panels.
Media Coverage
Featured in 30 news stories across global outlets including:
Reader’s Digest
The Medical News
Bariatric News
Imagine if you could lose weight by not just watching what you eat, but by how you think? New research by Jay Raman suggests the key to sustained weight loss lies with our 'executive function' - the ability to pay attention to details, plan, organise and make healthy decisions.
Video Courtesy: UTS
Dr Jay Raman contributes to teaching, postgraduate selection panels, Higher degree research supervision, PhD thesis examinations, and scientific meeting coordination. She has led several postgraduate courses, emphasizing translational learning from bench to practice.
She serves on the UON CESE Research Fellowship Selection Committee and the School of Psychological Sciences Ethics Review Panel at UoN. Her teaching spans research methods to advanced clinical skills, with a strong commitment to the scientist-practitioner model.
Teaching and Mentorship
Invited speeches (Last 5 years)
2025
Mental Health Seminar. Behind the Smile: Understanding Hidden Depression & How to Support Your Friends. Vietnemese Student Association, University of Newcastle
Central Coast LHD: Allied Health
2024
Symposium Anchor: Future trends on cognitive remediation for eating disorders" The III Biennial Conference on Cognitive and Clinical Neuropsychology, Chennai, India
2023
Body Acceptance. Northlakes 8th graders
Professional Development: Overcoming biases when treating individuals living with morbid obesity 2023: Ethics in Comminication with Individuals Living with Higher Body weight - The Wyong Hospital's Allied Health Team
CSIRO- ON Prime Show Case- 1st February 2023.
2022
CCLHD Psychology Department - Professional Development Day
2021
Invited main speaker at the first Public Health Round Table; The Huazhong University of Science and Technology
