Bio
Maj Rachael Bryson Peck is the Deputy Director of Information Warfare Research and Education in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. As an Air Force Reservist, she supports undergraduate education in behavioral sciences and leadership, develops curriculum, and mentors future Air Force officers. She also supports research and education initiatives that integrate behavioral science and information warfare concepts into cadet development.
Maj Peck entered the Air Force in 2011 through Air Force ROTC. She earned a BA degree in Psychology and Studio Art from James Madison University and an MA degree in Psychological Sciences through the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institute Program at James Madison University. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, focusing on the intersection of trauma and cognitive functioning. Her past assignments have included service with the Air Force Research Laboratory, 455 Expeditionary Maintenance Group, Executive Officer and Instructor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, and Victim Advocate for the Sexual Assault Prevention Response Office.
In her civilian career, Maj Peck is a clinical psychologist specializing in adult neuropsychology. Her clinical and research interests include neuropsychological assessment, cognitive functioning, trauma, resilience, brain injury, and human performance.
Education
PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs (2019–2025)
MA, Psychological Sciences, James Madison University (2014–2015)
BA, Psychology and Studio Art, James Madison University (2007–2011)
Professional Experience
Deputy Director, Info Warfare Research and Education, USAF Reserves (2019 – Present)
Executive Officer and Senior Instructor, DFBL, U.S. Air Force Academy (2018)
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate, U.S. Air Force Academy (2017)
455 Expeditionary Maintenance Group, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan (2013-2014)
Applied Neuroscience Branch, 711 Human Performance Wing; Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB (2011-2014)
Honors & Awards
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster (2024)
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (2019)
Air Force Achievement Medal (2018)
Air Force Commendation Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster (2014)
Air Force Commendation Medal (2014)
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2013)
Distinguished Graduate, AFROTC Det 890, University of Virginia (2011)
Research and Scholarly Interests
Cognitive functioning, resilience, and recovery following trauma and injury
Sexual exploitation, sexual victimization, body image, and women’s health outcomes
Human performance, cognition, and decision-making in military and operational environments
Publications
Littleton, H., Peck, R., Higgins, M., Zamundu, A., Bradshaw, J., & Mohamed, N. (2026). The Association of Sexual Victimization with Dysmorphic Appearance Concern Among Emerging Adult Women. Sex Roles, 92(3), 22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-026-01656-z
Littleton, H., Peck, R. B., & Higgins, M., (2026). Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI). In T. Tylka, A. Landor, V. Winter (Eds.) Handbook of Body Image Measures. Routledge.
Peck, R. B., Samuelson, K. W., Shoji, K., & Benight, C. C. (2026). The roles of cognitive control and coping self-efficacy in posttraumatic stress symptoms following a motor vehicle collision. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 18(1), 106–114. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001853
Peck, R. B., Hall, M. D., Gaston, J. R., & Dickerson, K. (2018). Evidence of Change Deafness with Continuously Moving Targets. Auditory Perception & Cognition, 1(1–2), 66–96. https://doi.org/10.1080/25742442.2018.1499002
Hall, M. D., & Peck, R. B. (2017). Categorical perception: effects of the extent and rate of spectral change. Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 29(1), 3–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/20445911.2016.1229704
Peck, R. B. & Mastroianni, G. R. (2017). United States of America Report. In I. Goldenberg and A. Febbraro, (Eds). Civilian and Military Personnel Integration and Collaboration in Defence Organizations. NATO Science and Technology Technical Report. NATO STO HFM RTG-226.
Galster, S., Liggett, K., Bryson, R. C., Barthelemy, B., & Treasure, C. (2012). Divergent Collaboration, catalyzing science and technology innovations. Defense Technical Information Center, AFRL-RH-WP-SR-2012-0001