Our Team
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Lab Director
Dr. Cheri A. Levinson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Clinical Psychology Ph.D.: Washington University, Department of Psychology
T32 Post-doctoral Fellowship: Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
Clinical Internship: University of North Carolina, Department of Psychiatry
Center for Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED)
Dr. Levinson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville and Director of the EAT lab and clinic. Dr. Levinson’s research focuses on (a) understanding the high levels of comorbidity between eating and anxiety disorders and (b) applying empirically supported treatments for anxiety disorders, specifically exposure therapy, to the eating disorders. Dr. Levinson has published more than 45 peer-reviewed manuscripts and chapters and has been the primary investigator on several national grants and awards. She has received several awards for her work from the Academy for Eating Disorders, including the 2015 Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award. Dr. Levinson’s clinical work focuses primarily on treating patients with eating disorders using CBT, DBT, and other empirically-based treatments.
To see Dr. Levinson's CV, please click here: LevinsonCV
Assistant Professor
Clinical Psychology Ph.D.: Washington University, Department of Psychology
T32 Post-doctoral Fellowship: Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
Clinical Internship: University of North Carolina, Department of Psychiatry
Center for Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED)
Dr. Levinson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville and Director of the EAT lab and clinic. Dr. Levinson’s research focuses on (a) understanding the high levels of comorbidity between eating and anxiety disorders and (b) applying empirically supported treatments for anxiety disorders, specifically exposure therapy, to the eating disorders. Dr. Levinson has published more than 45 peer-reviewed manuscripts and chapters and has been the primary investigator on several national grants and awards. She has received several awards for her work from the Academy for Eating Disorders, including the 2015 Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award. Dr. Levinson’s clinical work focuses primarily on treating patients with eating disorders using CBT, DBT, and other empirically-based treatments.
To see Dr. Levinson's CV, please click here: LevinsonCV
Graduate Students
Leigh C. Brosof, B.A.
Leigh Brosof (B.A. Washington University in St. Louis) entered graduate school in July 2016. Her research interests include exploring the etiology of eating disorders and testing novel treatments of eating disorders based on etiological models. She is also particularly interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods. She is currently investigating perfectionism, dietary restraint, and social appearance anxiety as factors that may contribute to the development or maintenance of binge eating. In her free time, Leigh enjoys running, spending time outdoors, and exploring the local restaurant and food scene.
Representative publications and presentations:
Brosof, L. C., & Levinson, C. A. (under review). Social appearance anxiety and dietary restraint as mediators between perfectionism and binge eating: A six month three wave longitudinal study.
Levinson, C. A. & Brosof L. C. (in press). Cultural and ethnic differences in eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors. Current Psychiatry Reviews.
Levinson, C. A., Rodebaugh, T. L., Riley, E. N., & Brosof, L. C. (under review). Restraint and evaluation impair self-regulation after stress: Interacting individual differences impact food intake, disordered eating, and weight.
Brosof, L. C. & Levinson, C. A. (2015, November). Social appearance anxiety is the domain of social anxiety that predicts binge eating over time. Poster presented at the annual conference of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Chicago, IL.
Brosof, L. C. & Levinson, C. A. (2015, May). Social appearance anxiety mediates the relationship between concern over mistakes and binge eating: A six-month three wave longitudinal study. Poster presented at the annual conference of the Association for Psychological Science, New York, NY.
Leigh Brosof (B.A. Washington University in St. Louis) entered graduate school in July 2016. Her research interests include exploring the etiology of eating disorders and testing novel treatments of eating disorders based on etiological models. She is also particularly interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods. She is currently investigating perfectionism, dietary restraint, and social appearance anxiety as factors that may contribute to the development or maintenance of binge eating. In her free time, Leigh enjoys running, spending time outdoors, and exploring the local restaurant and food scene.
Representative publications and presentations:
Brosof, L. C., & Levinson, C. A. (under review). Social appearance anxiety and dietary restraint as mediators between perfectionism and binge eating: A six month three wave longitudinal study.
Levinson, C. A. & Brosof L. C. (in press). Cultural and ethnic differences in eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors. Current Psychiatry Reviews.
Levinson, C. A., Rodebaugh, T. L., Riley, E. N., & Brosof, L. C. (under review). Restraint and evaluation impair self-regulation after stress: Interacting individual differences impact food intake, disordered eating, and weight.
Brosof, L. C. & Levinson, C. A. (2015, November). Social appearance anxiety is the domain of social anxiety that predicts binge eating over time. Poster presented at the annual conference of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Chicago, IL.
Brosof, L. C. & Levinson, C. A. (2015, May). Social appearance anxiety mediates the relationship between concern over mistakes and binge eating: A six-month three wave longitudinal study. Poster presented at the annual conference of the Association for Psychological Science, New York, NY.
Irina Vanzhula, B.A.
Irina Vanzhula (B.A. University of Illinois at Springfield; M.A. Saint-Petersburg State University) is a 3rd year graduate student. Irina is interested in applying network analysis method to the study of psychopathology, and specifically in exploring eating disorder comorbidities. Irina’s research interests also include mindfulness-based treatments for eating disorders and maladaptive eating behaviors. Irina is currently collaborating with UofL Health Promotion Office to conduct a 4-week mindful eating workshop and empirically evaluate its effectiveness. Irina is also working on developing and evaluating a brief treatment for self-criticism, guilt, and shame. In her free time, Irina enjoys traveling, cooking, and yoga.
Irina Vanzhula (B.A. University of Illinois at Springfield; M.A. Saint-Petersburg State University) is a 3rd year graduate student. Irina is interested in applying network analysis method to the study of psychopathology, and specifically in exploring eating disorder comorbidities. Irina’s research interests also include mindfulness-based treatments for eating disorders and maladaptive eating behaviors. Irina is currently collaborating with UofL Health Promotion Office to conduct a 4-week mindful eating workshop and empirically evaluate its effectiveness. Irina is also working on developing and evaluating a brief treatment for self-criticism, guilt, and shame. In her free time, Irina enjoys traveling, cooking, and yoga.
Jackie Ma, B.A.
Jackie Ma (B.A. James Cook University; B.A. (Hons) Flinders University) entered graduate school in July 2017. Broadly speaking, her research interests lie in (a) the intersection between eating and anxiety disorders as well as (b) improving treatment outcomes for eating disorders through the development of innovative treatments. Hence, she is very keen on applying exposure therapy to the treatment of eating disorders. Specifically, she is interested in investigating ways of optimizing exposure therapy for eating disorders and in understanding fear extinction mechanisms. In her free time, she enjoys reading, attending concerts, running, and spending time with friends and family.
Jackie Ma (B.A. James Cook University; B.A. (Hons) Flinders University) entered graduate school in July 2017. Broadly speaking, her research interests lie in (a) the intersection between eating and anxiety disorders as well as (b) improving treatment outcomes for eating disorders through the development of innovative treatments. Hence, she is very keen on applying exposure therapy to the treatment of eating disorders. Specifically, she is interested in investigating ways of optimizing exposure therapy for eating disorders and in understanding fear extinction mechanisms. In her free time, she enjoys reading, attending concerts, running, and spending time with friends and family.
Lab Manager & Study Coordinator
Lisa Michelson, M.A.
Lisa Michelson graduated from Wake Forest University in 2014 with a B.A. in Religious Studies. Upon graduation, she worked for a year as a Clinical Trials Research Coordinator at Eastern Carolina Women’s Center in New Bern, North Carolina. In 2017, she received a Master’s degree in Bioethics and Medical Humanities at the University of Louisville. She’s interested in pursuing a career in medicine specifically in Hospice and Palliative Care. Lisa enjoys cooking, exploring, and laughing with her large family and friends
Lisa Michelson graduated from Wake Forest University in 2014 with a B.A. in Religious Studies. Upon graduation, she worked for a year as a Clinical Trials Research Coordinator at Eastern Carolina Women’s Center in New Bern, North Carolina. In 2017, she received a Master’s degree in Bioethics and Medical Humanities at the University of Louisville. She’s interested in pursuing a career in medicine specifically in Hospice and Palliative Care. Lisa enjoys cooking, exploring, and laughing with her large family and friends
Research Assistants
Alexandra Hicks-Chambers
Alexandra is a student at the University of Louisville currently pursuing a major in Nursing and a double minor in Global Health and Philosophy. She intends to become a Nurse Practitioner and then a physician with a concentration in cardiovascular studies. Her interest circles around the effects that both eating disorders and anxiety have on the human body, specifically the heart.
Alex is very excited about this opportunity to work with this team.
Alexandra is a student at the University of Louisville currently pursuing a major in Nursing and a double minor in Global Health and Philosophy. She intends to become a Nurse Practitioner and then a physician with a concentration in cardiovascular studies. Her interest circles around the effects that both eating disorders and anxiety have on the human body, specifically the heart.
Alex is very excited about this opportunity to work with this team.
Anna Elise Toon, B.A.
Anna Elise is a senior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, as well as a minor in Studio Arts (2D). After graduation in 2017, she plans on attending a graduate program with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, drawing, enjoying the outdoors, spending time with her family, and binge watching Netflix.
Anna Elise is a senior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, as well as a minor in Studio Arts (2D). After graduation in 2017, she plans on attending a graduate program with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, drawing, enjoying the outdoors, spending time with her family, and binge watching Netflix.
Katerina Stratigis, M.A.
Katerina graduated from The University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and entered graduate school in August 2014. Katerina is a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Spalding University. Her research interest include perfectionism, risk factors of developing an eating disorder, and mental health. In her free time, Katerina enjoys playing with her puppy, going on hikes, and spending time quality time with her friends.
Katerina graduated from The University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and entered graduate school in August 2014. Katerina is a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Spalding University. Her research interest include perfectionism, risk factors of developing an eating disorder, and mental health. In her free time, Katerina enjoys playing with her puppy, going on hikes, and spending time quality time with her friends.
Caroline Gates
Caroline is a senior Honors student at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school for counseling psychology. She is interested in the relationship between family influences and eating disorders. Caroline is currently an editor for The White Squirrel, the Honors program’s literary and art magazine. In her free time, she also enjoys watching movies, baking, and petting dogs.
Caroline is a senior Honors student at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school for counseling psychology. She is interested in the relationship between family influences and eating disorders. Caroline is currently an editor for The White Squirrel, the Honors program’s literary and art magazine. In her free time, she also enjoys watching movies, baking, and petting dogs.
William Adams
William is double majoring in biology and psychology at the University of Louisville. After completing both majors, he would like to go into the counseling psychology or physiology graduate programs at the University of Louisville. William enjoys reading and exploring the internet in his free-time.
William is double majoring in biology and psychology at the University of Louisville. After completing both majors, he would like to go into the counseling psychology or physiology graduate programs at the University of Louisville. William enjoys reading and exploring the internet in his free-time.
Rebecca Aldammad
Rebecca has a background in biology, anatomy, and other health science related courses, but decided to pursue her main interest, psychology. Rebecca will graduate this spring with her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. She is interested in the mind-body connection, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. However, she has yet to find an area of psychology that she did not appreciate, including statistics, experimental, cognitive, and exercise psychology, among others. Upon graduation, Rebecca hopes to attend graduate school for psychology. In her free-time she enjoys being outdoors, running, photography, and spending time with her family and friends.
Rebecca has a background in biology, anatomy, and other health science related courses, but decided to pursue her main interest, psychology. Rebecca will graduate this spring with her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. She is interested in the mind-body connection, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. However, she has yet to find an area of psychology that she did not appreciate, including statistics, experimental, cognitive, and exercise psychology, among others. Upon graduation, Rebecca hopes to attend graduate school for psychology. In her free-time she enjoys being outdoors, running, photography, and spending time with her family and friends.
Kaitlyn Coale
Kaitlyn is a senior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor of the Arts degree in psychology and a minor degree in music. She hopes to go on to get her PhD in psychology. She is interested in personality and abnormal psychology. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys cooking, playing music, crafting, and going hiking with her husband and their dog.
Kaitlyn is a senior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor of the Arts degree in psychology and a minor degree in music. She hopes to go on to get her PhD in psychology. She is interested in personality and abnormal psychology. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys cooking, playing music, crafting, and going hiking with her husband and their dog.
Sarah Bewley
Sarah is an undergraduate at the University of Louisville, planning to graduate May 2018. She is majoring in Human and Health Performance with a concentration in Public Health Education, as well as minoring in psychology. She plans to pursue a career as a Clinical Health Psychologist after graduation. While still unsure what she would like to research, she is interested in cognitive psychology, relationships and self efficacy. In her free time Sarah enjoys being with friends, attending concerts, exploring outside, and working out.
Sarah is an undergraduate at the University of Louisville, planning to graduate May 2018. She is majoring in Human and Health Performance with a concentration in Public Health Education, as well as minoring in psychology. She plans to pursue a career as a Clinical Health Psychologist after graduation. While still unsure what she would like to research, she is interested in cognitive psychology, relationships and self efficacy. In her free time Sarah enjoys being with friends, attending concerts, exploring outside, and working out.
Caroline Christian
Caroline is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Louisville. She is majoring in Psychology and Biology and is applying to graduate schools for clinical psychology this fall. She hopes to study eating disorders, PTSD, or substance abuse and is most interested in the comorbidity between these conditions. In her free time, Caroline loves watching the Office, taking trips to the dog park, and eating at new restaurants.
Caroline is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Louisville. She is majoring in Psychology and Biology and is applying to graduate schools for clinical psychology this fall. She hopes to study eating disorders, PTSD, or substance abuse and is most interested in the comorbidity between these conditions. In her free time, Caroline loves watching the Office, taking trips to the dog park, and eating at new restaurants.
Bailey Fidler
Bailey Fidler is a senior working towards getting her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and is minoring in Business Administration. She is interested in abnormal psychology and plans to get her masters in the future. Bailey hopes to help people with mental illnesses and raise awareness to mental disorders.
Bailey Fidler is a senior working towards getting her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and is minoring in Business Administration. She is interested in abnormal psychology and plans to get her masters in the future. Bailey hopes to help people with mental illnesses and raise awareness to mental disorders.
Anisha Thomas
Anisha is a senior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school, where she will pursue a degree in clinical psychology. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, hanging out with friends and family, and watching Netflix.
Anisha is a senior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school, where she will pursue a degree in clinical psychology. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, hanging out with friends and family, and watching Netflix.
Allie Treager
Allie is a senior at the university of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor or Arts in Psychology. After graduating she plans on attaining a Masters and potentially PhD in psychology and pursuing a career in clinical counseling psychology. Her interests are abnormal psychiatric disorders with a focus in eating disorders as well as mindful treatment practices for psychopathologies. In her free time she enjoys being with friends, rock climbing, yoga, and exploring the outdoors.
Allie is a senior at the university of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor or Arts in Psychology. After graduating she plans on attaining a Masters and potentially PhD in psychology and pursuing a career in clinical counseling psychology. Her interests are abnormal psychiatric disorders with a focus in eating disorders as well as mindful treatment practices for psychopathologies. In her free time she enjoys being with friends, rock climbing, yoga, and exploring the outdoors.
Virginia Ross
Virginia is a junior undergraduate student at the University of Louisville. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as an undergraduate certificate in Peace, Justice, & Conflict Transformation. After graduation, she would like to attend graduate school for clinical or counseling psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to podcasts, and playing board games with friends.
Virginia is a junior undergraduate student at the University of Louisville. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as an undergraduate certificate in Peace, Justice, & Conflict Transformation. After graduation, she would like to attend graduate school for clinical or counseling psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to podcasts, and playing board games with friends.
Jess Witten
Jess is a senior at the University of Louisville pursing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. After graduating she wants to go to graduate school in hopes of attaining a graduate degree in clinical psychology so she can one day become a clinical psychologist for individuals with serious mental illness. Jess is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta as well as Psi Chi. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her friends, family and dog.
Jess is a senior at the University of Louisville pursing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. After graduating she wants to go to graduate school in hopes of attaining a graduate degree in clinical psychology so she can one day become a clinical psychologist for individuals with serious mental illness. Jess is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta as well as Psi Chi. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her friends, family and dog.
