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 50 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 50 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, M.S.
Irina Vanzhula (B.A. University of Illinois at Springfield; M.A. Saint-Petersburg State University) is a 4th year graduate student. Irina is interested in applying network analysis methods 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 evaluating 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.
Representative publications and presentations:
Levinson, C.A., Brosof, L.C., Vanzhula, I.A., Bumberry, L., Zerwas, S., Bulik, C. M. (2017). Perfectionism Group Treatment for Eating Disorders in an Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization, and Outpatient Setting: Preliminary Support for Reducing High Standards but not Concern Over Mistakes. European Eating Disorder Review, 25 (6), 579-585.
Levinson, C. A., Brosof, L.C., Vanzhula, I.A., Christian, C., Jones, P., Rodebaugh, T.L., Langer, J.K., White, E.K., Warren, C., Weeks, J.W., Menatti, A., Lim, M.H., Fernandez, K.C. (2018, In Press). Social Anxiety and Eating Disorder Comorbidity and Underlying Vulnerabilities: Using Network Analysis to Conceptualize Comorbidity. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Sala, M., Vanzhula, I.A., Juarascio, A., Vazzano, K., & Levinson, C.A (Apr 2018). Incorporating Mindfulness into Eating Disorder Research and Treatment. Workshop presented at the International Conference on Eating Disorders, Chicago IL.
Vanzhula, I.A., Margaret, S., Levinson, C.A. (Apr 2018). Improving Acting with Awareness May be the Key to Successful Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Eating Disorders. Paper presented at the International Conference on Eating Disorders, Chicago IL.
Irina Vanzhula (B.A. University of Illinois at Springfield; M.A. Saint-Petersburg State University) is a 4th year graduate student. Irina is interested in applying network analysis methods 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 evaluating 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.
Representative publications and presentations:
Levinson, C.A., Brosof, L.C., Vanzhula, I.A., Bumberry, L., Zerwas, S., Bulik, C. M. (2017). Perfectionism Group Treatment for Eating Disorders in an Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization, and Outpatient Setting: Preliminary Support for Reducing High Standards but not Concern Over Mistakes. European Eating Disorder Review, 25 (6), 579-585.
Levinson, C. A., Brosof, L.C., Vanzhula, I.A., Christian, C., Jones, P., Rodebaugh, T.L., Langer, J.K., White, E.K., Warren, C., Weeks, J.W., Menatti, A., Lim, M.H., Fernandez, K.C. (2018, In Press). Social Anxiety and Eating Disorder Comorbidity and Underlying Vulnerabilities: Using Network Analysis to Conceptualize Comorbidity. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Sala, M., Vanzhula, I.A., Juarascio, A., Vazzano, K., & Levinson, C.A (Apr 2018). Incorporating Mindfulness into Eating Disorder Research and Treatment. Workshop presented at the International Conference on Eating Disorders, Chicago IL.
Vanzhula, I.A., Margaret, S., Levinson, C.A. (Apr 2018). Improving Acting with Awareness May be the Key to Successful Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Eating Disorders. Paper presented at the International Conference on Eating Disorders, Chicago IL.
Caroline Christian, B.S.
Caroline Christian (B.S. University of Louisville) is a 1st year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Caroline’s research interests include examining the role of impulsivity and emotion dysregulation in development and maintenance of eating disorders and comorbid conditions, especially substance abuse disorders and PTSD. She is also interested in researching ways to increase the effectiveness of treatment by exploring individualized treatment and exposure therapy for eating disorders. In her free time, Caroline enjoys going to the dog park, trying new restaurants in Louisville, and watching movies.
Representative publications:
Levinson, C. A., Brosof, L.C., Vanzhula, I.A., Christian, C., Jones, P., Rodebaugh, T.L., Langer, J.K., White, E.K., Warren, C., Weeks, J.W., Menatti, A., Lim, M.H., Fernandez, K.C. (2018, In Press). Social Anxiety and Eating Disorder Comorbidity and Underlying Vulnerabilities: Using Network Analysis to Conceptualize Comorbidity. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Caroline Christian (B.S. University of Louisville) is a 1st year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Caroline’s research interests include examining the role of impulsivity and emotion dysregulation in development and maintenance of eating disorders and comorbid conditions, especially substance abuse disorders and PTSD. She is also interested in researching ways to increase the effectiveness of treatment by exploring individualized treatment and exposure therapy for eating disorders. In her free time, Caroline enjoys going to the dog park, trying new restaurants in Louisville, and watching movies.
Representative publications:
Levinson, C. A., Brosof, L.C., Vanzhula, I.A., Christian, C., Jones, P., Rodebaugh, T.L., Langer, J.K., White, E.K., Warren, C., Weeks, J.W., Menatti, A., Lim, M.H., Fernandez, K.C. (2018, In Press). Social Anxiety and Eating Disorder Comorbidity and Underlying Vulnerabilities: Using Network Analysis to Conceptualize Comorbidity. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Brenna Williams B.A.
Brenna Williams (B.A. Southern Methodist University) is a 1st year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Brenna is interested in researching eating disorder cognitions, including that of the “disembodied voice.” She is also interested in examining ways to improve various treatments for eating disorders, especially those that could effectively reduce eating disorder thoughts. In her free time, Brenna enjoys listening to podcasts, watching sports, and exploring local restaurants and shops.
Brenna Williams (B.A. Southern Methodist University) is a 1st year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Brenna is interested in researching eating disorder cognitions, including that of the “disembodied voice.” She is also interested in examining ways to improve various treatments for eating disorders, especially those that could effectively reduce eating disorder thoughts. In her free time, Brenna enjoys listening to podcasts, watching sports, and exploring local restaurants and shops.
Lab Manager
Shruti Shankar Ram, B.S.
Shruti Shankar Ram (B.S. Centre College) is the Lab Manager of the EAT Lab. She is interested in researching how perfectionism, negative self-evaluation and obsessive-compulsive symptoms contribute towards eating disorder symptomatology. She is also interested in researching personality and cultural factors in eating disorders in order to contribute towards the development of personalized eating disorder treatment. She is currently exploring the efficacy of exposure therapy and ecological momentary assessment methods in eating disorder treatment. In her free time, Shruti enjoys exploring art museums and trying out new restaurants with friends.
Shruti Shankar Ram (B.S. Centre College) is the Lab Manager of the EAT Lab. She is interested in researching how perfectionism, negative self-evaluation and obsessive-compulsive symptoms contribute towards eating disorder symptomatology. She is also interested in researching personality and cultural factors in eating disorders in order to contribute towards the development of personalized eating disorder treatment. She is currently exploring the efficacy of exposure therapy and ecological momentary assessment methods in eating disorder treatment. In her free time, Shruti enjoys exploring art museums and trying out new restaurants with friends.
Study Coordinator
Lisa Michelson, M.A.
Lisa Michelson graduated from Wake Forest University in 2014 with a B.A. in Religious Studies and the University of Louisville in 2017 with a M.A. in Bioethics and Medical Humanities. Currently, Lisa works remotely for the lab and is pursuing her M.S. in Physiology. 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 and the University of Louisville in 2017 with a M.A. in Bioethics and Medical Humanities. Currently, Lisa works remotely for the lab and is pursuing her M.S. in Physiology. 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
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.
Jess Witten, B.A.
Jess graduated from the University of Louisville with a B.A. in psychology. She plans to go to graduate school in hopes of attaining a doctorate in clinical psychology so she can one day become a clinical psychologist for individuals with serious mental illness especially psychosis. She also is a Therapeutic Aide with Centerstone’s ACUTE Child Psychiatric Services where she works with children in crisis. She enjoys traveling, trying new things, and spending time with her friends, family and dog.
Jess graduated from the University of Louisville with a B.A. in psychology. She plans to go to graduate school in hopes of attaining a doctorate in clinical psychology so she can one day become a clinical psychologist for individuals with serious mental illness especially psychosis. She also is a Therapeutic Aide with Centerstone’s ACUTE Child Psychiatric Services where she works with children in crisis. She enjoys traveling, trying new things, and spending time with her friends, family and dog.
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.
Cristin Sullivan, B.A.
Cristin is a recent graduate from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Anthropology and a minor in English. She has experience in both social and developmental psychology labs from her time at UK. In the future, she hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on eating disorders. In her free time, Cristin enjoys playing with her dog, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Cristin is a recent graduate from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Anthropology and a minor in English. She has experience in both social and developmental psychology labs from her time at UK. In the future, she hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on eating disorders. In her free time, Cristin enjoys playing with her dog, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Chris Trombley
Chris is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science at the University of Louisville. Upon graduating, he plans on attaining a Masters and potentially PhD in Computer Science and pursuing a career in Artificial Intelligence. In his free time he enjoys programming, reading, and hanging out with friends.
Chris is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science at the University of Louisville. Upon graduating, he plans on attaining a Masters and potentially PhD in Computer Science and pursuing a career in Artificial Intelligence. In his free time he enjoys programming, reading, and hanging out with friends.
Sarah Ernst
Sarah is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in Psychology (BS), with majors in Biology and Spanish. After graduating, she hopes to attend graduate school to get a PhD in Psych, with the hopes of working with children and adolescents. She has experience working with autism and related disorders after working at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. in her free time, she loves to travel, hike, and spend time with her friends and dog.
Sarah is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in Psychology (BS), with majors in Biology and Spanish. After graduating, she hopes to attend graduate school to get a PhD in Psych, with the hopes of working with children and adolescents. She has experience working with autism and related disorders after working at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. in her free time, she loves to travel, hike, and spend time with her friends and dog.
Lindsay Chapman
Lindsay is a senior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology. She plans to move on to getting her PhD in psychology. Her interests are in anxiety, it's co-morbid diseases and the extreme emotion that accompanies it. In her free time, Lindsay like to hike, kayak and spend time with her family.
Lindsay is a senior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology. She plans to move on to getting her PhD in psychology. Her interests are in anxiety, it's co-morbid diseases and the extreme emotion that accompanies it. In her free time, Lindsay like to hike, kayak and spend time with her family.
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.
Kirsten Doan
Kirsten is currently in her junior year at the University in Louisville. She is pursuing a B.A. in psychology with a minor in women and gender studies. After graduating, she hopes to attend graduate school to continue her education in psychology. She has experience working with children with emotional, behavioral, and learning disorders. In her free time Kirsten enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.
Kirsten is currently in her junior year at the University in Louisville. She is pursuing a B.A. in psychology with a minor in women and gender studies. After graduating, she hopes to attend graduate school to continue her education in psychology. She has experience working with children with emotional, behavioral, and learning disorders. In her free time Kirsten enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.
Madeline McCloud
My name is Madeline McCloud. I am a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience, minoring in Chinese and Psychology. I am a member of the Film Liberation Unit, and hope to major in Art History.
My name is Madeline McCloud. I am a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience, minoring in Chinese and Psychology. I am a member of the Film Liberation Unit, and hope to major in Art History.
Emily Ryan
Emily is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in Psychology (BA). She plans on going to graduate school and getting a PhD in Clinical Psychology concentrated in forensics, with hopes of becoming a forensic psychologist. Her interests include abnormal psychology, how psychology relates to crime, and anxiety and how it affects different disorders. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and meeting new people.
Emily is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in Psychology (BA). She plans on going to graduate school and getting a PhD in Clinical Psychology concentrated in forensics, with hopes of becoming a forensic psychologist. Her interests include abnormal psychology, how psychology relates to crime, and anxiety and how it affects different disorders. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and meeting new people.
Whe Foedisch
Whe Foedisch recently finished zer Master’s of Science in Neuroscience and received her B.A. in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz. Whe is interested in the spiritual dimension of human psychology as well as the role of identity development and formation in psychological health and disease. Whe enjoys adventures of all sorts, especially exploring new places and meeting new people.
Whe Foedisch recently finished zer Master’s of Science in Neuroscience and received her B.A. in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz. Whe is interested in the spiritual dimension of human psychology as well as the role of identity development and formation in psychological health and disease. Whe enjoys adventures of all sorts, especially exploring new places and meeting new people.