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, M.S.
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 5th 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:
Vanzhula, I.A., Calebs, B., Fewell, L., Levinson, C.A. (2018). Irritability and Concentration Difficulties are Illness Pathways between Eating Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms: Understanding Comorbidity with Network Analysis. European Eating Disorder Review, 27(2):147-160.
Sala, M., Vanzhula, I. A., Levinson, C. A. (2018). A Longitudinal Study on the Association Between Facets of Mindfulness and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Individuals with Eating Disorders. European Eating Disorder Review, 27(3), 295-305.
Levinson, C.A., Vanzhula, I.A., Brosof, L.C., Forbush, K. (2018). Network Analysis as an Alternative Approach to Conceptualizing Eating Disorders: Implications for Research and Treatment. Current Psychiatry Reports, 20(9), 67.
Levinson, C.A., Vanzhula, I.A., & Brosof, C.L. (2018). Longitudinal and Personalized Networks of Eating Disorder Cognitions and Behaviors: Targets for Precision Intervention. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(11):1233-1243.
Vanzhula, I.A., Smith, T.W., Levinson, C.A., Stice, E. (March, 2019). Personalized Networks of Eating Disorder Symptoms in High School Students: Targets for Individualized Treatments. Paper presented at the Academy of Eating Disorders, International Conference on Eating Disorders, New York, NY.
Irina Vanzhula (B.A. University of Illinois at Springfield; M.A. Saint-Petersburg State University) is a 5th 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:
Vanzhula, I.A., Calebs, B., Fewell, L., Levinson, C.A. (2018). Irritability and Concentration Difficulties are Illness Pathways between Eating Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms: Understanding Comorbidity with Network Analysis. European Eating Disorder Review, 27(2):147-160.
Sala, M., Vanzhula, I. A., Levinson, C. A. (2018). A Longitudinal Study on the Association Between Facets of Mindfulness and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Individuals with Eating Disorders. European Eating Disorder Review, 27(3), 295-305.
Levinson, C.A., Vanzhula, I.A., Brosof, L.C., Forbush, K. (2018). Network Analysis as an Alternative Approach to Conceptualizing Eating Disorders: Implications for Research and Treatment. Current Psychiatry Reports, 20(9), 67.
Levinson, C.A., Vanzhula, I.A., & Brosof, C.L. (2018). Longitudinal and Personalized Networks of Eating Disorder Cognitions and Behaviors: Targets for Precision Intervention. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(11):1233-1243.
Vanzhula, I.A., Smith, T.W., Levinson, C.A., Stice, E. (March, 2019). Personalized Networks of Eating Disorder Symptoms in High School Students: Targets for Individualized Treatments. Paper presented at the Academy of Eating Disorders, International Conference on Eating Disorders, New York, NY.
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.
Rowan Hunt, B.A.
Rowan Hunt (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a 1st year graduate student in the EAT lab. Rowan's research interests include the shared mechanisms underlying eating disordered behaviors and other emotionally dysregulated behaviors (e.g., non-suicidal self-injury) and how such shared mechanisms can be targeted through treatment. She is also interested in predictors of recovery, remission, and relapse in eating disorders. In her free time, Rowan enjoys cooking, seeing live music, and trying her hand at ceramics.
Rowan Hunt (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a 1st year graduate student in the EAT lab. Rowan's research interests include the shared mechanisms underlying eating disordered behaviors and other emotionally dysregulated behaviors (e.g., non-suicidal self-injury) and how such shared mechanisms can be targeted through treatment. She is also interested in predictors of recovery, remission, and relapse in eating disorders. In her free time, Rowan enjoys cooking, seeing live music, and trying her hand at ceramics.
Ani Keshishian, B.A.
Ani Keshishian (B.A. Boston University) is a 1st year graduate student in the EAT lab. Ani is interested in conducting translational research using novel technology to capture the transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying comorbid psychopathology in eating disorders. She is also interested in improving treatment outcomes by adapting current evidence-based treatments as well as developing novel treatments while also taking into consideration the prevalence of comorbidity in eating disorders. In her free time, Ani enjoys traveling, yoga, and dancing.
Ani Keshishian (B.A. Boston University) is a 1st year graduate student in the EAT lab. Ani is interested in conducting translational research using novel technology to capture the transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying comorbid psychopathology in eating disorders. She is also interested in improving treatment outcomes by adapting current evidence-based treatments as well as developing novel treatments while also taking into consideration the prevalence of comorbidity in eating disorders. In her free time, Ani enjoys traveling, yoga, and dancing.
Lab Manager
Sarah Ernst
Sarah is the lab manager for the EAT Lab. She is currently finishing up her B.S. in Psychology at UofL, with minors in Biology and Spanish. After graduation, she plans to earn her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Due to her experiences with children with disabilities and in the EAT Lab, she has developed interests in pediatric eating disorders and comorbidities between autism and eating pathology. She is also involved with The Body Project at both UofL and the high school level and is interested in how this intervention improves body image. In her free time, she loves to go hiking, to read, and to spend time with friends.
Sarah is the lab manager for the EAT Lab. She is currently finishing up her B.S. in Psychology at UofL, with minors in Biology and Spanish. After graduation, she plans to earn her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Due to her experiences with children with disabilities and in the EAT Lab, she has developed interests in pediatric eating disorders and comorbidities between autism and eating pathology. She is also involved with The Body Project at both UofL and the high school level and is interested in how this intervention improves body image. In her free time, she loves to go hiking, to read, and to spend time with friends.
Study Coordinator
Samantha Spoor (B.S. University at Albany NY)
Samantha studied Psychology and Human Development in her undergraduate career, with a concentration in Counseling Psychology. During her time as an undergraduate research assistant in both the Anderson Weight and Eating Disorder Laboratory and the Health Behaviors Laboratory at the University at Albany, Samantha developed a clinical interest in Eating Disorder comorbidities, as well as how sociocultural factors and craving influence eating behaviors. In her free time, Samantha enjoys working with therapy horses for adults and children with disabilities, practicing yoga, and spending time with her pet rabbit, Beasley.
Samantha studied Psychology and Human Development in her undergraduate career, with a concentration in Counseling Psychology. During her time as an undergraduate research assistant in both the Anderson Weight and Eating Disorder Laboratory and the Health Behaviors Laboratory at the University at Albany, Samantha developed a clinical interest in Eating Disorder comorbidities, as well as how sociocultural factors and craving influence eating behaviors. In her free time, Samantha enjoys working with therapy horses for adults and children with disabilities, practicing yoga, and spending time with her pet rabbit, Beasley.
Research Assistants
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.
Lindsay Chapman
Lindsay is a senior at the University of Louisville and plans to get her PsyD in clinical psychology. Lindsay's research interests include anxiety and emotion regulation in adolescents, specifically anger and rage. She is also interested in the effects of stress resulting from trauma. In her free time she likes to spend time outdoors with her family.
Lindsay is a senior at the University of Louisville and plans to get her PsyD in clinical psychology. Lindsay's research interests include anxiety and emotion regulation in adolescents, specifically anger and rage. She is also interested in the effects of stress resulting from trauma. In her free time she likes to spend time outdoors with her family.
Madeline McCloud
Madeline is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chinese and Psychology. She is a member of the Film Liberation Unit and hopes to major in Art History.
Madeline is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chinese and Psychology. She is a member of the Film Liberation Unit and hopes 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.
Zachary McConnel
Zach is currently a sophomore at the University of Louisville pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. After graduating, he hopes to go on and attend medical school. He is interested in how the mind affects the body and one’s health.
Zach is currently a sophomore at the University of Louisville pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. After graduating, he hopes to go on and attend medical school. He is interested in how the mind affects the body and one’s health.
Jordan Drake
Jordan is a sophomore at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Psychology and Communication, with a minor in Spanish. After graduating, Jordan hopes to either pursue a career in clinical psychology or speech pathology, working with children in some capacity. In her free time, Jordan enjoys traveling to new places, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.
Jordan is a sophomore at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Psychology and Communication, with a minor in Spanish. After graduating, Jordan hopes to either pursue a career in clinical psychology or speech pathology, working with children in some capacity. In her free time, Jordan enjoys traveling to new places, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.
Breanna Walker
Breanna is a senior at the University of Louisville and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and in Psychology. After graduation, she plans to go to graduate school for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She enjoys playing music, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Breanna is a senior at the University of Louisville and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and in Psychology. After graduation, she plans to go to graduate school for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She enjoys playing music, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Pratique Gupta
Pratique is a senior at the University of Louisville. He is pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology. After graduating, he plans on attending graduate school to get a Masters degree in psychology. He has experience working with children and teens with autism and down syndrome. In his free time, he likes to play tennis, workout, and spend time with friends.
Pratique is a senior at the University of Louisville. He is pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology. After graduating, he plans on attending graduate school to get a Masters degree in psychology. He has experience working with children and teens with autism and down syndrome. In his free time, he likes to play tennis, workout, and spend time with friends.
Alanis Harris
Alanis is a junior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelors of Art in Psychology with a social science track. After graduating, she plans to work in a psychology lab until grad school and begin working on my PhD in Developmental Psychology. In her free time she loves to cook and bake, hang with friends, serve her community, and paint.
Alanis is a junior at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelors of Art in Psychology with a social science track. After graduating, she plans to work in a psychology lab until grad school and begin working on my PhD in Developmental Psychology. In her free time she loves to cook and bake, hang with friends, serve her community, and paint.
Levi Lake, B.A.
Levi recently finished a bachelors of Biology from the University of Louisville. He plans on pursuing a medical school and is interested in going into primary care. He is interested in elevating the standard of care and awareness for various mental illnesses within the primary care setting. He enjoys tennis, swimming, and sleeping in his free time.
Levi recently finished a bachelors of Biology from the University of Louisville. He plans on pursuing a medical school and is interested in going into primary care. He is interested in elevating the standard of care and awareness for various mental illnesses within the primary care setting. He enjoys tennis, swimming, and sleeping in his free time.
Madeline Nirmaier
Madeline is a 4th year undergraduate student studying Psychology at the University of Louisville. She is interested in the comorbidity of eating disorders and anxiety disorders. She is also interested in studying the notion of self-concept and how that affects personal behavior. Her interest is focused on criminal behavior, specifically. Her goal is to provide guidance for individuals who are exposed to environments where their “image” may be their only hope to escape their hardship. In her free time, she enjoys to hike, spend time with family and friends, and thrift shop in local stores.
Madeline is a 4th year undergraduate student studying Psychology at the University of Louisville. She is interested in the comorbidity of eating disorders and anxiety disorders. She is also interested in studying the notion of self-concept and how that affects personal behavior. Her interest is focused on criminal behavior, specifically. Her goal is to provide guidance for individuals who are exposed to environments where their “image” may be their only hope to escape their hardship. In her free time, she enjoys to hike, spend time with family and friends, and thrift shop in local stores.
Kayla Williams
Kayla is a junior at the University of Louisville. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in psychology. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a PhD in clinical psychology. She hopes to work with children in the future. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, travel, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family
Kayla is a junior at the University of Louisville. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in psychology. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a PhD in clinical psychology. She hopes to work with children in the future. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, travel, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family
Dylan Hurst
Dylan is currently pursuing a BS in psychology with a minor in biology. He hopes to go onto medical school at UofL after his undergrad degree. Dylan’s interest is in mood disorders and the effects childhood/adolescence and experiences have in the formation of these disorders. In his free time, Dylan enjoys reading, hiking, exploring the city, and hanging out with friends.
Dylan is currently pursuing a BS in psychology with a minor in biology. He hopes to go onto medical school at UofL after his undergrad degree. Dylan’s interest is in mood disorders and the effects childhood/adolescence and experiences have in the formation of these disorders. In his free time, Dylan enjoys reading, hiking, exploring the city, and hanging out with friends.