Our Team
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Lab Director
Dr. Cheri A. Levinson, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Associate 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 Associate 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 80 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 was also awarded the 2020 American Psychological Foundation Theodore Blau Award for an Early Investigator who has made an outstanding contribution to Clinical Psychology. 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: levinson_cv
Associate 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 Associate 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 80 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 was also awarded the 2020 American Psychological Foundation Theodore Blau Award for an Early Investigator who has made an outstanding contribution to Clinical Psychology. 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: levinson_cv
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Christina Ralph-Nearman, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Ralph-Nearman is a Post-doctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. She joined us after completing a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research. Dr. Ralph-Nearman became a Cognitive and Experimental Psychologist in 2018, after receiving the University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s Ph.D. Scholarship for Research Excellence, academic scholarships for her M.S. in Neuroimaging and Clinical Neuropsychology (with distinction), and B.S. in Psychology (summa cum laude). Her main research focuses are: 1) Developing innovative tools with objective methods that implicitly detect, assess, prevent, and treat eating disorders; 2) Individual differences, underlying mechanisms, and illness trajectory of eating disorders. Dr. Ralph-Nearman’s co-invention and development of Somatomap (a multi-platform 2D/3D body image assessment tool) has been recognized by the Academy for Eating Disorders with the ‘2020 Early Career Abstract Award’ and the ‘2017 Young Investigators Award’. Additionally, she has received two American Psychological Association early career awards, the University of Nottingham’s ‘Highly Commended Teaching Award’, and multiple research travel grants (e.g., Experimental Psychology Society, British Psychological Society, and Laura and John Arnold Foundation) for her work. Dr. Ralph-Nearman enjoys life, including laughing with family/friends, traveling, the beach, bonfires, hiking, coffee + deep talks, good food, spinning, and volunteering.
Representative publications:
Ralph-Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2020). Development and validation of new figural scales for female body dissatisfaction assessment on two dimensions: thin-ideal and muscularity-ideal. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09094-6
Ralph-Nearman, C., Stewart, J. L., & Jones, K. A. (2020). The role of negative urgency in risky alcohol drinking and binge-eating in United Kingdom male and female students. Addictive Behaviors Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100274
Ralph-Nearman, C., Arevian, A., Puhl, M., Kumar, R., Villaroman, D., Suthana, N., & Feusner, J., Khalsa, SS. (2019). A novel mobile tool (Somatomap) to assess body image perception pilot tested with fashion models and nonmodels: Cross-sectional study. JMIR Mental Health, 6(10). https://doi.org/10.2196/14115
Ralph-Nearman, C., Achee, M., Lapidus, R., Stewart, J. L., & Filik, R. (2019). A systematic and methodological review of attentional biases in eating disorders: Food, Body, and Perfection. Brain and Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1458
Samad, M., Ralph-Nearman, C., Hellemann, G., Khalsa, S., Shams, L., & Feusner, J. (2019). Disturbed eating and body dysmorphic symptoms in a young adult sample are separable constructs that each show a mixture of distributions. Assessment. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191119879241
Ralph‐Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2018). Eating disorder symptomatology and body mass index are associated with readers' expectations about character behavior: Evidence from eye‐tracking during reading. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(9), 1070-1079. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22961
Ralph-Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2018). New body scales reveal body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal, and muscularity-ideal in males. American Journal of Men's Health, 12(4), 240-250. https://doi.org/10.1177.1557988318763516
Dr. Ralph-Nearman is a Post-doctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. She joined us after completing a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research. Dr. Ralph-Nearman became a Cognitive and Experimental Psychologist in 2018, after receiving the University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s Ph.D. Scholarship for Research Excellence, academic scholarships for her M.S. in Neuroimaging and Clinical Neuropsychology (with distinction), and B.S. in Psychology (summa cum laude). Her main research focuses are: 1) Developing innovative tools with objective methods that implicitly detect, assess, prevent, and treat eating disorders; 2) Individual differences, underlying mechanisms, and illness trajectory of eating disorders. Dr. Ralph-Nearman’s co-invention and development of Somatomap (a multi-platform 2D/3D body image assessment tool) has been recognized by the Academy for Eating Disorders with the ‘2020 Early Career Abstract Award’ and the ‘2017 Young Investigators Award’. Additionally, she has received two American Psychological Association early career awards, the University of Nottingham’s ‘Highly Commended Teaching Award’, and multiple research travel grants (e.g., Experimental Psychology Society, British Psychological Society, and Laura and John Arnold Foundation) for her work. Dr. Ralph-Nearman enjoys life, including laughing with family/friends, traveling, the beach, bonfires, hiking, coffee + deep talks, good food, spinning, and volunteering.
Representative publications:
Ralph-Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2020). Development and validation of new figural scales for female body dissatisfaction assessment on two dimensions: thin-ideal and muscularity-ideal. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09094-6
Ralph-Nearman, C., Stewart, J. L., & Jones, K. A. (2020). The role of negative urgency in risky alcohol drinking and binge-eating in United Kingdom male and female students. Addictive Behaviors Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100274
Ralph-Nearman, C., Arevian, A., Puhl, M., Kumar, R., Villaroman, D., Suthana, N., & Feusner, J., Khalsa, SS. (2019). A novel mobile tool (Somatomap) to assess body image perception pilot tested with fashion models and nonmodels: Cross-sectional study. JMIR Mental Health, 6(10). https://doi.org/10.2196/14115
Ralph-Nearman, C., Achee, M., Lapidus, R., Stewart, J. L., & Filik, R. (2019). A systematic and methodological review of attentional biases in eating disorders: Food, Body, and Perfection. Brain and Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1458
Samad, M., Ralph-Nearman, C., Hellemann, G., Khalsa, S., Shams, L., & Feusner, J. (2019). Disturbed eating and body dysmorphic symptoms in a young adult sample are separable constructs that each show a mixture of distributions. Assessment. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191119879241
Ralph‐Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2018). Eating disorder symptomatology and body mass index are associated with readers' expectations about character behavior: Evidence from eye‐tracking during reading. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(9), 1070-1079. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22961
Ralph-Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2018). New body scales reveal body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal, and muscularity-ideal in males. American Journal of Men's Health, 12(4), 240-250. https://doi.org/10.1177.1557988318763516
Dr. Jamie-Lee Pennesi, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Pennesi is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Dr. Pennesi has just completed 3 years as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at San Diego State University. Before relocating to the US in 2018, Dr. Pennesi completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Flinders University in Australia. Her research interests are in the development and prevention of eating disorders, body image issues, and disordered eating behaviors (e.g., muscularity-oriented behaviors) among adults and sexual minority populations. She is also interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods (e.g., daily diary studies). Her research has already had an impact with 80+ citations on Scopus. She has received several awards for her work, including the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists ‘2017 Student Prize’, the Flinders University ‘2016 Best Research Higher Degree Student Publication Award’, and multiple research travel grants. Dr. Pennesi also trained as a clinician/psychologist and has several years of clinical experience in working with eating disorders; she hopes to obtain licensure to continue working with eating and weight disorders in the US. Dr. Pennesi loves being active (cycling, running, hiking), spending time outside (especially by the beach), talking with family/friends at home in Australia and South Africa (where she was born), travelling, good food, coffee, and cute fluffy dogs.
Representative publications:
Convertino, A.D., Helm, J.L., Pennesi, J-L., Gonzales, M., 4th, & Blashill, A.J. (2021). Integrating minority stress theory and the tripartite influence model: A model of eating disordered behavior in sexual minority young adults. Appetite. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2021.105204
Klimek, P., Convertino, A.D., Pennesi, J-L., Gonzales, M., 4th Roesch, S.C., Nagata, J.M., & Blashill, A.J. (2021). Confirmatory factor and measurement invariance analyses of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire in sexual minority men and women. International Journal of Eating Disorders. doi:10.1002/eat.23488
Zhou, Y., Pennesi, J-L., & Wade, T.D. (2020). Online imagery rescripting among young women at risk of developing an eating disorder: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Eating Disorders. doi:10.1002/eat.23370
Wei, B., Klimek, P., Pennesi, J-L., & Blashill, A.J. (2020). Perceptual and attitudinal body image, disordered eating, and muscle-building behavior in college men. Psychology of Men & Masculinities. doi:10.1037/men0000290
Pennesi, J-L., & Wade, T.D. (2018). Imagery rescripting and cognitive dissonance: A randomized controlled trial of two brief online interventions for women at risk of developing an eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(5), 439-448. doi:10.1002/eat.22849
Pennesi, J-L., & Wade T.D. (2016). A systematic review of the existing models of disordered eating: Do they inform the development of effective interventions? Clinical Psychology Review, 43, 175-192. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2015.12.004
Pennesi. J-L., & Wade, T.D. (2015). Common factors across the eating disorder models. In TD. Wade (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Feeding and Eating Disorders. Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi:10.1007/978-981-287-087-2_97-1
Dr. Pennesi is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Dr. Pennesi has just completed 3 years as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at San Diego State University. Before relocating to the US in 2018, Dr. Pennesi completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Flinders University in Australia. Her research interests are in the development and prevention of eating disorders, body image issues, and disordered eating behaviors (e.g., muscularity-oriented behaviors) among adults and sexual minority populations. She is also interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods (e.g., daily diary studies). Her research has already had an impact with 80+ citations on Scopus. She has received several awards for her work, including the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists ‘2017 Student Prize’, the Flinders University ‘2016 Best Research Higher Degree Student Publication Award’, and multiple research travel grants. Dr. Pennesi also trained as a clinician/psychologist and has several years of clinical experience in working with eating disorders; she hopes to obtain licensure to continue working with eating and weight disorders in the US. Dr. Pennesi loves being active (cycling, running, hiking), spending time outside (especially by the beach), talking with family/friends at home in Australia and South Africa (where she was born), travelling, good food, coffee, and cute fluffy dogs.
Representative publications:
Convertino, A.D., Helm, J.L., Pennesi, J-L., Gonzales, M., 4th, & Blashill, A.J. (2021). Integrating minority stress theory and the tripartite influence model: A model of eating disordered behavior in sexual minority young adults. Appetite. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2021.105204
Klimek, P., Convertino, A.D., Pennesi, J-L., Gonzales, M., 4th Roesch, S.C., Nagata, J.M., & Blashill, A.J. (2021). Confirmatory factor and measurement invariance analyses of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire in sexual minority men and women. International Journal of Eating Disorders. doi:10.1002/eat.23488
Zhou, Y., Pennesi, J-L., & Wade, T.D. (2020). Online imagery rescripting among young women at risk of developing an eating disorder: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Eating Disorders. doi:10.1002/eat.23370
Wei, B., Klimek, P., Pennesi, J-L., & Blashill, A.J. (2020). Perceptual and attitudinal body image, disordered eating, and muscle-building behavior in college men. Psychology of Men & Masculinities. doi:10.1037/men0000290
Pennesi, J-L., & Wade, T.D. (2018). Imagery rescripting and cognitive dissonance: A randomized controlled trial of two brief online interventions for women at risk of developing an eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(5), 439-448. doi:10.1002/eat.22849
Pennesi, J-L., & Wade T.D. (2016). A systematic review of the existing models of disordered eating: Do they inform the development of effective interventions? Clinical Psychology Review, 43, 175-192. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2015.12.004
Pennesi. J-L., & Wade, T.D. (2015). Common factors across the eating disorder models. In TD. Wade (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Feeding and Eating Disorders. Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi:10.1007/978-981-287-087-2_97-1
Graduate Students
Leigh C. Brosof, M.S.
Leigh Brosof (B.A. Washington University in St. Louis) entered graduate school in July 2016. She received her Master’s degree in May 2019. Her research interests include exploring the etiology of eating disorders and testing novel treatments of eating disorders based on etiological models. In particular, Leigh is interested in applying exposure-based treatments to eating disorders. She is also interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods and novel statistical techniques, including network analysis and machine learning. She is currently investigating shared and unique vulnerability factors (including neurobiological vulnerabilities) of comorbid eating disorders-anxiety in adolescents. 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., Egbert, A. H., Reilly, E. E., Wonderlich, J. A., Karam, A., Vanzhula, I., Steward, T., & Levinson, C. A. (2019). Intolerance of uncertainty moderates the relationship between high personal standards but not evaluative concerns perfectionism and eating disorder symptoms cross-sectionally and prospectively. Eating Behaviors, 35, 101340.
Brosof, L. C., & Levinson, C. A. (2017). Social appearance anxiety and dietary restraint as mediators between perfectionism and binge eating: A six month three wave longitudinal study. Appetite, 108, 335-342.
Brosof, L. C., Levinson, C. A., Forbush, K., Goodman, E., Schaumberg, K., Bulik, C. M, Micali, N., & Zerwas, S. (under review). Understanding the comorbidity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms during adolescence: A network model.
Farrell, N. R., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula, I. A., Christian, C., & Levinson, C. A. (2019). Exploring mechanisms of action in exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders: The role of eating-related fears and body-related safety behaviors. Behavior Therapy, 50, 1125-1135.
Brosof, L. C., Trombley, C., & Levinson, C.A. (September 2019). Prediction of binge eating and purging symptoms using machine learning. Paper presented at the Eating Disorders Research Society, Chicago, Illinois. Selected for Best Student Abstract Award.
Brosof, L. C., Knight, L., Hunt, K. J., Levinson, C. A., & Depue, B. (2019, March). Imaginal exposure eating disorder fear scripts are associated with increased activation related to threat and internally processed thought compared to neutral scripts: A proof-of-concept fMRI study. Paper presented at the International Conference of Eating Disorders, New York, NY.
Leigh Brosof (B.A. Washington University in St. Louis) entered graduate school in July 2016. She received her Master’s degree in May 2019. Her research interests include exploring the etiology of eating disorders and testing novel treatments of eating disorders based on etiological models. In particular, Leigh is interested in applying exposure-based treatments to eating disorders. She is also interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods and novel statistical techniques, including network analysis and machine learning. She is currently investigating shared and unique vulnerability factors (including neurobiological vulnerabilities) of comorbid eating disorders-anxiety in adolescents. 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., Egbert, A. H., Reilly, E. E., Wonderlich, J. A., Karam, A., Vanzhula, I., Steward, T., & Levinson, C. A. (2019). Intolerance of uncertainty moderates the relationship between high personal standards but not evaluative concerns perfectionism and eating disorder symptoms cross-sectionally and prospectively. Eating Behaviors, 35, 101340.
Brosof, L. C., & Levinson, C. A. (2017). Social appearance anxiety and dietary restraint as mediators between perfectionism and binge eating: A six month three wave longitudinal study. Appetite, 108, 335-342.
Brosof, L. C., Levinson, C. A., Forbush, K., Goodman, E., Schaumberg, K., Bulik, C. M, Micali, N., & Zerwas, S. (under review). Understanding the comorbidity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms during adolescence: A network model.
Farrell, N. R., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula, I. A., Christian, C., & Levinson, C. A. (2019). Exploring mechanisms of action in exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders: The role of eating-related fears and body-related safety behaviors. Behavior Therapy, 50, 1125-1135.
Brosof, L. C., Trombley, C., & Levinson, C.A. (September 2019). Prediction of binge eating and purging symptoms using machine learning. Paper presented at the Eating Disorders Research Society, Chicago, Illinois. Selected for Best Student Abstract Award.
Brosof, L. C., Knight, L., Hunt, K. J., Levinson, C. A., & Depue, B. (2019, March). Imaginal exposure eating disorder fear scripts are associated with increased activation related to threat and internally processed thought compared to neutral scripts: A proof-of-concept fMRI study. Paper presented at the International Conference of Eating Disorders, New York, NY.
Irina Vanzhula, M.S.
Irina Vanzhula (M.A. Saint-Petersburg State University; M.S. University of Louisville) is a 6th year graduate student. Irina is currently completing her predoctoral internship at the University of Chicago Medicine. Her research aims to improve eating disorder treatment outcomes by applying mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches to the treatment of eating disorders, and using novel applications of methodology (e.g., EMA, sensor technology) and statistical techniques (e.g., network analysis, machine learning) to identify intervention targets. In her free time, Irina enjoys hiking with her dog Ragnar, travelling, and yoga.
Representative publications and presentations:
Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S., Spoor, S., & Levinson, C. A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4):625-630.
Vanzhula, I.A. & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Mindfulness in the Treatment of Eating Disorders: Theoretical Rationale and Hypothesized Mechanisms of Action. Mindfulness, 11:1090–1104.
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.
Vanzhula, I.A., Williams, K., & Levinson, C.A. (Nov. 2020). Higher fluctuation in anxiety before, during, and after meals is associated with less food restraint. Paper to be presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In I.A. Vanzhula and E.E. Reilly: “Can’t fight this feeling…” Emerging Constructs and New Perspectives on Affective Theories of Eating Disorders.
Vanzhula, I.A., Christian, C., Ernst, S., Drake, J., & Levinson, C.A. (Nov. 2020). Item Selection Approaches in Network Analysis: An Eating Disorder Network Example. Paper to be presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In D. Jordan: Novel Analytic Methods for Clinical Science: Recent Approaches to Modeling Psychopathology.
Irina Vanzhula (M.A. Saint-Petersburg State University; M.S. University of Louisville) is a 6th year graduate student. Irina is currently completing her predoctoral internship at the University of Chicago Medicine. Her research aims to improve eating disorder treatment outcomes by applying mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches to the treatment of eating disorders, and using novel applications of methodology (e.g., EMA, sensor technology) and statistical techniques (e.g., network analysis, machine learning) to identify intervention targets. In her free time, Irina enjoys hiking with her dog Ragnar, travelling, and yoga.
Representative publications and presentations:
Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S., Spoor, S., & Levinson, C. A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4):625-630.
Vanzhula, I.A. & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Mindfulness in the Treatment of Eating Disorders: Theoretical Rationale and Hypothesized Mechanisms of Action. Mindfulness, 11:1090–1104.
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.
Vanzhula, I.A., Williams, K., & Levinson, C.A. (Nov. 2020). Higher fluctuation in anxiety before, during, and after meals is associated with less food restraint. Paper to be presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In I.A. Vanzhula and E.E. Reilly: “Can’t fight this feeling…” Emerging Constructs and New Perspectives on Affective Theories of Eating Disorders.
Vanzhula, I.A., Christian, C., Ernst, S., Drake, J., & Levinson, C.A. (Nov. 2020). Item Selection Approaches in Network Analysis: An Eating Disorder Network Example. Paper to be presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In D. Jordan: Novel Analytic Methods for Clinical Science: Recent Approaches to Modeling Psychopathology.
Caroline Christian, B.S. (She/Her)
Caroline Christian (B.S. University of Louisville) is a 3rd year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Caroline’s research interests include novel applications of technology and advanced statistical methods to better understand and develop treatments for eating disorders, especially across critical risk periods. In her free time, Caroline enjoys taking her dog Lincoln to the park, trying new restaurants in Louisville, and watching old movies.
Representative Publications:
Christian, C., Williams, B. M., Hunt, R.A., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., Vanzhula I.A., Tregarthen J.P., Forbush, K.T., Levinson, C. A. (2020). A Network Investigation of Core Symptoms and Pathways across Duration of Illness using a Comprehensive Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Eating-Disorder Symptoms. Psychological Medicine.
Christian, C., Perko, V. L., Vanzhula, I.A., Tregarthen, J.P., Forbush, K.T., Levinson, C. A. (2019). Eating Disorder Core Symptoms and Symptom Pathways across Developmental Stages: A Network Analysis. Journal of Abnormal Psychology.
Levinson C.A., Christian, C., Shankar Ram, S., Brosof, L.C., Williams, B.M., (2019). Sensor Technology Implementation for Research, Treatment, and Assessment of Eating Disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders
Farrell, N. R., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula, I. A., Christian, C., Bowie, O. R., & Levinson, C. A. (2019). Exploring mechanisms of action in exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders: The role of eating-related fears and body-related safety behaviors. Behavior Therapy.
Christian, C., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula I.A., Williams, B. M., Shankar Ram, S., Levinson, C. A. (2019). Implementation of a Dissonance-Based, Eating Disorder Prevention Program and Investigation of Eating Disorder Comorbidities and Risk Factors in Southern, All-Female High Schools. Body Image.
Levinson, C. A., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula, I. A., Christian, C., Jones, P., Rodebaugh, T. L.,…& Fernandez, K. (2018). 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 3rd year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Caroline’s research interests include novel applications of technology and advanced statistical methods to better understand and develop treatments for eating disorders, especially across critical risk periods. In her free time, Caroline enjoys taking her dog Lincoln to the park, trying new restaurants in Louisville, and watching old movies.
Representative Publications:
Christian, C., Williams, B. M., Hunt, R.A., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., Vanzhula I.A., Tregarthen J.P., Forbush, K.T., Levinson, C. A. (2020). A Network Investigation of Core Symptoms and Pathways across Duration of Illness using a Comprehensive Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Eating-Disorder Symptoms. Psychological Medicine.
Christian, C., Perko, V. L., Vanzhula, I.A., Tregarthen, J.P., Forbush, K.T., Levinson, C. A. (2019). Eating Disorder Core Symptoms and Symptom Pathways across Developmental Stages: A Network Analysis. Journal of Abnormal Psychology.
Levinson C.A., Christian, C., Shankar Ram, S., Brosof, L.C., Williams, B.M., (2019). Sensor Technology Implementation for Research, Treatment, and Assessment of Eating Disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders
Farrell, N. R., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula, I. A., Christian, C., Bowie, O. R., & Levinson, C. A. (2019). Exploring mechanisms of action in exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders: The role of eating-related fears and body-related safety behaviors. Behavior Therapy.
Christian, C., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula I.A., Williams, B. M., Shankar Ram, S., Levinson, C. A. (2019). Implementation of a Dissonance-Based, Eating Disorder Prevention Program and Investigation of Eating Disorder Comorbidities and Risk Factors in Southern, All-Female High Schools. Body Image.
Levinson, C. A., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula, I. A., Christian, C., Jones, P., Rodebaugh, T. L.,…& Fernandez, K. (2018). Social anxiety and eating disorder comorbidity and underlying vulnerabilities: Using network analysis to conceptualize comorbidity. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Brenna Williams B.A. (She/Her)
Brenna Williams (B.A. Southern Methodist University) is a 3rd year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Brenna is interested in researching self-relations in eating disorders, including self-criticism and self-perception. She is passionate about studying the impact of self-compassion on eating disorder symptoms and the integration of compassion-focused interventions for eating disorders. Brenna is currently studying the feasibility and impact of a mindful self-compassion group workshop for individuals with eating disorders. In her free time, Brenna enjoys yoga, reading, and (aggressively) dismantling diet culture.
Representative Publications:
Levinson, C. A., Williams, B. M., & Christian, C. (in press). What are the emotions underlying feeling fat and fear of weight gain? Journal of Affective Disorders.
Sahlan, R. N., Williams, B. M., Forrest, L. N., Saunders, J. F., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., & Levinson, C. A. (in press). Disordered eating, self-esteem, and depression symptoms in Iranian adolescents and young adults: A network analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Williams, B. M., & Levinson, C. A. (2020). Negative beliefs about the self prospectively predict eating disorder severity among undergraduate women. Eating Behaviors. 37, 101384. DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101384
Brenna Williams (B.A. Southern Methodist University) is a 3rd year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Brenna is interested in researching self-relations in eating disorders, including self-criticism and self-perception. She is passionate about studying the impact of self-compassion on eating disorder symptoms and the integration of compassion-focused interventions for eating disorders. Brenna is currently studying the feasibility and impact of a mindful self-compassion group workshop for individuals with eating disorders. In her free time, Brenna enjoys yoga, reading, and (aggressively) dismantling diet culture.
Representative Publications:
Levinson, C. A., Williams, B. M., & Christian, C. (in press). What are the emotions underlying feeling fat and fear of weight gain? Journal of Affective Disorders.
Sahlan, R. N., Williams, B. M., Forrest, L. N., Saunders, J. F., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., & Levinson, C. A. (in press). Disordered eating, self-esteem, and depression symptoms in Iranian adolescents and young adults: A network analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Williams, B. M., & Levinson, C. A. (2020). Negative beliefs about the self prospectively predict eating disorder severity among undergraduate women. Eating Behaviors. 37, 101384. DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101384
Rowan Hunt, B.A. (She/Her)
Rowan Hunt (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a second year graduate student in the EAT lab. Rowan's research interests include the shared affective mechanisms underlying eating disordered behaviors and other impulsive behaviors, and how such shared mechanisms can be targeted through treatment. Additionally, she is also interested in trajectories of illness in EDs (e.g., predictors of recovery, remission, and relapse). In her free time, Rowan enjoys cooking, seeing live music, and trying her hand at ceramics.
Representative Publications:
Hunt, R.A., Levinson, C.A., & Peiper, N.C. (2020, in press). Leveraging general risk surveillance to reduce suicide in early adolescents: Associations between suicidality, disordered eating, and other developmental risk factors. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior.
Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A.C., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4), 625-630. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23254 Christian, C., Williams, B. M., Hunt, R.A., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., Vanzhula I.A., Tregarthen J.P., Forbush, K.T., & Levinson, C.A. (2020, in press). A network investigation of core symptoms and pathways across duration of illness using a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral model of eating disorder symptoms. Psychological Medicine, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719003817
Rowan Hunt (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a second year graduate student in the EAT lab. Rowan's research interests include the shared affective mechanisms underlying eating disordered behaviors and other impulsive behaviors, and how such shared mechanisms can be targeted through treatment. Additionally, she is also interested in trajectories of illness in EDs (e.g., predictors of recovery, remission, and relapse). In her free time, Rowan enjoys cooking, seeing live music, and trying her hand at ceramics.
Representative Publications:
Hunt, R.A., Levinson, C.A., & Peiper, N.C. (2020, in press). Leveraging general risk surveillance to reduce suicide in early adolescents: Associations between suicidality, disordered eating, and other developmental risk factors. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior.
Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A.C., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4), 625-630. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23254 Christian, C., Williams, B. M., Hunt, R.A., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., Vanzhula I.A., Tregarthen J.P., Forbush, K.T., & Levinson, C.A. (2020, in press). A network investigation of core symptoms and pathways across duration of illness using a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral model of eating disorder symptoms. Psychological Medicine, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719003817
Ani Keshishian, B.A. (She/Her)
Ani Keshishian (B.A. Boston University) is a second 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.
Representative Publication:
Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A.C., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4), 625-630. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23254.
Ani Keshishian (B.A. Boston University) is a second 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.
Representative Publication:
Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A.C., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4), 625-630. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23254.
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Mackenzie Brown, B.A.
Mackenzie Brown (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a first year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Mackenzie is primarily interested in improving our understanding of eating disorders and comorbid psychopathology at the individual level. In particular, she is interested in examining the causal interactions amongst symptoms implicated in both eating and anxiety disorders using ecological momentary assessment and a network approach. Ultimately, she hopes to elucidate the mechanisms that lead these disorders to persist so that we may improve treatment and prevent relapse. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and photography. |
Claire Cusack, M.A. (She/They)
Claire Cusack (M.A. Towson University; B.A. Agnes Scott College) is an incoming graduate student in the EAT Lab. Claire is interested in exploring maintenance symptoms of eating disorders and comorbidities. They are particularly interested in utilizing idiographic statistical methods and incorporating physiological data to understand the heterogeneity of eating disorder symptoms and to inform tailored treatments. In their free time, Claire enjoys trail running, reading novels, and playing board games.
Claire Cusack (M.A. Towson University; B.A. Agnes Scott College) is an incoming graduate student in the EAT Lab. Claire is interested in exploring maintenance symptoms of eating disorders and comorbidities. They are particularly interested in utilizing idiographic statistical methods and incorporating physiological data to understand the heterogeneity of eating disorder symptoms and to inform tailored treatments. In their free time, Claire enjoys trail running, reading novels, and playing board games.
Julia Nicholas, B.S. (she/her)
Julia Nicholas (B.S. Duke University) is an incoming graduate student in the EAT Lab. Julia aims to research the mechanisms by which minority stress contributes to eating disorder risk in individuals with marginalized identities, with the goal of tailoring personalized interventions. In her free time, Julia enjoys practicing yoga, learning languages, and cooking new recipes.
Julia Nicholas (B.S. Duke University) is an incoming graduate student in the EAT Lab. Julia aims to research the mechanisms by which minority stress contributes to eating disorder risk in individuals with marginalized identities, with the goal of tailoring personalized interventions. In her free time, Julia enjoys practicing yoga, learning languages, and cooking new recipes.
Lab Managers
Gabby Davis, B.A. (she/her)
Gabby received her Bachelor's in Psychology from Bellarmine University with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. During her time at Bellarmine, she developed a novel research study and Honors thesis in which she evaluated the effects of advertising on treatment willingness in individuals with high restricted-eating symptoms. Her primary research interests include anorexia nervosa, comorbidity, treatment willingness, and treatment improvement. In her free time, Gabby enjoys volunteering at the Kentucky Humane Society, exercising, and watching TV.
Gabby received her Bachelor's in Psychology from Bellarmine University with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. During her time at Bellarmine, she developed a novel research study and Honors thesis in which she evaluated the effects of advertising on treatment willingness in individuals with high restricted-eating symptoms. Her primary research interests include anorexia nervosa, comorbidity, treatment willingness, and treatment improvement. In her free time, Gabby enjoys volunteering at the Kentucky Humane Society, exercising, and watching TV.
Betty Ngo (She/Her)
Betty is a sophomore undergraduate studying Psychology and Biology. She also serves as an executive member of the Body Project Chapter at UofL. Her research interests include the neurobiology of eating disorders and eating disorder-anxiety comorbidity.
Betty is a sophomore undergraduate studying Psychology and Biology. She also serves as an executive member of the Body Project Chapter at UofL. Her research interests include the neurobiology of eating disorders and eating disorder-anxiety comorbidity.
Kimberly Osborn, B.A. (She/Hers)
Kimberly is a second year Master of Social Work student at the University of Oklahoma. She is interested in studying the relationship between barriers to specialized eating disorder treatment and various client outcomes. She is also interested in the development and implementation of evidence-based practices for eating disorders. Kimberly plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She enjoys kayaking and hiking with her husband and her dog, watching the Office, and reading Steven King novels.
Kimberly is a second year Master of Social Work student at the University of Oklahoma. She is interested in studying the relationship between barriers to specialized eating disorder treatment and various client outcomes. She is also interested in the development and implementation of evidence-based practices for eating disorders. Kimberly plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She enjoys kayaking and hiking with her husband and her dog, watching the Office, and reading Steven King novels.
Study Coordinators
Samantha Spoor, B.S. (She/Her)
Sam studied Psychology and Human Development during her undergraduate tenure at the University at Albany, with a concentration in Counseling Psychology. During her time as a research assistant in the Anderson Weight and Eating Disorder Laboratory and the Hormes Health Behaviors Laboratory, she developed a clinical interest in how cravings and other psychosocial factors influence eating behaviors and psychopathology. As the Study Coordinator at the EAT Lab, her research interests have evolved to focus on sociocultural risk factors (e.g., diet culture, weight stigma) of eating pathology, as well as barriers to accessing eating disorder treatment both broadly, and specifically for folks with marginalized sexual and gender identities. In her free time, Sam enjoys smashing the patriarchy, volunteering for Project Parachute, practicing yoga, and spending time with her free-roaming pet rabbits, Beasley and Malone.
Sam studied Psychology and Human Development during her undergraduate tenure at the University at Albany, with a concentration in Counseling Psychology. During her time as a research assistant in the Anderson Weight and Eating Disorder Laboratory and the Hormes Health Behaviors Laboratory, she developed a clinical interest in how cravings and other psychosocial factors influence eating behaviors and psychopathology. As the Study Coordinator at the EAT Lab, her research interests have evolved to focus on sociocultural risk factors (e.g., diet culture, weight stigma) of eating pathology, as well as barriers to accessing eating disorder treatment both broadly, and specifically for folks with marginalized sexual and gender identities. In her free time, Sam enjoys smashing the patriarchy, volunteering for Project Parachute, practicing yoga, and spending time with her free-roaming pet rabbits, Beasley and Malone.
Luis Sandoval-Araujo, B.A. (He/Him)
Luis Sandoval-Araujo (B.A. Florida International University) is a study coordinator for the NIMH-Funded Predicting Eating Disorder Recovery Study. Prior to joining the EAT Lab, Luis worked on a number of projects at the FIU Center for Children and Families, such as the Mental Health Interventions and Technology program and the Supporting Teens Academic Needs Daily program. Luis is primarily interested in how eating disorders and anxiety disorders interact with each other, particularly viewing anxiety as a developmental risk factor or moderating variable in later disordered eating behaviors and cognitions. He hopes to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Outside the lab, Luis enjoys playing music (mostly sad songs on guitar), building computers, and spending quality time with friends.
Luis Sandoval-Araujo (B.A. Florida International University) is a study coordinator for the NIMH-Funded Predicting Eating Disorder Recovery Study. Prior to joining the EAT Lab, Luis worked on a number of projects at the FIU Center for Children and Families, such as the Mental Health Interventions and Technology program and the Supporting Teens Academic Needs Daily program. Luis is primarily interested in how eating disorders and anxiety disorders interact with each other, particularly viewing anxiety as a developmental risk factor or moderating variable in later disordered eating behaviors and cognitions. He hopes to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Outside the lab, Luis enjoys playing music (mostly sad songs on guitar), building computers, and spending quality time with friends.
Taylor Gardner, B.A. (She/Her)
Taylor Gardner (B.A. Ohio University) is the Study Coordinator for the NIMH funded Relapse-Prevention Study. Taylor received her Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors from Ohio University where she majored in Psychology and minored in Biological Sciences. While at Ohio University, Taylor completed a departmental Honors Thesis exploring the relationship between disordered eating behaviors and impulsivity in a high risk drinking sample under supervision of Dr. Julie Suhr. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Taylor worked as the Research Coordinator for The Renfrew Center where she examined treatment outcomes for an emotion-focused treatment for eating disorders. While at Renfrew, Taylor developed research interests focused on understanding risk factors for relapse in eating disorders. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her dog, Roxxi, and her cat, Iggi, reading, and raising awareness for eating disorders.
Taylor Gardner (B.A. Ohio University) is the Study Coordinator for the NIMH funded Relapse-Prevention Study. Taylor received her Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors from Ohio University where she majored in Psychology and minored in Biological Sciences. While at Ohio University, Taylor completed a departmental Honors Thesis exploring the relationship between disordered eating behaviors and impulsivity in a high risk drinking sample under supervision of Dr. Julie Suhr. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Taylor worked as the Research Coordinator for The Renfrew Center where she examined treatment outcomes for an emotion-focused treatment for eating disorders. While at Renfrew, Taylor developed research interests focused on understanding risk factors for relapse in eating disorders. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her dog, Roxxi, and her cat, Iggi, reading, and raising awareness for eating disorders.
Graduate Student Collaborators
Anna Marie L. Ortiz, M.S.
Anna Marie Ortiz (B.A. Franciscan University of Steubenville) is a 5th-year graduate student at the University of Kentucky working with Dr. Gregory Smith. Anna Marie’s research focuses on investigating the influence of transdiagnostic risk factors in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. In particular, she is interested how pubertal onset, learned expectancies, and personality factors influence the development of eating disorders. Additionally, she is interested in the role of emotional avoidance in eating disorders. Anna Marie is also a doctoral student therapist at the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders, working under the supervision of Dr. Cheri Levinson. In her free time, Anna Marie enjoys hiking, spending time with her two adorable nieces, and playing basketball.
Anna Marie Ortiz (B.A. Franciscan University of Steubenville) is a 5th-year graduate student at the University of Kentucky working with Dr. Gregory Smith. Anna Marie’s research focuses on investigating the influence of transdiagnostic risk factors in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. In particular, she is interested how pubertal onset, learned expectancies, and personality factors influence the development of eating disorders. Additionally, she is interested in the role of emotional avoidance in eating disorders. Anna Marie is also a doctoral student therapist at the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders, working under the supervision of Dr. Cheri Levinson. In her free time, Anna Marie enjoys hiking, spending time with her two adorable nieces, and playing basketball.
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. Chris is currently completing a Pathways Engineering program at NASA. 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. Chris is currently completing a Pathways Engineering program at NASA. In his free time he enjoys programming, reading, and hanging out with friends.
Jordan Drake (She/Her)
Jordan is a senior at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Psychology with minors in Communication and Spanish. After graduating, she intends to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. She is interested in how trauma in children leads to the development of eating disorders and other comorbid disorders later in life. She is also interested in how social factors, like social media, affect the development of eating disorders, especially in adolescents. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling to new places, and reading.
Jordan is a senior at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Psychology with minors in Communication and Spanish. After graduating, she intends to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. She is interested in how trauma in children leads to the development of eating disorders and other comorbid disorders later in life. She is also interested in how social factors, like social media, affect the development of eating disorders, especially in adolescents. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling to new places, and reading.
Andrea Scott-Maguire, B.S. (She/Her)
Andrea Scott-Maguire (B.S. Columbia State University) is a second year graduate student with the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work. After graduating, she intends to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. Her interest include fringe and self-harming behaviors, personality disorders, and the comorbidity of disorders. She is also interested in improving treatment outcomes by adapting current evidence-based treatments as well as developing novel treatments. In her free time, Andrea enjoys mindless sitcoms, staying active, and all activities that promote laughter.
Andrea Scott-Maguire (B.S. Columbia State University) is a second year graduate student with the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work. After graduating, she intends to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. Her interest include fringe and self-harming behaviors, personality disorders, and the comorbidity of disorders. She is also interested in improving treatment outcomes by adapting current evidence-based treatments as well as developing novel treatments. In her free time, Andrea enjoys mindless sitcoms, staying active, and all activities that promote laughter.
Madeline Nirmaier (She/Her)
Madeline is a senior studying Psychology at the University of Louisville. She is interested in compulsive behaviors that occur in eating disorders, specifically BED. She is also interested in studying the maintenance factors for eating disorders comorbid with substance use disorders. After graduating, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys to hike, spend time with family and friends, and thrift shop in local stores.
Madeline is a senior studying Psychology at the University of Louisville. She is interested in compulsive behaviors that occur in eating disorders, specifically BED. She is also interested in studying the maintenance factors for eating disorders comorbid with substance use disorders. After graduating, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys to hike, spend time with family and friends, and thrift shop in local stores.
Kayla Williams (She/Her)
Kayla is a senior 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 senior 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
Haley Waite
Haley is a Junior at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Psychology. After graduation, she hopes to further her education at UofL's Medical School and go on to become a Psychiatrist. Her research interests include how stress and trauma lead to the development of psychological disorders including eating disorders. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with friends.
Haley is a Junior at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Psychology. After graduation, she hopes to further her education at UofL's Medical School and go on to become a Psychiatrist. Her research interests include how stress and trauma lead to the development of psychological disorders including eating disorders. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with friends.
Mattison Hale (She/Her)
Mattison is a sophomore at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Mattison serves both as an undergraduate research assistant at the EAT Lab, and as a clinical research assistant at the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders. After graduating, Mattison hopes to attend medical school to become a pediatric psychiatrist. In her free time, she loves to write, spend time with family and friends, and meet new people.
Mattison is a sophomore at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Mattison serves both as an undergraduate research assistant at the EAT Lab, and as a clinical research assistant at the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders. After graduating, Mattison hopes to attend medical school to become a pediatric psychiatrist. In her free time, she loves to write, spend time with family and friends, and meet new people.
Tanner Wright
Tanner is a junior at the University of Louisville, majoring in psychology. He intends to get his Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology after graduation in order to be a licensed clinical psychologist. His fields of interest include anxiety and mood disorders, stress and trauma, development of personality traits, and personality disorder intervention. Tanner is a mental health advocate who is knowledgeable about mental health stigma and is incredibly passionate about reducing this stigma. He also has a part-time job at Walgreens. In his free-time he enjoys photography, watching shows, and hanging out with friends.
Tanner is a junior at the University of Louisville, majoring in psychology. He intends to get his Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology after graduation in order to be a licensed clinical psychologist. His fields of interest include anxiety and mood disorders, stress and trauma, development of personality traits, and personality disorder intervention. Tanner is a mental health advocate who is knowledgeable about mental health stigma and is incredibly passionate about reducing this stigma. He also has a part-time job at Walgreens. In his free-time he enjoys photography, watching shows, and hanging out with friends.
Emma Roberts (She/Her)
Emma is a junior psychology student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Louisville. After undergrad, she intends to obtain a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and continue working in the eating disorder field. Her research interests include the effects of social media on disordered eating, the relationship between trauma and disordered eating, and the comorbidity of eating disorders with other psychological disorders. In her free time, Emma is a Team Coordinator for Partners in Health, and leads a local team in advocating and fundraising for global health equity. She also enjoys reading, making coffee, and spending time with her friends and family.
Emma is a junior psychology student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Louisville. After undergrad, she intends to obtain a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and continue working in the eating disorder field. Her research interests include the effects of social media on disordered eating, the relationship between trauma and disordered eating, and the comorbidity of eating disorders with other psychological disorders. In her free time, Emma is a Team Coordinator for Partners in Health, and leads a local team in advocating and fundraising for global health equity. She also enjoys reading, making coffee, and spending time with her friends and family.
Madison Shannon
Madison is currently a senior pursing a BA in psychology. Her specific research interest is how having life-threatening illnesses and medical trauma can lead to the development of eating disorders in adolescents and young adults. After graduating, she intends to obtain her PhD in clinical psychology and wants to work with medically complex children and adolescents. In her free time she enjoys exercising, making arts and crafts, playing with her dog, Bubbles, and hanging out with her friends.
Madison is currently a senior pursing a BA in psychology. Her specific research interest is how having life-threatening illnesses and medical trauma can lead to the development of eating disorders in adolescents and young adults. After graduating, she intends to obtain her PhD in clinical psychology and wants to work with medically complex children and adolescents. In her free time she enjoys exercising, making arts and crafts, playing with her dog, Bubbles, and hanging out with her friends.
Saakshi Kakar (she/her)
Saakshi Kakar (B.A. Wesleyan University) is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology from King's College, London. After obtaining her Master's degree, she plans to continue her journey with psychology by earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests include emotion dysregulation and the influence of culture on self-perception in eating and anxiety disorders. In her free time, Saakshi enjoys reading, baking, and watching reality television shows.
Saakshi Kakar (B.A. Wesleyan University) is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology from King's College, London. After obtaining her Master's degree, she plans to continue her journey with psychology by earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests include emotion dysregulation and the influence of culture on self-perception in eating and anxiety disorders. In her free time, Saakshi enjoys reading, baking, and watching reality television shows.
Shaye Allen (she/her)
Shaye is a senior at the University of Louisville majoring in Electrical Engineering. She plans to pursue a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management after graduating in May 2021. Along with volunteering in the lab, Shaye works for the Engineering Fundamentals Department and is secretary of the student organization Speed Spectrum. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends and binge-watching Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds.
Shaye is a senior at the University of Louisville majoring in Electrical Engineering. She plans to pursue a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management after graduating in May 2021. Along with volunteering in the lab, Shaye works for the Engineering Fundamentals Department and is secretary of the student organization Speed Spectrum. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends and binge-watching Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds.
An Mochizuki (She/Her)
An is expected to receive her Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Hollins University. During her undergraduate, she volunteered and interned at a multiple educational organizations while pursuing her interests in clinical and child psychology which she intends to study in graduate school. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, playing sports, and talking to her friends and family.
An is expected to receive her Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Hollins University. During her undergraduate, she volunteered and interned at a multiple educational organizations while pursuing her interests in clinical and child psychology which she intends to study in graduate school. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, playing sports, and talking to her friends and family.
Rose Chang
Upon graduation, Rose (B.A. Vanderbilt University) served as a clinical research assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, working on clinical neuroscience and neuroimaging related to reward processing in depression and obesity in the context of stress. Currently, she is working as a lab manager in CCS Lab in South Korea, learning how to apply computational modeling to cognitive processes. She is interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric disorders, particularly those of anxiety and eating disorders. After gaining relevant experience, she hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.
Upon graduation, Rose (B.A. Vanderbilt University) served as a clinical research assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, working on clinical neuroscience and neuroimaging related to reward processing in depression and obesity in the context of stress. Currently, she is working as a lab manager in CCS Lab in South Korea, learning how to apply computational modeling to cognitive processes. She is interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric disorders, particularly those of anxiety and eating disorders. After gaining relevant experience, she hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.
Callie Ernspiker, B.A. (She/Her)
Callie received her bachelor's degree at Transylvania University in Psychology and Art History. She is currently in her first year of the UofL Counseling Psychology Master's program. She also works in Dr. Mitchell's Social Inequities in Health Lab at UofL. Callie is a research assistant at both the EAT Lab and the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders. After graduating, she intends to pursue her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys drinking coffee, going to art museums, reading, and playing with her dog Bella.
Callie received her bachelor's degree at Transylvania University in Psychology and Art History. She is currently in her first year of the UofL Counseling Psychology Master's program. She also works in Dr. Mitchell's Social Inequities in Health Lab at UofL. Callie is a research assistant at both the EAT Lab and the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders. After graduating, she intends to pursue her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys drinking coffee, going to art museums, reading, and playing with her dog Bella.
David Powell (He/Him)
David is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in psychology with a minor in Arabic. After graduating, he plans to pursue a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. His interests include trauma and PTSD in adults, as well as preventive measures for children with a biological predisposition to psychological disorders. In his free time, David enjoys working out and reading.
David is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in psychology with a minor in Arabic. After graduating, he plans to pursue a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. His interests include trauma and PTSD in adults, as well as preventive measures for children with a biological predisposition to psychological disorders. In his free time, David enjoys working out and reading.
Coders
Amy Benningfield
Amy is a senior Psychology major at the University of Louisville. She is minoring in Social Change, is in the Peace, Justice, and Conflict Transformation certificate program, and is a University Honors Scholar. Amy plans to pursue a career in counseling after graduation. In the mean time, she is a coder for the Eating Anxiety Treatment Lab, is on the Leadership Team for Campus Outreach, and is a member of the German Club. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading, watching Netflix, and spending time with her friends.
Amy is a senior Psychology major at the University of Louisville. She is minoring in Social Change, is in the Peace, Justice, and Conflict Transformation certificate program, and is a University Honors Scholar. Amy plans to pursue a career in counseling after graduation. In the mean time, she is a coder for the Eating Anxiety Treatment Lab, is on the Leadership Team for Campus Outreach, and is a member of the German Club. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading, watching Netflix, and spending time with her friends.
Taylor Carrow
Taylor is a senior psychology student pursuing a Bachelors of Arts degree at the University of Louisville. After graduation she plans to enroll in a graduate program and pursue a Psy.D. in clinical psychology. Her interest include anxiety and mood disorders as well as the comorbidity of disorders. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and watching movies.
Taylor is a senior psychology student pursuing a Bachelors of Arts degree at the University of Louisville. After graduation she plans to enroll in a graduate program and pursue a Psy.D. in clinical psychology. Her interest include anxiety and mood disorders as well as the comorbidity of disorders. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and watching movies.
