Faculty/Staff Alumni

Dr. Leigh Brosof, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Research Scientist, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
Clinical Psychology Ph.D., University of Louisville
​Predoctoral Internship, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship, UCSF, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
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Dr. Brosof is a Research Scientist in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville and a licensed clinical psychologist. She graduated with her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Louisville and received the APA Dissertation Research Award for her dissertation on the overlap between eating and anxiety disorders in adolescents. Dr. Brosof completed her pre- and post-doctoral fellowships in the UCSF Eating Disorders Program, specializing in adolescent eating disorders. Prior to returning to the EAT Lab, Dr. Brosof spent two years as a consultant for several digital mental health companies.

Dr. Brosof’s research interests focus on using technology to improve and disseminate treatments for eating disorders and disordered eating. She is particularly interested in scaling evidence-based interventions and translating traditional psychological treatments into digital formats.
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In her free time, Dr. Brosof enjoys running, playing soccer, spending time with her cat, and trying new restaurants.

Postdoctoral Fellow Alumni

​Juan Hernández, Ph.D. (He/Him)

Dr. Hernández is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT lab. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Arizona State University and completed his pre-doctoral internship at Penn Medicine. He is interested in the integration of body image and cardiometabolic health treatments to promote longevity among diverse individuals across the lifespan and body size spectrum. Dr. Hernández works from several guiding frameworks, including Health at Every Size and Fit-for-Purpose models, and pays special attention to foundational principles such as exposure-based learning and bioenergetics when integrating concepts from different fields. He hopes his research will advance interdisciplinary treatment alternatives for those seeking ethical and size-affirming healthcare. In his free time, he enjoys live music, sports, and spending time with friends.

Juan's new position is Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago Hospital (UI Health) conducting clinical research and providing behavioral health support through their Federally Qualified Health Center.
Madison Hooper, Ph.D. (She/Her)

​Dr. Madison Hooper's research focuses on the comparative evaluation of statistical methods designed to handle violations of traditional statistical assumptions, including normality, homogeneity of variance, and linearity, within the field of clinical psychology. Madison joined the EAT Lab as a summer intern in 2021 and continues to collaborate as a postdoctoral fellow! She is interested in cognitive and affective factors that contribute to and maintain eating disorders. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and reading mystery novels.
Dr. Anna Marie Ortiz, Ph.D. (She/Her)

Dr. Ortiz is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT lab. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kentucky and completed her pre-doctoral internship at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Ortiz’s research focuses on investigating the cognitive and affective factors that contribute to the etiology and maintenance of eating disorders, developing more effective treatments for eating disorders, and improving treatment outcomes. She is also passionate about her role as a clinician working with individuals with eating disorders. In her free time, Dr. Ortiz enjoys hiking, spending time with her nieces and nephews, playing basketball, and doing puzzles.
Representative Publications: 
  • Ralph-Nearman, C., Williams, B. M., Ortiz, A. M. L., Smith, A. R., & Levinson, C. A. (2021). Pinpointing Core and Pathway Symptoms Among Sleep Disturbance, Anxiety, Worry, and Eating Disorder Symptoms In Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa. Journal of Affective Disorders.
  • Ortiz, A. M. L., Davis, H. A., Riley, E. R., & Smith, G. T. (2021). The interaction between affective lability and eating expectancies predicts binge eating. Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention.
  • Christian, C., Bridges-Curry, Z., Hunt, R.A., Ortiz, A.M.L., Drake, J.E., Levinson, C.A. (2021). Latent profile analysis of impulsivity and perfectionism dimensions and associations with psychiatric symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders, 283, 293-301.
  • Atkinson, E. A., Ortiz, A. M. L., & Smith, G. T. (2020). Affective risk for problem drinking: reciprocal influences among negative urgency, affective lability, and rumination. Current Drug Research Review, 12(1), 42-51.
  • Davis, H. A., Ortiz, A. M. L., & Smith, G. T. (2019). Transactions between early binge eating and personality predict transdiagnostic risk. European Eating Disorders Review. 27(6), 614-627.
  • Ortiz, A. M. L., Davis, H. A., & Smith, G. T. (2019). Transactions among thinness expectancies, depression, and binge eating in the prediction of adolescent weight control behaviors. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 52(2), 142-152.​
  • Davis, H. A., Ortiz, A. M. L., & Smith, G. T. (2017). The occurrence and covariation of binge eating and compensatory behaviors across early to mid-adolescence. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 43(4), 402-412.
Dr. Rachel Butler, Ph.D. (She/Her)

Rachel Butler is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Transylvania University. A former postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville, Rachel completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Temple University and completed her predoctoral internship at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research. Her research focuses on the development and improvement of treatments for anxiety and eating disorders. In particular, she is interested in testing novel, exposure-based interventions for eating disorders. Rachel received the APA Dissertation Research Award for her work investigating imaginal exposure as an intervention for disordered eating related fears. Additionally, Rachel hopes to expand the understanding and treatment of eating and anxiety disorders in sexual and gender minority populations. Rachel is passionate about working with individuals with eating and anxiety disorders clinically as well as teaching and mentoring students. In her free time, Rachel loves riding mountain bikes, racing cyclocross, baking, and stand up comedy. 
Representative publications:
  • Manasse, S.M., Lampe, E.W., Abber, S.R., Butler, R.M., Gillikin, L.M., & Trainor, C. (2021). Exposure-enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents with binge eating: An initial case series, Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 26, 1124-1136. 
  • Horenstein, A., Kaplan, S.C., Butler, R.M., Heimberg, R.G. (2020) Social anxiety moderates the relationship between body mass index and motivation to avoid exercise. Body Image, 36, 185-192. 
  • Butler, R.M., O’Day, E.B., Swee, M.B., Horenstein, A., Heimberg, R.G. (2020) Cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder: Predictors of treatment outcome in a quasi-naturalistic setting. Behavior Therapy, 52, 465-477. 
  • Butler, R.M., Heimberg, R.G. (2020) Exposure therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 78, 1-10.  
  • Butler, R.M., O’Day, E.B., Kaplan, S.C., Swee, M.B., Horenstein, A., Morrison, A.S., Goldin, P.R., Gross, J.J., Heimberg, R.G. (2019). Do sudden gains predict treatment outcome in social anxiety disorder? Findings from two randomized controlled trials. Behavior Research and Therapy, 121, 103453.  
  • Butler, R.M., Horenstein, A., Gitlin, M., Testa, R.J., Kaplan, S.C., Swee, M.B., Heimberg, R.G. (2019). Social anxiety among transgender and gender nonconforming individuals: The role of gender affirming medical interventions. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 128, 25-31. 
  • Butler, R.M., Boden, M.T., Olino, T.M., Morrison, A.S., Goldin, P.R., Gross, J.J., & Heimberg, R.G. (2018). Emotional clarity and attention to emotions in cognitive behavioral group therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction for social anxiety disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 31-38.
Dr. Hannah Fitterman-Harris, Ph.D. (She/Her)

Dr. Fitterman-Harris is a former Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Currently, Dr. Fitterman-Harris works at Tampa Memorial Hospital as research faculty. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Saint Louis University and completed her predoctoral internship at the University of Florida Health Science Center. Dr. Fitterman-Harris’s primary research and clinical interests include the intersection of weight stigma and eating disorders, assessment and reduction of weight stigma (particularly weight stigma in healthcare settings), prevention and treatment of eating disorders, and the intersection of sleep, weight stigma, and eating disorders. Dr. Fitterman-Harris received the Saint Louis University Dissertation Fellowship to support her research to create and validate an instrument to assess weight stigma among healthcare providers. She also received the RSH Scholarship through the Academy for Eating Disorders to support her work more broadly in the reduction of weight stigma and treatment of eating disorders. Dr. Fitterman-Harris enjoys watching hockey and baking shows, knitting hats, and anything involving golden retrievers. 
Representative publications:
  • Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Han, Y., Osborn, K. D., Faulkner, L. M., Williams, B. M., Pennesi, J.-L., & Levinson, C. A. (2024). Comparisons between atypical anorexia nervosa and anorexia nervosa: Psychological and comorbidity patterns. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
  • Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Davis, G. G., Bedard, S. P., Cusack, C. E., & Levinson, C. A. (2024). Digital mental health interventions: Differences in intervention framing. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21010024
  • Levinson, C. A., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Patterson, S., Harrop, E., Turner, C., May, M., Steinberg, D., Muhlheim, L., Millner, R., Trujillo-ChiVacuan, E., Averyt, J., Peebles, R., Rosenbluth, S., & Becker, C. B. (2023). The unintentional harms of weight management treatment: Time for a change. The Behavior Therapist, 46(7), 271-281.
  • Pearl, R. L., Wadden, T. A., Groshon, L. C., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Bach, C., & LaFata, E. M. (2023). Refining the conceptualization and assessment of internalized weight stigma: A mixed methods approach. Body Image, 44, 93-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim. 2022.12.002
  • Stiles, D. L., Ma, L., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Naseralla, E. J., & Rudolph, C. W. (2022). Body dissatisfaction and romantic relationship quality: A meta-analysis. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221128504
  • Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Hughes, H. M., Soulliard, Z. A., Zane, K. (2022). Barriers to LGBQ- and TGNB-affirmative clinical training in psychology doctoral programs. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000565
  • Fitterman-Harris, H. F., & Vander Wal, J. S. (2021). Weight bias reduction among first-year medical students: A quasi-randomized, controlled trial. Clinical Obesity, e12479. https://doi.org/10.1111/cob.12479
  • Soulliard, Z. A., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Perry, J. E., Poe, L., & Ross, M. J. (2021). Differences in body appreciation and functionality appreciation outside of and directly following sport among collegiate student athletes. The Sport Psychologist, 35(4), 320-328. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2020-0175
  • Smith, L. B., Foster, N., Bollepalli, S., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., & Rancourt, D. (2020). An examination of sex differences in a disease-specific model of disordered eating behaviors in type 1 diabetes. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 45(1), 91-100. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsz090

Graduate Student Alumni

Madison Ortman, M.S.W. (She/Her)

Madison is a graduate student at the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. She earned her bachelor's of science in psychology from the University of Louisville where she developed her interests into micro level practice and eating disorder therapy. She is primarily interested in therapeutic interventions for treating eating disorders and cooccurring OCD symptoms. ​
​​Dr. Brenna Williams, Ph.D. (She/Her)
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Dr. Brenna Williams (B.A. Southern Methodist University, Ph.D. University of Louisville) is interested in studying self-relations, such as self-criticism and self-compassion, as transdiagnostic factors that contribute to the high rates of psychiatric comorbidity among eating disorders. She is passionate about studying the impact of self-criticism and self-compassion on eating disorder symptoms and the integration of compassion-focused interventions for eating disorders. Through her research, she hopes to develop transdiagnostic treatments for eating disorders that target eating disorders and other co-occurring symptoms of psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depression) simultaneously. Brenna has also received clinical training in sleep disorders, and she is currently a practicum student at the Behavioral Wellness Clinic in Louisville, KY where she works with individuals with eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Outside of her research and clinical work, Brenna enjoys reading fiction books to escape from reality and taking her dogs, Hera and Ajax, to get pup cups every weekend.
Representative Publications: 
  • Williams, B. M., & Levinson, C. A. (2022). A model of self-criticism as a transdiagnostic mechanism of eating disorder comorbidity: A review. New Ideas in Psychology, 66(1), 100949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newideapsych.2022.100949
  • Williams, B. M., Brown, M. L., Sandoval-Araujo, L., Russell, S., & Levinson, C. A. (2022). Psychiatric comorbidity among eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder and underlying shared mechanisms and features: An updated review. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 36(3). https://doi.org/10.1891/JCPSY-D-2021-0011
  • Williams, B. M., & Levinson, C. A. (2021). Intolerance of uncertainty and perfectionism as maintenance factors for eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. European Eating Disorders Review, 29(1), 101-111. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2807
  • Sahlan, R. N., Williams, B. M., Forrest, L. N., Saunders, J. F., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., & Levinson, C. A. (2021). Disordered eating, self-esteem, and depression symptoms in Iranian adolescents and young adults: A network analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54(2), 132-147. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23365
  • Williams, B. M., & Levinson, C. A. (2020). Negative beliefs about the self prospectively predict eating disorder severity among undergraduate women. Eating Behaviors. 37(1), 101384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101384
Dr. Caroline Christian, Ph.D. (She/Her) 

Dr. Caroline Christian (Ph.D., University of Louisville) research focuses on integrating novel methods to better understand the role of transdiagnostic factors (e.g., fear and avoidance) in eating disorders and comorbid anxiety-based disorders. She is especially interested in testing these processes across critical periods (e.g., pregnancy/postpartum; stages of remission) to inform prevention, treatment, and relapse prevention interventions. Caroline has worked clinically with eating disorders and anxiety-based disorders through the Psychological Services Center, Lindner Center of Hope, the Louisville OCD Clinic, and the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders, through which she received training in CBT, DBT, radically open DBT, acceptance and commitment therapy, and exposure-based therapies. In her free time, Caroline enjoys taking her dog Lincoln to the park, playing tennis, and making pottery. 
Representative Publications:
  • Christian, C., Cusack, C.E., Ralph-Nearman, C., Spoor, S.P., Hunt, R.A., Levinson, C.A. (in press). A pilot, time-series investigation of depression, anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms in adults experiencing major depressive symptoms: The need for eating disorder assessment and research in depression. Behavior Therapy.
  • Christian, C., Levinson, C.A. (2022). An integrated review of fear and avoidance learning in anxiety disorders and application to eating disorders. New Ideas in Psychology. DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2022.100964
  • Christian, C., Cash, E., Cohen, D.A., Trombley, C.M., Levinson, C.A. (2022). Electrodermal activity and heart rate variability during exposure fear scripts predict trait-level and momentary social anxiety and eating disorder symptoms in an analogue sample. Clinical Psychological Science. 
  • Christian, C., Bridges-Curry, Z., Hunt, R.A., Ortiz, A.M.L., Drake, J.E., Levinson, C.A. (2021). Latent profile analysis of impulsivity and perfectionism dimensions and associations with psychiatric symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.01.076
  • 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. DOI: 10.1037/abn0000477
  • 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. DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.05.003
Gabby Davis, M.Ed. (She/Her)
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Gabby is a graduate of the Counseling Psychology M.Ed. program at the University of Louisville. Her primary research interests include how individuals with eating disorders make decisions and developing interventions for combatting diet culture. In her free time, Gabby enjoys going to the movies with her partner, spending time with her dog, Murph, and listening to audiobooks.​

Study Coordinator/Staff Member Alumni

Kefan "Cathy" Wu, B.A. (She/Her)
 
Kefan "Cathy" Wu (B.A. University of Michigan) was the lead study coordinator in the EAT Lab and worked on the NIMH funded Tracking Restriction, Affect, and Cognitions (TRAC) Study through spring 2026. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with high honors from the University of Michigan, majoring in Psychology and minoring in English. At the University of Michigan, Cathy worked under Dr. Christopher Monk to study early childhood adversity impacts on adolescent and young adult brain development. She is particularly passionate about understanding the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as advancing just-in-time and personalized interventions for suicide and related  comorbidities. Cathy hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys painting, cooking, and speeding time with family, friends and her dog, Udon.
Thu Nguyen, B.S. (She/Her) 

Thu Nguyen (B.S. Knox College) was a study coordinator for the NIH-funded Youth Eating Study through Spring 2026. She graduated with a double major in Psychology and Educational Studies. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Thu worked under Dr. Sara O’Brien studying OCD, OCRDs, and transdiagnostic risk factors. She also worked with Dr. Meredith Bucher studying the dimensional assessments for maladaptive personalities. Thu is primarily interested in the development of psychopathology and eating disorders in children and adolescents, the roles of personalities, parenting, and parent psychopathology in eating behaviors, and cultural factors in diagnosis and treatment development. Thu plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exercising, watching Youtube, and dancing. ​

Abby McCarthy,  B.S. (She/Her) 
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Abby McCarthy (B.S. University of Cincinnati) is a PsyD student in clinical psychology at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Abby is the former the study coordinator in the EAT Lab and works on the NIMH funded Facing Eating Disorder Fears study. Abby received a Bachelor of Science with departmental honors from the University of Cincinnati, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Biological Sciences. Abby enjoys time with friends, traveling, running, horror movies, and cooking in her free time.
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Allison Grady,  B.A. (She/Her)

Allison "Alli" Grady (B.A.) is a clinical psychology Ph.D. student at Kent State University, under the mentorship of Dr. John Gunstad; examining mental health risk and protective factors among undergraduate college students and athletes. Alli is also the former study coordinator in the EAT Lab, worked on the NIMH-funded Online Relapse Prevention (ORP) and Personalized Treatment (PT) studies, and is a former research coordinator at the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois with highest honors and with departmental honors. She has a particular passion for research relating to sportswomen and their relationships with their bodies, movement and food. A former captain of her college’s track and field team, Alli is an avid runner, and enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring new hiking trails with her dog, Nellie.
Brendan Sullivan, M.S. (He/Him)
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​Brendan is a PhD student in the Biostatistics department at UofL. His current research interest is in longitudinal data analysis. Brendan's work with the EAT Lab includes creating and organizing data sets to be used in various analyses.
Emma Crumby, B.S. (She/They) 

Emma Crumby (B.S. Georgia College & State University) is a clinical psychology Ph.D. student at Michigan State University working with Dr. Blair Burnette. Emma is also the former Study Coordinator for the EAT lab for our NIMH funded Personalized Treatment trial. Emma graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2021 with a degree in Psychology. While she was earning her degree, she worked under Dr. Eric Rindal studying the development of false memories. However, her true passion and interest lies in eating disorder and body image research. Her interest was solidified when she became involved in Dr. Jessica Saunders’ research refining measures of body dissatisfaction and internalized weight stigma. In her free time, she enjoys reading horror novels, listening to music, and creative writing.
​Taylor Penwell, M.A. (She/Her) 
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Taylor Penwell (B.A., Ohio University) is a clinical psychology graduate student at the University of Montana working with Dr. Caitlin Martin-Wagar. She is primarily interested in identifying a) why some individuals respond to eating disorder treatment while others do not along with b) how we can improve access to eating disorder treatment. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Taylor worked as the Clinical Research Coordinator for The Renfrew Center and a Study Coordinator at the University of Louisville and Louisville Center for Eating Disorders. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her dog, Roxxi, and her cat, Iggi, reading, and trying new recipes. Taylor continues to collaborate on several EAT Lab projects, including the Online Relapse Prevention Study and the Barriers to Treatment Access Study.
Representative Publications: 
  • Penwell, T. E., Bedard, S. P., Erye, R., & Levinson, C. A. (2024). Barriers to eating disorder treatment access in the United States: Estimates of perceived inequities among reported treatment seekers. Psychiatric Services. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.20230193 
  • Penwell, T. E., Smith, M., Ortiz, S. N., Brooks, G., & Thompson-Brenner, H. (2024). Traditional versus virtual partial hospital programme for eating disorders: Feasibility and preliminary comparison of effects. European eating disorders review: the journal of the Eating Disorders Association, 32(2), 163-178. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.3031  
  • Christian, C. B.**, Nicholas, J. K.**, Penwell, T. E., & Levinson, C. A. (2023). Profiles of experienced and internalized weight-based stigma in college students across the weight spectrum: Associations with eating disorder, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Eating Behaviors.
  • Nicholas, J. K., Penwell, T. E., Christian, C. B., Overberg-Wagoner, K., Peiper, N. C., & Levinson, C. A. (2023). Eating disorder screening and treatment in a medically underserved state: Data collected by a legislative eating disorder council and implications for statewide assessment. Administration and policy in mental health, 50, 342-355. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-022-01240-z
Sam Bedard, M.A. (She/Her) 
Graduate Student - University of Wyoming

Sam studied Psychology and Human Development during her undergraduate tenure at the University at Albany under the mentorship of Dr. Julia Hormes and Dr. Drew Anderson. During her time as a Study Coordinator at the EAT Lab, her research interests evolved to focus on the impact of barriers to eating disorder treatment access on illness trajectory both broadly, and specifically for folks with marginalized sexual and gender identities. Sam is a third-year graduate student at the University of Wyoming under the direction of Dr. Kyle De Young. Sam continues to collaborate with the EAT Lab through her involvement as a co-investigator on the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) Funded Barriers to Treatment Access (BTA) Study in partnership with Project HEAL. In her free time, Sam enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and spending time with her free-roaming pet rabbits, Beasley and Malone. 
Representative Publications: 
  • Levinson, C.A., Spoor, S.P., Keshishian, A.C., Pruitt, A (in press). Pilot outcomes from a multidisciplinary telehealth vs in-person intensive outpatient program for eating disorders during vs before the Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
  • Levinson, C.A., Cash, E., Welch, K., Epskamp, S., Hunt, R.A., Williams, B.M., Keshishian, A.C., & Spoor, S.P. (2021, Advance Online Publication). Personalized networks of eating disorder symptoms predicting eating disorder outcomes and remission. A registered report. International Journal of Eating Disorders.
  • Coffino, J.A., Spoor, S.P., Drach, R.D., & Hormes, J.M. (2020). Food insecurity among graduate students: Prevalence and association with depression, anxiety, and stress. Public Health Nutrition.
  • Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C.B., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A., 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.
  • Christian, C.B., 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, 1-10.
Sarah Ernst, B.S. (She/Her)

Sarah is a former lab manager for the EAT Lab. She graduated from UofL, obtaining her B.S. in Psychology, with minors in Biology and Spanish. She then went on to complete her master's degree at UNC.
Shruti Shankar Ram, B.S.
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Shruti Shankar Ram was the Lab Manager of the EAT Lab from 2017-2019. After two years of post-baccalaureate research with Dr. Levinson at the EAT Lab, Shruti went on to become a clinical psychology PhD student working with Dr. April Smith at the Research on Eating Disorders and Suicidality (REDS) lab. She is continuing to use her skills from the EAT lab to explore transdiagnostic risk factors in eating disorders and comorbid illnesses. 
 Lisa Michelson, M.A., M. Phys.
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Lisa was a study coordinator in the EAT lab from August 2017- May 2019. She went on to enroll in the UNC's School of Medicine.
Laura Fewell, B.A.

Laura was a study coordinator in the EAT lab from Aug 2016-Aug 2017. She also previously worked with Dr. Levinson at Washington University. Laura then enrolled in the University of Missouri St. Louis Clinical Psychology PhD program.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Laura_Fewell

Summer Intern Alumni

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Judy Crandall (She/Her) 

Judy is a Summer 2026 Intern in the EAT Lab. She is a fourth-year psychology major at the University of Maryland, where she works under Dr. Ethan Mereish in the Lavender Lab, studying the impact of oppression on the health and resilience of intersectional communities. Judy is interested in how weight stigma, objectification, intraminority stress, and other sociocultural factors shape the development of body image and eating disorders, especially in LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. In her free time, Judy enjoys hiking, attending concerts, and reading literary fiction.
Sydney Goldberg (She/Her)

Sydney was a summer intern for the EAT lab in 2025. She is a junior at Cornell University pursuing a major in Human Development and a minor in Data Science. She is interested in psychopathology research, specifically relating to eating disorders and the statistical methods used to study them. In her free time, Sydney teaches indoor cycling classes and loves spending time with her friends, creating Spotify playlists, and petting dogs
Vindhya Srikanth (She/Her)
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​Vindhya was a summer intern for the EAT lab in 2025. She is also a clinical research coordinator for the Early Psychosis Research Center (EPICENTER) at the Ohio State University. In this position, she works on the Psychosis Risk Outcomes Network (ProNET) project), examining factors that may predict psychosis for people at clinical high risk. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2023 with a B.A. in Psychology and French and a minor in Public Policy and Leadership. In the fall of 2025, she will begin pursuit of her PhD in counseling psychology at Marquette University under the mentorship of Dr. Rawan Atari-Khan. Her primary research and clinical interests involve specific risk and resilience factors for eating disorders faced by South Asian populations and how familial relationships can impact eating behaviors and body surveillance. Outside of research, Vindhya is very involved in community theatre and you can find her on stage playing Pilar in the Legally Blonde Musical this summer!
​Grace Williams (She/Her)

Grace Williams was a summer intern for the EAT lab in 2025. She is an undergraduate studying mathematics, computer science, and data science at Harvey Mudd College. She has a passion for technical and quantitative problems solving and communicating solutions in understandable ways. In her free time, she enjoys piano, meditation, yoga, reading classic literature, crosswords, and jigsaw puzzles.
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UofL Undergraduate Research Assistant Alumni

Ava Cunningham (She/Her)

​Ava is a senior at the University of Louisville majoring in Psychology. She’s passionate about eating disorder recovery and is interested in counseling psychology and cognitive-behavioral approaches to treatment. As a research assistant in the EAT Lab, she’s excited to contribute to work that aligns closely with her values. Outside of school, Ava enjoys weightlifting, reading, and thrifting. She also cares deeply about promoting a more positive, body-respectful approach to fitness.
Pragya Wason (She/Her)

Pragya is a Sophomore at the University of Louisville majoring in Psychology on the pre-med track. She also works part-time at UofL Health as a Mental Health Technician. As an aspiring psychiatrist, Pragya is passionate about contributing to clinical-based research in the psychology field. In her free time, Pragya loves to sing opera, hang out with friends, and listen to all types of music.​
Ichiro Matoba
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​Ichiro is a junior at University of Louisville pursuing the premed track with a biology major and a chemistry minor. He is a part of the TRAC study, working on managing and organizing the participant’s data. He wishes to graduate this year and take a gap year to go to Japan to gain a new perspective in healthcare. In his free time, Ichiro loves listening/playing music, watching YouTube, and doing activities with his friends.
Sol-Rael Jetter (She/Her)

Sol-Rael Jetter is a sophomore at the University of Louisville pursuing a psychology major and a biology minor. With a passion for research and academia, Sol-Rael is a member of the review cohort for The Cardinal Edge, an undergraduate research journal at the University of Louisville. Through their position as a research assistant at the EAT Lab, Sol-Rael is thrilled to develop essential research and collaborative skills, as well as contribute to the development of eating disorder treatment for underrepresented groups. Outside of academia, Sol-Rael enjoys creating art, attending ballets, and gothic fantasy novels.
Coby Banet (He/His)

Coby is a former research assistant in the EAT Lab and went on to pursue medical school at Indiana University. Coby noted his EAT Lab experience held major weight in his application and continues to apply is EAT Lab RA experiences in his studies at the IU in pursuit of his degree!

Research Assistant and Volunteer Alumni

​Rachael Mishkind (She/Her)

​Rachael is a research volunteer with the EAT lab. She graduated from New York University in 2024 with a major in Psychology, a minor in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, and a minor in Fine Arts. She spent 5 years working as an EMT and developed a passion for helping patients with severe mental illness. During undergrad, she took an intensive course on eating disorders which inspired her to continue her learning at the EAT lab. In the future, she would like to attend graduate school in the field of clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys photography, drawing, and listening to music.
Marianne Rouleau-Tang (She/Her)

Marianne is a research volunteer at the EAT Lab. She is a master’s student at the University of Toronto, where she conducts research on the associations between nutrition knowledge and disordered eating. Her undergraduate independent research project explored the roles of friendships in eating disorder recovery.