Lab Director
Dr. Cheri A. Levinson, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Professor, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Department of Pediatrics
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. Cheri Levinson is a Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville and Director of the Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) lab, which is based in Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the Department of Pediatrics, division of child and adolescent psychiatry. She is also the Founder and Clinical Director of the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders, which is the only eating disorder specialty clinic in the state of KY, where she treats patients, and supervises and trains other clinicians and students in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. Currently Dr. Levinson is Vice Chair of the KY Eating Disorder Council, which is a state sponsored council charged with improving eating disorder treatment and access to treatment in KY.
Dr. Levinson’s research focuses on building new treatments for eating disorders, primarily using new technologies. To do this work she uses advanced analytics and technologies, such as individual network analysis, ecological momentary assessment, and wearable sensor technologies. Dr. Levinson has published more than 130 peer-reviewed manuscripts and chapters and has been the primary investigator on several national grants and awards, including three active clinical trials testing exposure therapy and personalized treatments for eating disorders. She has received several awards for her work including the 2021 Association for Psychological Science Rising Star Award, 2020 American Psychological Association Theo Blau Award, and the Academy for Eating Disorders 2015 Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award.
Dr. Levinson’s clinical works focuses on the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children with eating disorders. She specializes in the treatment of comorbid disorders (eating disorders, OCD and anxiety disorders) using empirically supported cognitive-behavioral techniques. Dr. Levinson has worked in all levels of eating disorder care, including outpatient, partial-hospitalization, residential, and inpatient care.
Before moving home to Louisville, Dr. Levinson trained at the University of North Carolina Center of Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED). While at CEED, she trained in cognitive behavioral therapies, dialectical behavior therapy, family based therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness therapies for eating disorders. Dr. Levinson was a post-doctoral fellow at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, where she developed technology based treatments for eating disorders. She completed her clinical internship at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. She received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in the psychology department at Washington University in St. Louis. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and history at the University of Kentucky.
To see Dr. Levinson's CV, please click here: levinson_cv_2025.3.19.docx
Representative Publications:
Professor, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Department of Pediatrics
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. Cheri Levinson is a Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville and Director of the Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) lab, which is based in Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the Department of Pediatrics, division of child and adolescent psychiatry. She is also the Founder and Clinical Director of the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders, which is the only eating disorder specialty clinic in the state of KY, where she treats patients, and supervises and trains other clinicians and students in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. Currently Dr. Levinson is Vice Chair of the KY Eating Disorder Council, which is a state sponsored council charged with improving eating disorder treatment and access to treatment in KY.
Dr. Levinson’s research focuses on building new treatments for eating disorders, primarily using new technologies. To do this work she uses advanced analytics and technologies, such as individual network analysis, ecological momentary assessment, and wearable sensor technologies. Dr. Levinson has published more than 130 peer-reviewed manuscripts and chapters and has been the primary investigator on several national grants and awards, including three active clinical trials testing exposure therapy and personalized treatments for eating disorders. She has received several awards for her work including the 2021 Association for Psychological Science Rising Star Award, 2020 American Psychological Association Theo Blau Award, and the Academy for Eating Disorders 2015 Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award.
Dr. Levinson’s clinical works focuses on the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children with eating disorders. She specializes in the treatment of comorbid disorders (eating disorders, OCD and anxiety disorders) using empirically supported cognitive-behavioral techniques. Dr. Levinson has worked in all levels of eating disorder care, including outpatient, partial-hospitalization, residential, and inpatient care.
Before moving home to Louisville, Dr. Levinson trained at the University of North Carolina Center of Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED). While at CEED, she trained in cognitive behavioral therapies, dialectical behavior therapy, family based therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness therapies for eating disorders. Dr. Levinson was a post-doctoral fellow at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, where she developed technology based treatments for eating disorders. She completed her clinical internship at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. She received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in the psychology department at Washington University in St. Louis. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and history at the University of Kentucky.
To see Dr. Levinson's CV, please click here: levinson_cv_2025.3.19.docx
Representative Publications:
- Levinson, C.A., *Cusack, C., *Hunt, R.A., *Fitterman-Harris, H.F., Ralph-Nearman, C.*Hooper, S. (in press). The Future of the Eating Disorder Field: Inclusive, Aware of Systems, and Personalized. Behaviour Research and Therapy.
- Levinson, C.A., *Kapadia, A., *Sandoval-Araujo, L., Vanzhula, I.A., Machry, K. (in press).
Movement Toward Dimensional Models of Comorbid Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and
Eating Disorders. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. - 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.
- Levinson, C.A., *Williams, B. M., *Christian, C., *Hunt, R.A., *Keshishian, A.C., *Brosof, L.C., *Vanzhula, I.A., *Davis, G.D., *Brown, M.L., *Bridges-Curry, Z., **Sandoval-Araujo, L.E., & +Ralph-Nearman, C. (2023). Personalizing eating disorder treatment using idiographic models: An open series trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 91(1), 14-28.
- Levinson, C.A., **Trombley, C.M., *Brosof, L.C., *Williams, B.M., & *Hunt, R.A. (2022). Binge eating, purging, and restriction symptoms: Increasing accuracy of prediction using machine learning. Behavior Therapy.
- Levinson, C.A., *Hunt, R.A., *Cusack, C.E., & +Ralph-Nearman, C. (2022). Shifting from treatments developed based on averages to treatments based on the individual: Eating disorders research can move the field of clinical psychology forward. The Clinical Psychologist, 75(2).
- Levinson, C.A., *Cusack, C., *Brown, M., & Smith, A.R. (2022). A network approach can improve eating disorder conceptualization and treatment. Nature Reviews Psychology, 1, 419-430.
- Levinson, C.A., *Hunt, R.A., *Christian, C., *Keshishian, A.C., *Williams, B.M., *Vanzhula, I.A., & +Ralph-Nearman, C. (2022). Longitudinal group and individual networks of eating disorder symptoms in individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 131(1), 58-72.
- Levinson, C.A., *Hunt, R.A., *Keshishian, A.C., *Brown, M.L., *Vanzhula, I. A., *Christian, C., *Brosof, L. C., *Williams, B. M. (2021). Using individual networks to identify treatment targets for eating disorder treatment: a proof-of-concept study and initial data. Journal of Eating Disorder, 9, 147.
- Levinson, C.A., **Spoor, S., *Keshishian, A., & Pruitt, A. (2021). 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, 54(9), 1672-1679.
Faculty
Dr. Irina Vanzhula, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Assistant Research Professor, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
Assistant Director, Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) Laboratory
Presidential Research Scholar, Louisville Center for Clinical and Translational Research Center
Clinical Psychology Ph.D., University of Louisville
Predoctoral Internship, University of Chicago School of Medicine
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Dr. Vanzhula is an Assistant Research Professor and an Assistant Director in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville and a licensed psychologist. She graduated with her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Louisville. She was the recipient of the Guy Stevenson Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Scholar Award. Dr. Vanzhula completed her predoctoral internship at the University of Chicago School of Medicine and a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Eating Disorders Program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Prior to returning to the EAT Lab, Dr. Vanzhula worked as an Assistant Research Professor at the Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors (CARE Lab) at the University of Kansas. Dr. Vanzhula has been appointed as a Presidential Research Scholar with the Louisville Center for Clinical and Translational Research Center.
Dr. Vanzhula’s research focuses on improving treatments for individuals with eating disorders by leveraging technology and cutting-edge methodology. Specifically, Dr. Vanzhula’s projects aim to 1) Develop adjunct interventions (such as meal support) that fill the gaps in existing treatment, 2) Adapt effective treatments for other comorbid conditions to the treatment of EDs (such as exposure and response prevention, mindfulness), and 3) Use novel statistical methodology (such as network analysis and machine learning) to identify personalized treatment targets.
In her free time, Dr. Vanzhula enjoys playing tennis, salsa dancing, and hiking with her dog Ragnar.
To contact Dr. Vanzhula, email [email protected]
Representative Publications:
Assistant Research Professor, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
Assistant Director, Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) Laboratory
Presidential Research Scholar, Louisville Center for Clinical and Translational Research Center
Clinical Psychology Ph.D., University of Louisville
Predoctoral Internship, University of Chicago School of Medicine
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Dr. Vanzhula is an Assistant Research Professor and an Assistant Director in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville and a licensed psychologist. She graduated with her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Louisville. She was the recipient of the Guy Stevenson Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Scholar Award. Dr. Vanzhula completed her predoctoral internship at the University of Chicago School of Medicine and a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Eating Disorders Program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Prior to returning to the EAT Lab, Dr. Vanzhula worked as an Assistant Research Professor at the Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors (CARE Lab) at the University of Kansas. Dr. Vanzhula has been appointed as a Presidential Research Scholar with the Louisville Center for Clinical and Translational Research Center.
Dr. Vanzhula’s research focuses on improving treatments for individuals with eating disorders by leveraging technology and cutting-edge methodology. Specifically, Dr. Vanzhula’s projects aim to 1) Develop adjunct interventions (such as meal support) that fill the gaps in existing treatment, 2) Adapt effective treatments for other comorbid conditions to the treatment of EDs (such as exposure and response prevention, mindfulness), and 3) Use novel statistical methodology (such as network analysis and machine learning) to identify personalized treatment targets.
In her free time, Dr. Vanzhula enjoys playing tennis, salsa dancing, and hiking with her dog Ragnar.
To contact Dr. Vanzhula, email [email protected]
Representative Publications:
- Vanzhula, I.A., Hagan, K. Duck, S.A., Pan, I., Wang, E.Y., Steinglass, J., Attia, E., Wildes, J.E., Guarda, A.S., Schreyer, C. (2024, Advanced Online Publication). Eating Disorder Symptom Non-Endorsers in Hospitalized Patients with Anorexia Nervosa: Who Are They? European Eating Disorder Review. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.3087
- Vanzhula, I.A., Wang, E., Martinelli, M.K., Schreyer, C.C., & Guarda, A.S. (2023, Advanced Online Publication). Inpatient Hospital Course and Self-Reported Symptomatology of Underweight Adults with ARFID Compared to Age- and Sex-matched Controls with Anorexia Nervosa. Journal of Eating Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00912-x
- Vanzhula, I. A., Spoor, S. P., Ernst, S. E., Cusack, C. E., Farrell, N. R., Nuñez, M., Essayli, J. H., & Levinson, C. A. (2023). Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Fear of Food Measure in adolescents across three independent samples. Psychological assessment, 35(9), 751–762. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0001260
- Vanzhula, I.A., Duck, S.A., Pletch, A., Guarda, A., & Schreyer, C. (2023). Greater dietary variety is associated with lower food anxiety at discharge from intensive eating disorder treatment. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 56(7): 1365-1377. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00912-x
- Vanzhula, I. A., Kinkel-Ram, S., & Levinson, C. A. (2021). Perfectionism and difficulty controlling thoughts bridge eating disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: A network analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 283: 302-309. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00912-x
- 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. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23254
- 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. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01343-4
- 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. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2634
Dr. Nicholas C. Peiper, Ph.D., MPH (He/Him)
Dr. Nicholas Peiper is a Professor of Epidemiology & Population Health at the University of Louisville (UofL) and Chief Scientist in the Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) Lab. He is also the Chair of the Research Subcommittee for the Kentucky Eating Disorder Council, which is a state sponsored council dedicated to improving eating disorder interventions in Kentucky. His work focuses on investigating the epidemiology and population burden of eating disorders as well as implementing scalable digital mental health interventions (DMHI). Dr. Peiper's current program of research investigates use and misuse of GLP-1 medications in high-risk populations, including eating disorders. He is studying how structural factors like aggressive marketing practices and the emergence of gray markets are impacting individual risk for GLP-1 misuse and adverse outcomes.
Prior to joining the EAT Lab in November 2023, Dr. Peiper was Director of Research at Meru Health, where he directed an interdisciplinary team of scientists and served as Principal Investigator (PI) of a National Institutes of Health-funded study to investigate the real-world effectiveness of a therapist-supported DMHI in primary care. Dr. Peiper previously worked at the Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation and RTI International where he was PI and Project Director of numerous behavioral health intervention studies sponsored by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Health Resources & Services Administration, and Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Dr. Nicholas Peiper is a Professor of Epidemiology & Population Health at the University of Louisville (UofL) and Chief Scientist in the Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) Lab. He is also the Chair of the Research Subcommittee for the Kentucky Eating Disorder Council, which is a state sponsored council dedicated to improving eating disorder interventions in Kentucky. His work focuses on investigating the epidemiology and population burden of eating disorders as well as implementing scalable digital mental health interventions (DMHI). Dr. Peiper's current program of research investigates use and misuse of GLP-1 medications in high-risk populations, including eating disorders. He is studying how structural factors like aggressive marketing practices and the emergence of gray markets are impacting individual risk for GLP-1 misuse and adverse outcomes.
Prior to joining the EAT Lab in November 2023, Dr. Peiper was Director of Research at Meru Health, where he directed an interdisciplinary team of scientists and served as Principal Investigator (PI) of a National Institutes of Health-funded study to investigate the real-world effectiveness of a therapist-supported DMHI in primary care. Dr. Peiper previously worked at the Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation and RTI International where he was PI and Project Director of numerous behavioral health intervention studies sponsored by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Health Resources & Services Administration, and Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Dr. Rachel Butler, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Rachel Butler is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Previously, she was 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.
Rachel Butler is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Previously, she was 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. Brittany Ozane, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Brittany Ozane is a research scientist in the EAT lab with nearly 20 years of experience in education, research, and instructional innovation. Her classroom teaching experience in both traditional and international settings sparked a deep interest in how people learn and develop. Brittany has collaborated with educators, school districts, and universities across the country to develop curriculum and deliver meaningful professional development. Prior to joining the EAT Lab, she served as Director of Research for an educational nonprofit. Today, her work focuses on bridging research and practice through curriculum development, digital content creation, grant writing, program evaluation, and strategic program support. Brittany is passionate about leveraging technology to make learning more accessible, engaging, and effective. Her current work explores how emerging technologies can help translate research findings into authentic learning experiences, practical interventions, and real-world impact.
Brittany's research interests include phenomenon-based learning, learner motivation and engagement, authentic learning, effective professional development, women in STEM, and effective implementation of educational technology. In her free time, Brittany enjoys growing her collection of plants, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time outdoors. Whether she's in the garden, on the water, or curled up with a good book, she values opportunities to learn, explore, and recharge.
Dr. Brittany Ozane is a research scientist in the EAT lab with nearly 20 years of experience in education, research, and instructional innovation. Her classroom teaching experience in both traditional and international settings sparked a deep interest in how people learn and develop. Brittany has collaborated with educators, school districts, and universities across the country to develop curriculum and deliver meaningful professional development. Prior to joining the EAT Lab, she served as Director of Research for an educational nonprofit. Today, her work focuses on bridging research and practice through curriculum development, digital content creation, grant writing, program evaluation, and strategic program support. Brittany is passionate about leveraging technology to make learning more accessible, engaging, and effective. Her current work explores how emerging technologies can help translate research findings into authentic learning experiences, practical interventions, and real-world impact.
Brittany's research interests include phenomenon-based learning, learner motivation and engagement, authentic learning, effective professional development, women in STEM, and effective implementation of educational technology. In her free time, Brittany enjoys growing her collection of plants, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time outdoors. Whether she's in the garden, on the water, or curled up with a good book, she values opportunities to learn, explore, and recharge.
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Rachel Torres, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Rachel Torres is a graduate of the Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience at the University of Louisville and has joined the EAT/REDS labs as a postdoctoral researcher. Her research focus is autonomic nervous system measurement, analysis, regulation and resilience, and she has been working with people with spinal cord injuries for the past six years. NASA funded her doctoral research due to the interesting fact that people with spinal cord injuries and space crews have similar autonomic nervous systems, and researchers from both these fields learn from each other. “I am most interested in the paradox of thoughts themselves and how they affect our nervous systems: they are at once meaningless, like stomach rumblings, not even close to who we really are (sorry Descartes) and extremely powerful, as when my research participants measurably change their nervous systems just by thinking of something that bothers them.” She is excited to apply her knowledge to a new population, people with eating disorders. “I am fascinated by building machine learning models to create individualized treatment options incorporating autonomic measurement. I am looking so forward to working at the EATS/REDS labs!” In her spare time Rachel enjoys hanging out with her family, any and all plants, and finding ugly furniture and making it beautiful.
Dr. Rachel Torres is a graduate of the Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience at the University of Louisville and has joined the EAT/REDS labs as a postdoctoral researcher. Her research focus is autonomic nervous system measurement, analysis, regulation and resilience, and she has been working with people with spinal cord injuries for the past six years. NASA funded her doctoral research due to the interesting fact that people with spinal cord injuries and space crews have similar autonomic nervous systems, and researchers from both these fields learn from each other. “I am most interested in the paradox of thoughts themselves and how they affect our nervous systems: they are at once meaningless, like stomach rumblings, not even close to who we really are (sorry Descartes) and extremely powerful, as when my research participants measurably change their nervous systems just by thinking of something that bothers them.” She is excited to apply her knowledge to a new population, people with eating disorders. “I am fascinated by building machine learning models to create individualized treatment options incorporating autonomic measurement. I am looking so forward to working at the EATS/REDS labs!” In her spare time Rachel enjoys hanging out with her family, any and all plants, and finding ugly furniture and making it beautiful.
Aubrey Hoffer, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Hoffer is a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the EAT lab. She earned her Ph.D. in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. Dr. Hoffer's research focuses on understanding the cognitive processes that underlie body image development. In particular, she is interested in developing new theories about body image. In her free time, Dr. Hoffer enjoys fighting, spending time with her husband Josh and dog Butters, playing video games, and reading.
Dr. Hoffer is a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the EAT lab. She earned her Ph.D. in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. Dr. Hoffer's research focuses on understanding the cognitive processes that underlie body image development. In particular, she is interested in developing new theories about body image. In her free time, Dr. Hoffer enjoys fighting, spending time with her husband Josh and dog Butters, playing video games, and reading.
Amy K. Jordan, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Amy Jordan joined the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in July 2024. She completed her predoctoral internship at Geisinger Medical Center and pursued her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Bowling Green State University. Amy’s research focuses on sociocultural influences of body image and eating behavior, such as body talk and parental body attitudes. She is especially interested in how positive constructs like body appreciation may mitigate or protect against body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Eventually, she hopes to explore how these adaptive outcomes can be cultivated throughout childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. When not engaged in research or clinical work, Amy enjoys lattes, hiking, running, and quality time with her two huskies.
Amy Jordan joined the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in July 2024. She completed her predoctoral internship at Geisinger Medical Center and pursued her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Bowling Green State University. Amy’s research focuses on sociocultural influences of body image and eating behavior, such as body talk and parental body attitudes. She is especially interested in how positive constructs like body appreciation may mitigate or protect against body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Eventually, she hopes to explore how these adaptive outcomes can be cultivated throughout childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. When not engaged in research or clinical work, Amy enjoys lattes, hiking, running, and quality time with her two huskies.
Lauren Harris, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Lauren Harris is a postdoctoral research fellow assisting on a collaborative R01 grant spearheaded by Drs. Cheri Levinson and April Smith which explores the physiological, behavioral, and psychological mechanisms linking Anorexia Nervosa/Atypical Anorexia Nervosa, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Lauren completed her undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College in 2016 and received her Ph.D. from Florida State University’s clinical psychology program in 2024. Her program of research centers on understanding and disrupting the causal processes underlying life-threatening behaviors, including disordered eating and suicide.
Dr. Lauren Harris is a postdoctoral research fellow assisting on a collaborative R01 grant spearheaded by Drs. Cheri Levinson and April Smith which explores the physiological, behavioral, and psychological mechanisms linking Anorexia Nervosa/Atypical Anorexia Nervosa, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Lauren completed her undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College in 2016 and received her Ph.D. from Florida State University’s clinical psychology program in 2024. Her program of research centers on understanding and disrupting the causal processes underlying life-threatening behaviors, including disordered eating and suicide.
Kimberly Osborn, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Kimberly Osborn joined the EAT lab as a postdoctoral fellow in August 2025. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University and completed her predoctoral internship at Duke University Medical Center. Broadly, her professional interests lie in the scientific study of the creation and implementation of high-quality, holistic care for individuals with severe mental health concerns in communities that have historically experienced significant difficulty accessing evidence-based treatment. Kimberly is particularly interested in the relationship between traumatic stress and eating disorders. She has worked clinically with individuals of all ages with various types of eating disorders. In her free time, she likes to run and watch scary movies with her partner and dog, Juju.
Kimberly Osborn joined the EAT lab as a postdoctoral fellow in August 2025. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University and completed her predoctoral internship at Duke University Medical Center. Broadly, her professional interests lie in the scientific study of the creation and implementation of high-quality, holistic care for individuals with severe mental health concerns in communities that have historically experienced significant difficulty accessing evidence-based treatment. Kimberly is particularly interested in the relationship between traumatic stress and eating disorders. She has worked clinically with individuals of all ages with various types of eating disorders. In her free time, she likes to run and watch scary movies with her partner and dog, Juju.
Samaneh Shirani Lapari, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Samaneh Shirani Lapari is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. She earned her Ph.D. in Communication and Information Sciences from the University of Alabama, with a focus on health communication, data science, and advanced quantitative methods. Her research applies computational and quantitative approaches, including machine learning, natural language processing, network analysis, and intensive longitudinal methods, to better understand health and behavioral outcomes. She is particularly interested in eating disorders, anxiety, and personalized approaches to assessment and treatment.
Samaneh Shirani Lapari is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. She earned her Ph.D. in Communication and Information Sciences from the University of Alabama, with a focus on health communication, data science, and advanced quantitative methods. Her research applies computational and quantitative approaches, including machine learning, natural language processing, network analysis, and intensive longitudinal methods, to better understand health and behavioral outcomes. She is particularly interested in eating disorders, anxiety, and personalized approaches to assessment and treatment.
Graduate Students
Claire Cusack, M.S. (They/She)
Claire Cusack (M.S. University of Louisville; M.A. Towson University; B.A. Agnes Scott College) is a fifth-year graduate student in the EAT Lab and incoming pre-doctoral intern at the University of California, San Diego in the Adult/Adolescent Eating Disorder Clinic and Rady Medical Behavioral Unit (2026-2027). Claire is interested in exploring eating disorder illness trajectories (e.g., maintenance, recovery, relapse) by examining momentary symptom dynamics. They are particularly interested in utilizing idiographic statistical methods and leveraging passive sensing technology to characterize symptom heterogeneity within persons in real-time and to inform personalized treatments. In their free time, Claire enjoys trail running, reading novels, and playing board games.
http://cecusack.github.io/ClaireCusack
Claire Cusack (M.S. University of Louisville; M.A. Towson University; B.A. Agnes Scott College) is a fifth-year graduate student in the EAT Lab and incoming pre-doctoral intern at the University of California, San Diego in the Adult/Adolescent Eating Disorder Clinic and Rady Medical Behavioral Unit (2026-2027). Claire is interested in exploring eating disorder illness trajectories (e.g., maintenance, recovery, relapse) by examining momentary symptom dynamics. They are particularly interested in utilizing idiographic statistical methods and leveraging passive sensing technology to characterize symptom heterogeneity within persons in real-time and to inform personalized treatments. In their free time, Claire enjoys trail running, reading novels, and playing board games.
http://cecusack.github.io/ClaireCusack
Loie Faulkner, M.S. (She/Her)
Loie Faulkner (she/her) is a fourth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Louisville. Originally from Ithaca, NY, Loie graduated from American University in Washington, DC before completing a postbaccalaureate training program at the National Institutes of Health. Loie is primarily interested in the intersection of anxiety and eating behavior, and is particularly focused on anxiety, parent psychopathology, and interoception as predictors of disordered eating.
Representative Publications:
Loie Faulkner (she/her) is a fourth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Louisville. Originally from Ithaca, NY, Loie graduated from American University in Washington, DC before completing a postbaccalaureate training program at the National Institutes of Health. Loie is primarily interested in the intersection of anxiety and eating behavior, and is particularly focused on anxiety, parent psychopathology, and interoception as predictors of disordered eating.
Representative Publications:
- Faulkner, L. M., Levinson, C.A., & Bufferd, S. J. (2026). The developmental role of atypical interoception in youth anxiety and eating disorders. Child Psychiatry & Human Development. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-026-02063-x
- Faulkner, L. M., Levinson, C. A., Klein, D. N. & Bufferd, S. J. (2026). Impact of parent lifetime depression and anxiety on youth body dissatisfaction and disordered eating symptoms during adolescence. Behavior Therapy. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2026.01.005
Luis Sandoval-Araujo, M.S. (He/Him)
Luis Sandoval-Araujo (M.S. University of Louisville; B.A. Florida International University) is a third-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab and former study coordinator for the Predicting Recovery study. Prior to joining the EAT Lab, Luis worked on a number of projects at the FIU Center for Children and Families. Luis is interested in better understanding the relationship between anxiety and eating disorders, particularly looking at how anxiety contributes to eating disorder development. Additionally, he is interested in using computational methods to inform understanding of eating disorder development, diagnosis, and prognosis. Outside the lab, Luis enjoys playing music (mostly sad songs on guitar), building computers, and spending quality time with friends.
Representative Publications:
Luis Sandoval-Araujo (M.S. University of Louisville; B.A. Florida International University) is a third-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab and former study coordinator for the Predicting Recovery study. Prior to joining the EAT Lab, Luis worked on a number of projects at the FIU Center for Children and Families. Luis is interested in better understanding the relationship between anxiety and eating disorders, particularly looking at how anxiety contributes to eating disorder development. Additionally, he is interested in using computational methods to inform understanding of eating disorder development, diagnosis, and prognosis. Outside the lab, Luis enjoys playing music (mostly sad songs on guitar), building computers, and spending quality time with friends.
Representative Publications:
- Sandoval-Araujo, L.E., Cusack, C.E., Ralph-Nearman, C., Glatt, S., Han, Y., Bryan, J., Hooper, M.A., Karem, A., & Levinson, C.A. (2024). Differentiation between atypical anorexia nervosa and anorexia nervosa using machine learning. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 57(4), 937-950. doi: 10.1002/eat.24160
- Cusack, C.E., Vanzhula, I., Sandoval-Araujo, L.E., Pennesi, J., Kelley, S., & Levinson, C.A. (2024). Are central eating disorder network symptoms sensitive to item selection and sample? Implications for conceptualization of eating disorder psychopathology from a network perspective. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, 133(1), 48-60. doi: 10.1037/abn0000865
- Ralph-Nearman, C., Sandoval-Araujo, L.E., Karem, A., Cusack, C.E., Glatt, S., Hooper, M.A., Rodriguez Pena, C., Allen, S., Cash, E.D., Welch, K.C., & Levinson, C.A. (2023). Using machine learning with passive wearable sensors to pilot the detection of eating disorder behaviors in everyday life. Psychological Medicine. doi: 10.1017/S003329172300288X
Savannah Hooper, B.A. (She/Her)
Savannah (Hooper) Bradshaw (BA Trinity University) is a third-year graduate student in the EAT lab. Savannah has a variety of interests in the eating disorder research field but is particularly interested in understanding how eating disorders differ across the lifespan. She is also interested in studying problematic food restriction, particularly how to define and measure problematic food restriction, and how it relates to other eating disorder behaviors. She is also interested in how weight stigma and food insecurity influence disordered eating. In her free time, Savannah enjoys spending time with her husband, being outdoors, reading fiction books, attending concerts, and Face Timing her niece and nephews.
Savannah (Hooper) Bradshaw (BA Trinity University) is a third-year graduate student in the EAT lab. Savannah has a variety of interests in the eating disorder research field but is particularly interested in understanding how eating disorders differ across the lifespan. She is also interested in studying problematic food restriction, particularly how to define and measure problematic food restriction, and how it relates to other eating disorder behaviors. She is also interested in how weight stigma and food insecurity influence disordered eating. In her free time, Savannah enjoys spending time with her husband, being outdoors, reading fiction books, attending concerts, and Face Timing her niece and nephews.
Avantika Kapadia, M.S. (She/Her)
Avantika Kapadia is a third-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab, at the University of Louisville. Avantika received her Bachelors and Master's degrees in Psychology, from India and then went onto work at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in India, where she developed an interest in eating disorders and OCD. Avantika's research interests primarily focus on identifying shared mechanisms contributing to the comorbidity of eating disorders, OCD and anxiety with the aim of improving treatment outcome and recovery. She is also interested in developing and adapting virtual exposure-based interventions for underserved populations with eating disorders, in order to make treatment more accessible for these groups. In her free time, Avantika loves swimming, reading novels, baking and anything to do with cats.
Avantika Kapadia is a third-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab, at the University of Louisville. Avantika received her Bachelors and Master's degrees in Psychology, from India and then went onto work at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in India, where she developed an interest in eating disorders and OCD. Avantika's research interests primarily focus on identifying shared mechanisms contributing to the comorbidity of eating disorders, OCD and anxiety with the aim of improving treatment outcome and recovery. She is also interested in developing and adapting virtual exposure-based interventions for underserved populations with eating disorders, in order to make treatment more accessible for these groups. In her free time, Avantika loves swimming, reading novels, baking and anything to do with cats.
Zoe Hynes, B.A. (She/Her)
Zoe Hynes (B.A. University of Rochester) is a third-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab. Zoe’s primary research interest is the relationship between weight stigma and eating disorders. She is particularly interested in emotion regulation theories of eating disorders and how specific emotions such as shame and guilt play a role in this relationship. Additionally, Zoe is interested developmental risk factors (e.g. weight-based bullying in adolescence). In her free time, Zoe enjoys listening to music, playing guitar, and reading.
Zoe Hynes (B.A. University of Rochester) is a third-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab. Zoe’s primary research interest is the relationship between weight stigma and eating disorders. She is particularly interested in emotion regulation theories of eating disorders and how specific emotions such as shame and guilt play a role in this relationship. Additionally, Zoe is interested developmental risk factors (e.g. weight-based bullying in adolescence). In her free time, Zoe enjoys listening to music, playing guitar, and reading.
Zoë Hopewell, M.S. (She/Her)
Zoë Hopewell (she/her) is a second-year MD-PhD student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She graduated from Tulane University with dual degrees, earning a B.S. in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Dance, both awarded cum laude. She then went on to earn her MSc in Integrative Neuroscience with distinction from the University of Edinburgh, where her project focused on the role of the gut-brain axis in the development of Parkinson’s Disease. In her free time, she loves to read, knit and crochet, and see live music.
Zoë Hopewell (she/her) is a second-year MD-PhD student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She graduated from Tulane University with dual degrees, earning a B.S. in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Dance, both awarded cum laude. She then went on to earn her MSc in Integrative Neuroscience with distinction from the University of Edinburgh, where her project focused on the role of the gut-brain axis in the development of Parkinson’s Disease. In her free time, she loves to read, knit and crochet, and see live music.
Sara Buseman, B.A. (She/Her)
Sara Buseman (B.A. Baylor University) is a second-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab. Her research focuses on the etiology and maintenance of eating disorders, with particular interest in their comorbidity with suicidality. She is especially interested in utilizing mobile technologies to analyze real-time risk processes and inform the development of targeted interventions. In her free time, Sara enjoys walking her dog, Sully, playing pickleball, attending sporting events, and attempting new recipes.
Sara Buseman (B.A. Baylor University) is a second-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab. Her research focuses on the etiology and maintenance of eating disorders, with particular interest in their comorbidity with suicidality. She is especially interested in utilizing mobile technologies to analyze real-time risk processes and inform the development of targeted interventions. In her free time, Sara enjoys walking her dog, Sully, playing pickleball, attending sporting events, and attempting new recipes.
Study Coordinators
Annis Byram, B.S. (She/Her)
Annis Byram (B.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) is a study coordinator for the PT-Depression and eBITE study. She graduated with distinction in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical/Community Psychology. During her undergraduate studies, Annis worked under Dr. Catharine Fairbairn in the Alcohol Research Lab, where she served as the undergraduate lab manager. In this role, she researched the social effects of alcohol between strangers using EEG methods. Annis’s research interests include psychopharmacology, addiction, mood disorders, and network analysis. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, working out, crocheting, and painting.
Annis Byram (B.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) is a study coordinator for the PT-Depression and eBITE study. She graduated with distinction in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical/Community Psychology. During her undergraduate studies, Annis worked under Dr. Catharine Fairbairn in the Alcohol Research Lab, where she served as the undergraduate lab manager. In this role, she researched the social effects of alcohol between strangers using EEG methods. Annis’s research interests include psychopharmacology, addiction, mood disorders, and network analysis. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, working out, crocheting, and painting.
Anna Jane Anderson, B.S. (She/Her)
Anna Jane Anderson (B.S. Trinity University) is a study coordinator for the NIH-funded Youth Eating Study. She graduated with honors from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas with a double major in Psychology and Religion in 2024. While at Trinity, she was a research assistant under Dr. Carolyn Becker, researching and developing manualized single-session interventions on behavioral activation, problem solving, and exposure, and investigated medical weight-stigma and its effects. She is passionate about childhood and adolescent mental health and early interventions. Anna Jane hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking her dog, and finding new brunch spots.
Anna Jane Anderson (B.S. Trinity University) is a study coordinator for the NIH-funded Youth Eating Study. She graduated with honors from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas with a double major in Psychology and Religion in 2024. While at Trinity, she was a research assistant under Dr. Carolyn Becker, researching and developing manualized single-session interventions on behavioral activation, problem solving, and exposure, and investigated medical weight-stigma and its effects. She is passionate about childhood and adolescent mental health and early interventions. Anna Jane hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking her dog, and finding new brunch spots.
Maggie Tillquist, B.S. (She/Her)
Maggie Tillquist (B.S. Davidson College) is a study coordinator for the NIMH-funded Be Body Brave study, NEDA-funded VR study, and the Body Project. Maggie graduated with honors from Davidson with a double major in Psychology and Communication Studies. At Davidson, she completed a senior thesis under Dr. Catherine Bagwell, investigating how similarities in eating habits and body image predicted friendship satisfaction between pairs of friends. Maggie is passionate about improving treatment accessibility, particularly through digital mental health interventions. She also is interested in researching body image, particularly in young women. In the future, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, Maggie enjoys movement outside, cuddling with her dog, Bernie, and baking.
Maggie Tillquist (B.S. Davidson College) is a study coordinator for the NIMH-funded Be Body Brave study, NEDA-funded VR study, and the Body Project. Maggie graduated with honors from Davidson with a double major in Psychology and Communication Studies. At Davidson, she completed a senior thesis under Dr. Catherine Bagwell, investigating how similarities in eating habits and body image predicted friendship satisfaction between pairs of friends. Maggie is passionate about improving treatment accessibility, particularly through digital mental health interventions. She also is interested in researching body image, particularly in young women. In the future, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, Maggie enjoys movement outside, cuddling with her dog, Bernie, and baking.
Jaelin Isquith, B.A. (She/Her)
Jaelin Isquith (B.A., University of Nevada, Las Vegas) is a study coordinator for the PIONEER study. During her time at UNLV, she volunteered as a research assistant in a lab focused on childhood trauma, along with a lab focused on infants and children's perceptual abilities. After graduating with her B.A. In psychology, Jaelin worked as a study coordinator for a study in Dr. Kara Christensen Pacella's lab examining eating behaviors in college students experiencing food insecurity. Jaelin also worked as a neurofeedback technician for three years at a private therapy practice in Las Vegas. Jaelin is interested in understanding how pubertal timing contributes to the development and maintenance of eating disorders through emerging adulthood. Some of Jaelin's other hobbies include reading, musical theatre, and reality tv.
Jaelin Isquith (B.A., University of Nevada, Las Vegas) is a study coordinator for the PIONEER study. During her time at UNLV, she volunteered as a research assistant in a lab focused on childhood trauma, along with a lab focused on infants and children's perceptual abilities. After graduating with her B.A. In psychology, Jaelin worked as a study coordinator for a study in Dr. Kara Christensen Pacella's lab examining eating behaviors in college students experiencing food insecurity. Jaelin also worked as a neurofeedback technician for three years at a private therapy practice in Las Vegas. Jaelin is interested in understanding how pubertal timing contributes to the development and maintenance of eating disorders through emerging adulthood. Some of Jaelin's other hobbies include reading, musical theatre, and reality tv.
Zeeba Fatehimanesh (She/Her)
Zeeba (B.A. University of California, Los Angeles) is a study coordinator for the NIH-funded Youth Eating Study. She graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. At UCLA, Zeeba was a research assistant under Dr. Denise Chavira and Dr. Michelle Craske examining how remote mindfulness and expressive writing interventions affect teens’ moods. After graduating, Zeeba participated in UC Irvine’s Post-Baccalaureate program where she did research under Dr. Jessica Borelli examining parent-child relationships and children’s social-emotional wellbeing. Zeeba plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology hoping to one day become a child psychologist and study how adverse childhood experiences, the quality of caregiver–child relationships, and social inequities are associated with the development of child psychopathology. Some of Zeeba’s other hobbies include playing the guitar, hiking, and spending time with friends.
Zeeba (B.A. University of California, Los Angeles) is a study coordinator for the NIH-funded Youth Eating Study. She graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. At UCLA, Zeeba was a research assistant under Dr. Denise Chavira and Dr. Michelle Craske examining how remote mindfulness and expressive writing interventions affect teens’ moods. After graduating, Zeeba participated in UC Irvine’s Post-Baccalaureate program where she did research under Dr. Jessica Borelli examining parent-child relationships and children’s social-emotional wellbeing. Zeeba plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology hoping to one day become a child psychologist and study how adverse childhood experiences, the quality of caregiver–child relationships, and social inequities are associated with the development of child psychopathology. Some of Zeeba’s other hobbies include playing the guitar, hiking, and spending time with friends.
Finn Cloward (He/Him)
Finn Cloward (B.A. University of Vermont) is a study coordinator for the NIMH-funded Be Body Brave study. Finn graduated summa cum laude with a double major in Psychology and Public Health. As an undergraduate, he completed his honors thesis under the supervision of Dr. Amy Hughes-Lansing in the APRICOTS lab, where he investigated the effects of food insecurity on eating-related stress and glycemic outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, as well as how these factors impact the development and presentation of eating disorders in this population. Finn’s research interests include investigating eating disorders in adolescent boys and young men, epigenetic influences on eating disorders, and comorbidities between eating disorders and addiction pathologies. In his free time, Finn likes to cook, bake, read, and hike or backpack.
Finn Cloward (B.A. University of Vermont) is a study coordinator for the NIMH-funded Be Body Brave study. Finn graduated summa cum laude with a double major in Psychology and Public Health. As an undergraduate, he completed his honors thesis under the supervision of Dr. Amy Hughes-Lansing in the APRICOTS lab, where he investigated the effects of food insecurity on eating-related stress and glycemic outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, as well as how these factors impact the development and presentation of eating disorders in this population. Finn’s research interests include investigating eating disorders in adolescent boys and young men, epigenetic influences on eating disorders, and comorbidities between eating disorders and addiction pathologies. In his free time, Finn likes to cook, bake, read, and hike or backpack.
Data Managers
Jayson Stancil, M.S. (He/Him)
Jayson is the Senior Manager–Data Analyst (Senior Data Manager) at the Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) Laboratory at the University of Louisville. He holds a Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology from Ball State University and a Bachelor's degree from Bellarmine University and is currently a Ph.D. student in Epidemiology at the University of Louisville. In his role, Jayson leads data management and analysis projects, overseeing data pipelines, cleaning processes, and reporting for large-scale research initiatives. He supervises a team of data managers, providing leadership in data governance, stewardship, quality control, and reporting. Outside of work, Jayson enjoys woodworking, 3D printing, and watching football.
Jayson is the Senior Manager–Data Analyst (Senior Data Manager) at the Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) Laboratory at the University of Louisville. He holds a Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology from Ball State University and a Bachelor's degree from Bellarmine University and is currently a Ph.D. student in Epidemiology at the University of Louisville. In his role, Jayson leads data management and analysis projects, overseeing data pipelines, cleaning processes, and reporting for large-scale research initiatives. He supervises a team of data managers, providing leadership in data governance, stewardship, quality control, and reporting. Outside of work, Jayson enjoys woodworking, 3D printing, and watching football.
Executive Assistant
Christina Barragan (She/Her)
Christina is the Administrative Assistant to Dr. Cheri Levinson. She has worked with Dr. Levinson for a few years and is a huge supporter of all her great achievements. She is so happy to be able to support all the wonderful work everyone in the EAT Lab does daily. Outside of work she is married with a stepdaughter and a puppy dog. She loves to watch movies and spend any vacation time at Disney World.
Christina is the Administrative Assistant to Dr. Cheri Levinson. She has worked with Dr. Levinson for a few years and is a huge supporter of all her great achievements. She is so happy to be able to support all the wonderful work everyone in the EAT Lab does daily. Outside of work she is married with a stepdaughter and a puppy dog. She loves to watch movies and spend any vacation time at Disney World.
Grants Manager
Sally Phan (She/Her)
Sally is a Research Grants Coordinator for the EAT Lab. She studied Physiology and Medical Sciences during her undergraduate career. She assists the lab with proposal submissions and financial management of the grants the receive after they are awarded. Sally's background in physiology gives her an appreciation for all the wonderful research being done in the lab. When she's not working, you can find her reading, exploring the city, baking or spending time with family and friends.
Sally is a Research Grants Coordinator for the EAT Lab. She studied Physiology and Medical Sciences during her undergraduate career. She assists the lab with proposal submissions and financial management of the grants the receive after they are awarded. Sally's background in physiology gives her an appreciation for all the wonderful research being done in the lab. When she's not working, you can find her reading, exploring the city, baking or spending time with family and friends.
Summer Interns
More information about summer internships will be posted here for Summer 2027!
Research Assistants and Volunteers
Casey Boldt (She/Her)
Casey is a current volunteer and previous summer intern working with Dr. Irina Vanzhula. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Psychological Science at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and she graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2021 with a degree in Biological Sciences. Casey has worked with individuals receiving eating disorders treatment since 2021. At Eating Recovery Center, Casey has been contributing to a pilot study investigating the impact of weight exposures on treatment outcomes in adults with anorexia nervosa. Casey is interested in research that focuses on identifying and understanding shared risk factors and maintenance processes that underlie eating disorders and comorbid psychopathology. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology upon completing her master's degree.
Casey is a current volunteer and previous summer intern working with Dr. Irina Vanzhula. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Psychological Science at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and she graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2021 with a degree in Biological Sciences. Casey has worked with individuals receiving eating disorders treatment since 2021. At Eating Recovery Center, Casey has been contributing to a pilot study investigating the impact of weight exposures on treatment outcomes in adults with anorexia nervosa. Casey is interested in research that focuses on identifying and understanding shared risk factors and maintenance processes that underlie eating disorders and comorbid psychopathology. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology upon completing her master's degree.
Zoe Gainer (She/her)
Zoe is a current volunteer and previous summer intern in the EAT Lab and an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech pursuing dual degrees in Psychology and Political Science. Her research interests focus on the psychological factors that contribute to restrictive eating pathology, particularly the role of life transitions, identity development, and adaptation to change. Following graduation, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and contribute to research aimed at improving and understanding the treatment of eating disorders. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.
Zoe is a current volunteer and previous summer intern in the EAT Lab and an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech pursuing dual degrees in Psychology and Political Science. Her research interests focus on the psychological factors that contribute to restrictive eating pathology, particularly the role of life transitions, identity development, and adaptation to change. Following graduation, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and contribute to research aimed at improving and understanding the treatment of eating disorders. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.
Pragya Wason (She/Her)
Pragya is a Junior 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.
Pragya is a Junior 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.
Flynn H. Harris (They/Them)
Flynn is a Psychology major at the University of Louisville working in the EAT Lab. They spent their later two years of High School at Western Kentucky University, where they worked under Dr. Teeters in the TECH Lab, studying marijuana usage interventions and the intersection of self-harm and specific substance use. Now, their time in the EAT Lab is primarily focused on the PIONEER Study, as well as their own research project. Flynn's research interests focus on self-destructive behaviors and their intersections, especially self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders. Outside of work, some of Flynn's hobbies include creative writing, baking, and martial arts.
Flynn is a Psychology major at the University of Louisville working in the EAT Lab. They spent their later two years of High School at Western Kentucky University, where they worked under Dr. Teeters in the TECH Lab, studying marijuana usage interventions and the intersection of self-harm and specific substance use. Now, their time in the EAT Lab is primarily focused on the PIONEER Study, as well as their own research project. Flynn's research interests focus on self-destructive behaviors and their intersections, especially self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders. Outside of work, some of Flynn's hobbies include creative writing, baking, and martial arts.
