Our Team
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.doc
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.doc
Faculty
Dr. Christina Ralph-Nearman, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Ralph-Nearman is an Assistant Research Professor and the Assistant Director of the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville and CIO of Awaken Digital Health Solutions. She is focused on developing, testing, and implementing innovative and effective personalized digital therapeutics to address eating disorders within individuals everyday life. Dr. Ralph-Nearman became a Cognitive and Experimental Psychologist in 2018, after she was awarded the University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s Ph.D. Scholarship for Research Excellence, academic scholarships for her M.S. in Neuroimaging and Clinical Neuropsychology (with distinction), and B.S. in Psychology (summa cum laude). Her main research focuses are: 1) Developing, testing, and implementing innovative personalized digital tools with objective methods that implicitly detect, assess, prevent, and treat eating disorders; 2) Identifying individual differences, cognitive-affective, and physiological underlying mechanisms, and illness trajectory of eating disorders. Dr. Ralph-Nearman’s co-invention and development of Somatomap (a multi-platform 2D/3D body image assessment tool) has been recognized by the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) with a ‘Early Career Abstract Award’ and the ‘Young Investigators Award’. Additionally, her work has received two American Psychological Association early career awards, several AED Early Career Abstract Awards, the University of Nottingham’s ‘Highly Commended Teaching Award’, multiple research grants such as PRePARE, KYNETIC, National Eating Disorder Association, NIGMS, and the NSF. Recently she has been recognized by the University of Louisville as 2023 Trailblazer Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for her work. Dr. Ralph-Nearman enjoys life, including laughing with family/friends, traveling, the beach, bonfires, hiking, coffee + deep talks, good food, spinning, and is a huge believer in kindness.
Representative publications:
Dr. Ralph-Nearman is an Assistant Research Professor and the Assistant Director of the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville and CIO of Awaken Digital Health Solutions. She is focused on developing, testing, and implementing innovative and effective personalized digital therapeutics to address eating disorders within individuals everyday life. Dr. Ralph-Nearman became a Cognitive and Experimental Psychologist in 2018, after she was awarded the University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s Ph.D. Scholarship for Research Excellence, academic scholarships for her M.S. in Neuroimaging and Clinical Neuropsychology (with distinction), and B.S. in Psychology (summa cum laude). Her main research focuses are: 1) Developing, testing, and implementing innovative personalized digital tools with objective methods that implicitly detect, assess, prevent, and treat eating disorders; 2) Identifying individual differences, cognitive-affective, and physiological underlying mechanisms, and illness trajectory of eating disorders. Dr. Ralph-Nearman’s co-invention and development of Somatomap (a multi-platform 2D/3D body image assessment tool) has been recognized by the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) with a ‘Early Career Abstract Award’ and the ‘Young Investigators Award’. Additionally, her work has received two American Psychological Association early career awards, several AED Early Career Abstract Awards, the University of Nottingham’s ‘Highly Commended Teaching Award’, multiple research grants such as PRePARE, KYNETIC, National Eating Disorder Association, NIGMS, and the NSF. Recently she has been recognized by the University of Louisville as 2023 Trailblazer Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for her work. Dr. Ralph-Nearman enjoys life, including laughing with family/friends, traveling, the beach, bonfires, hiking, coffee + deep talks, good food, spinning, and is a huge believer in kindness.
Representative publications:
- Ralph-Nearman, C., Sandoval-Araujo, L. E., Karem, A., Cusack, C. E., Glatt, S., Hooper, M. A., Rodriguez Pena, C., Cohen, D., Allen, S., Cash, E. D., Welch, K., Levinson, C. A. (2024). Using machine learning with passive wearable sensors to pilot the detection of eating disorder behaviors in everyday life. Psychological Medicine, 54(6), 1084-1090. https://www.doi.10.1017/S003329172300288X.
- Ralph-Nearman, C., Hooper, M. A., Hunt, R. A., & Levinson, C. A. (2024). Dynamic relationships among feeling fat, fear of weight gain, and eating disorder symptoms in an eating disorder sample. Appetite, 195, 107181.
- 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.061
- Ralph-Nearman, C., Williams, B. M., Ortiz, A. M. L., & Levinson, C. A. (2024). Investigating the theory of clinical perfectionism in a transdiagnostic eating disorder sample using network analysis. Behavior Therapy, 55(1), 14-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2023.05.001
- Ralph-Nearman, C., Arevian, A.C., Moseman, S., Sinik, M., Chappelle, S., Feusner, J.D., & Khalsa, S.S. (2021). Visual mapping of body image disturbance in anorexia nervosa reveals objective markers of illness severity. Scientific Reports, 11, 12262. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90739-w
- Ralph-Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2020). Development and validation of new figural scales for female body dissatisfaction assessment on two dimensions: thin-ideal and muscularity-ideal. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09094-6
- Ralph‐Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2018). Eating disorder symptomatology and body mass index are associated with readers' expectations about character behavior: Evidence from eye‐tracking during reading. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(9), 1070-1079. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22961
- Ralph-Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2018). New body scales reveal body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal, and muscularity-ideal in males. American Journal of Men's Health, 12(4), 240-250. https://doi.org/10.1177.1557988318763516
Dr. Nicholas C. Peiper, Ph.D., MPH (He/Him)
Dr. Nicholas Peiper is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Population Health at the University of Louisville (UofL) and Principal Scientist in the Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) Lab based in UofL’s Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences. 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 current work focuses on investigating the epidemiology and population burden of eating disorders as well as implementing scalable digital mental health interventions (DMHI).
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 (NIH)-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 NIH, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
Dr. Nicholas Peiper is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Population Health at the University of Louisville (UofL) and Principal Scientist in the Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) Lab based in UofL’s Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences. 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 current work focuses on investigating the epidemiology and population burden of eating disorders as well as implementing scalable digital mental health interventions (DMHI).
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 (NIH)-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 NIH, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
Dr. Irina Vanzhula, Ph.D.
Dr. Vanzhula is an Assistant Research Professor 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’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:
Dr. Vanzhula is an Assistant Research Professor 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’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
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Anna Marie Ortiz, Ph.D.
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:
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.
Rachel Torres, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Rachel Torres is a recent 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 recent 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.
Amara Tanweer, Psy.D. (She/Her)
Amara Tanweer is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Amara completed her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Adler University and has experience working with individuals in different settings including college counseling, private practice, residential facilities, and community mental health. Her areas of focus encompass body image, eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, attachment, and identity. She is passionate about her clinical work with clients as well as teaching and mentoring students. In her free time, Amara loves crafting, watching anime, reading fiction books, and spending time with her cats and huskies.
Amara Tanweer is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Amara completed her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Adler University and has experience working with individuals in different settings including college counseling, private practice, residential facilities, and community mental health. Her areas of focus encompass body image, eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, attachment, and identity. She is passionate about her clinical work with clients as well as teaching and mentoring students. In her free time, Amara loves crafting, watching anime, reading fiction books, and spending time with her cats and huskies.
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.
Representative publications:
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.
Representative publications:
- Barnhart, W. R., Dial, L. A., Jordan, A. K., Studer-Perez, E. I., Kalantzis, M. A., & Musher-Eizenman, D. R. (2023). Higher meal disengagement and meal presentation are uniquely related to psychological distress and lower quality of life in undergraduate students. Journal of American College Health.
- Jordan, A. K., Barnhart, W. R., Studer-Perez, E. I., Kalantzis, M. A., Hamilton, L., & Musher-Eizenman, D. R. (2021). ‘Quarantine 15’: Pre-registered findings on stress and concern about weight gain before/during COVID-19 in relation to caregivers’ eating pathology. Appetite, 166, 105580.
- Jordan, A. K., Dial, L. A., Barnhart, W., Studer-Perez, E. I., Kamath, S., & Musher- Eizenman, D. R. (2021). Fussy, fad, and frustrating?: Stigma toward picky eaters and popular dieters by peers. Stigma and Health.
- Dial, L. A., Jordan, A. K., Emley, E., Angoff, H., Vargo, A. V., & Musher-Eizenman, D. R. (2021). Consequences of picky eating in college students. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
- Barnhart, W. R., Hamilton, L., Jordan, A. K., Pratt, M., & Musher-Eizenman, D. R. (2021). The interaction of negative psychological well-being and picky eating in relation to disordered eating in undergraduate students. Eating Behaviors, 40, 101476.
- Barnhart, W. R., Braden, A. L., & Jordan, A. K. (2020). Positive emotional eating and increased ease of activation and intensity of positive emotional reactivity interact to predict increased binge eating. Appetite, 104688.
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.
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.
Graduate Students
Rowan Hunt, M.S. (She/They)
Rowan Hunt (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, M.S. University of Louisville) is a graduate student in the EAT lab. Rowan's research interests include the shared affective mechanisms underlying eating disordered behaviors and other impulsive behaviors, and how such shared mechanisms can be targeted through treatment. Additionally, she is also interested in trajectories of illness in EDs (e.g., predictors of recovery, remission, and relapse). In her free time, Rowan enjoys cooking, seeing live music, and trying her hand at ceramics.
Representative Publications:
Rowan Hunt (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, M.S. University of Louisville) is a graduate student in the EAT lab. Rowan's research interests include the shared affective mechanisms underlying eating disordered behaviors and other impulsive behaviors, and how such shared mechanisms can be targeted through treatment. Additionally, she is also interested in trajectories of illness in EDs (e.g., predictors of recovery, remission, and relapse). In her free time, Rowan enjoys cooking, seeing live music, and trying her hand at ceramics.
Representative Publications:
- Hunt, R.A., Levinson, C.A., & Peiper, N.C. (2020, in press). Leveraging general risk surveillance to reduce suicide in early adolescents: Associations between suicidality, disordered eating, and other developmental risk factors. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior.
- Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A.C., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4), 625-630. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23254 Christian, C., Williams, B. M., Hunt, R.A., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., Vanzhula I.A., Tregarthen J.P., Forbush, K.T., & Levinson, C.A. (2020, in press). A network investigation of core symptoms and pathways across duration of illness using a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral model of eating disorder symptoms. Psychological Medicine, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719003817
Claire Cusack, M.S. (They/She)
Claire Cusack (M.S. University of Louisville; B.A. Agnes Scott College) is a fourth-year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Claire is interested in exploring maintenance symptoms of eating disorders and comorbidities. They are particularly interested in utilizing idiographic statistical methods and incorporating physiological data to understand the heterogeneity of eating disorder symptoms and to inform tailored treatments. In their free time, Claire enjoys trail running, reading novels, and playing board games.
cecusack.github.io/ClaireCusack/
Claire Cusack (M.S. University of Louisville; B.A. Agnes Scott College) is a fourth-year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Claire is interested in exploring maintenance symptoms of eating disorders and comorbidities. They are particularly interested in utilizing idiographic statistical methods and incorporating physiological data to understand the heterogeneity of eating disorder symptoms and to inform tailored treatments. In their free time, Claire enjoys trail running, reading novels, and playing board games.
cecusack.github.io/ClaireCusack/
Loie Faulkner, M.S. (She/Her)
Loie Faulkner (she/her) is a third-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 early childhood anxiety, stress, and mood as predictors of disordered eating.
Loie Faulkner (she/her) is a third-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 early childhood anxiety, stress, and mood as predictors of disordered eating.
Luis Sandoval-Araujo, B.A. (He/Him)
Luis Sandoval-Araujo (B.A. Florida International University) is a second-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 (B.A. Florida International University) is a second-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 (B.A. Trinity University) is a second-year graduate student in the EAT lab. Savannah has a variety of interests in the eating disorder research field but is particularly interested in research identifying ways to tailor eating disorder treatments for individuals and different age demographics. She is also interested in studying weight stigma as a risk factor for disordered eating and in studying interventions for shared risk factors of disordered eating and co-morbid disorders. In her free time, Savannah enjoys hiking with friends (especially now that she escaped the Texas heat), reading fiction books, attending concerts, and Face Timing her niece and nephew.
Savannah Hooper (B.A. Trinity University) is a second-year graduate student in the EAT lab. Savannah has a variety of interests in the eating disorder research field but is particularly interested in research identifying ways to tailor eating disorder treatments for individuals and different age demographics. She is also interested in studying weight stigma as a risk factor for disordered eating and in studying interventions for shared risk factors of disordered eating and co-morbid disorders. In her free time, Savannah enjoys hiking with friends (especially now that she escaped the Texas heat), reading fiction books, attending concerts, and Face Timing her niece and nephew.
Avantika Kapadia, M.S. (She/Her)
Avantika Kapadia is a second-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 second-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 first-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab. Zoe has experience in various research topics, including communication in romantic relationships and mother-infant attachment styles, but her true interest lies in eating disorders. She is highly passionate about promoting equity within eating disorders and research regarding personalized treatment. Additionally, she is interested in weight stigma and how it intersects with eating disorders. In her free time, Zoe enjoys listening to music, singing and playing guitar, and spending time outdoors.
Zoe Hynes (B.A. University of Rochester) is a first-year doctoral student in the EAT Lab. Zoe has experience in various research topics, including communication in romantic relationships and mother-infant attachment styles, but her true interest lies in eating disorders. She is highly passionate about promoting equity within eating disorders and research regarding personalized treatment. Additionally, she is interested in weight stigma and how it intersects with eating disorders. In her free time, Zoe enjoys listening to music, singing and playing guitar, and spending time outdoors.
Study Coordinators
Abby McCarthy, B.S. (She/Her)
Abby McCarthy (B.S. University of Cincinnati) is co-lead 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. While receiving her bachelor’s degree, Abby conducted research regarding children's abilities to learn foundational reading skills & engage in self-regulated learning, and childhood obesity, family health behaviors, & medication adherence. At the University of Cincinnati, Abby completed and will publish her honors thesis exploring the relations between caregiving style, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and disordered eating behaviors. Abby is broadly interested in pediatric health and mental health interventions. She is primarily interested in pediatric eating and anxiety disorders that occur alongside chronic health conditions (such as diabetes or gastroparesis), how this is related to school avoidance and caregiver wellbeing, and the high comorbidity between eating and anxiety disorders. Abby hopes to pursue a Ph.D. or PsyD in clinical psychology and enjoys time with friends, traveling, running, horror movies, and cooking outside of lab.
Abby McCarthy (B.S. University of Cincinnati) is co-lead 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. While receiving her bachelor’s degree, Abby conducted research regarding children's abilities to learn foundational reading skills & engage in self-regulated learning, and childhood obesity, family health behaviors, & medication adherence. At the University of Cincinnati, Abby completed and will publish her honors thesis exploring the relations between caregiving style, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and disordered eating behaviors. Abby is broadly interested in pediatric health and mental health interventions. She is primarily interested in pediatric eating and anxiety disorders that occur alongside chronic health conditions (such as diabetes or gastroparesis), how this is related to school avoidance and caregiver wellbeing, and the high comorbidity between eating and anxiety disorders. Abby hopes to pursue a Ph.D. or PsyD in clinical psychology and enjoys time with friends, traveling, running, horror movies, and cooking outside of lab.
Allison Grady, B.A. (She/Her)
Allison "Alli" Grady (B.A.) is co-lead study coordinator in the EAT Lab, working on the NIMH-funded Online Relapse Prevention (ORP) and Personalized Treatment (PT) studies, and is a 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, and in the coming years, Alli is excited to continue her studies in pursuit of her PhD in clinical psychology, working in academia and with patients in private practice. She has experience working with individuals with various presenting concerns, including as a trained National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connection Support Group Facilitator, and is co-founder of The Body Collective, an organization that began on her undergraduate campus to help promote body neutrality among women-identifying athletes through research, community outreach, and social media advocacy. A former captain of her college’s track and field team, Alli is an avid runner, and enjoys reading and listening to audiobooks while she takes her puppy, Nellie, for walks.
Allison "Alli" Grady (B.A.) is co-lead study coordinator in the EAT Lab, working on the NIMH-funded Online Relapse Prevention (ORP) and Personalized Treatment (PT) studies, and is a 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, and in the coming years, Alli is excited to continue her studies in pursuit of her PhD in clinical psychology, working in academia and with patients in private practice. She has experience working with individuals with various presenting concerns, including as a trained National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connection Support Group Facilitator, and is co-founder of The Body Collective, an organization that began on her undergraduate campus to help promote body neutrality among women-identifying athletes through research, community outreach, and social media advocacy. A former captain of her college’s track and field team, Alli is an avid runner, and enjoys reading and listening to audiobooks while she takes her puppy, Nellie, for walks.
Thu Nguyen, B.S. (She/Her)
Thu Nguyen (B.S. Knox College) is a study coordinator for the NIH-funded Youth Eating Study. 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, exercise, watching Youtube and dancing.
Thu Nguyen (B.S. Knox College) is a study coordinator for the NIH-funded Youth Eating Study. 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, exercise, watching Youtube and dancing.
Kefan "Cathy" Wu, B.A. (She/Her)
Kefan "Cathy" Wu (B.A. University of Michigan) is a Study Coordinator for the NIMH funded Tracking Restriction, Affect, and Cognitions (TRAC) Study. 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 in the development and treatment of internalizing symptoms and suicide prevention. 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.
Kefan "Cathy" Wu (B.A. University of Michigan) is a Study Coordinator for the NIMH funded Tracking Restriction, Affect, and Cognitions (TRAC) Study. 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 in the development and treatment of internalizing symptoms and suicide prevention. 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.
Ethan Dennis, B.A. (He/Him)
Ethan Dennis (B.A. University of Arkansas) is a study coordinator for the PIONEER study. Ethan graduated with departmental honors from the University of Arkansas, having majored in Psychology and minored in Statistics. Over the course of his bachelors studies in Psychology, Ethan was mentored by Dr. Jennifer Veilleux in the TEMPT Lab. He conducted research regarding transdiagnostic factors such as self-criticism and personality style underlying various facets of emotion dysregulation, and also received training in ecological momentary assessment of related constructs. Ethan completed an honors thesis on differing personality styles (overcontrol and undercontrol) and the extent to which these affect the relationship between momentary self-criticism and momentary suicidal ideation as measured through ecological momentary assessment. In the future, Ethan hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. In his free time, Ethan enjoys watching foreign films, video games, going hiking, listening to and playing music, exploring cities, and reading philosophy.
Ethan Dennis (B.A. University of Arkansas) is a study coordinator for the PIONEER study. Ethan graduated with departmental honors from the University of Arkansas, having majored in Psychology and minored in Statistics. Over the course of his bachelors studies in Psychology, Ethan was mentored by Dr. Jennifer Veilleux in the TEMPT Lab. He conducted research regarding transdiagnostic factors such as self-criticism and personality style underlying various facets of emotion dysregulation, and also received training in ecological momentary assessment of related constructs. Ethan completed an honors thesis on differing personality styles (overcontrol and undercontrol) and the extent to which these affect the relationship between momentary self-criticism and momentary suicidal ideation as measured through ecological momentary assessment. In the future, Ethan hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. In his free time, Ethan enjoys watching foreign films, video games, going hiking, listening to and playing music, exploring cities, and reading philosophy.
Morgan Johnson, M.S. (She/Her)
Morgan Johnson (B.A. Wilkes University, M.S. Rochester Institute of Technology) is a study coordinator for the VR study within the EAT Lab. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilkes University in 2022, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She is a recent graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), earning her Master of Science in Experimental Psychology. While at RIT, she worked under Dr. Lindsay Schenkel to complete her master’s thesis project in which she examined the relationship between eating disorder symptoms, theory of mind, and alexithymia in undergraduate students. While most of her research training has been in other areas of clinical psychology such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, her passion lies within eating disorders. She aims to earn a Ph.D. to continue her work in eating disorders and social cognition. In her free time, Morgan enjoys reading books, creative writing, dancing, and watching hockey.
Morgan Johnson (B.A. Wilkes University, M.S. Rochester Institute of Technology) is a study coordinator for the VR study within the EAT Lab. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilkes University in 2022, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She is a recent graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), earning her Master of Science in Experimental Psychology. While at RIT, she worked under Dr. Lindsay Schenkel to complete her master’s thesis project in which she examined the relationship between eating disorder symptoms, theory of mind, and alexithymia in undergraduate students. While most of her research training has been in other areas of clinical psychology such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, her passion lies within eating disorders. She aims to earn a Ph.D. to continue her work in eating disorders and social cognition. In her free time, Morgan enjoys reading books, creative writing, dancing, and watching hockey.
Kavi Jakes, B.A. (He/Him)
Kavi Jakes (B.A. Vanderbilt University) is a Project Coordinator/Data Manager for the EAT Lab. Kavi graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2024 with a degree in Psychology. While at Vanderbilt, he completed an honors thesis studying a safety behavior reduction text message intervention for health anxiety under the mentorship of Dr. Bunmi Olatunji in the Vanderbilt Emotion and Anxiety Research Lab. Kavi developed an interest in eating disorder research after working on a study examining the relation of self-disgust to body dissatisfaction. He is very excited to be working in the EAT Lab and plans to apply to PhD programs in clinical psychology. In his free time, Kavi enjoys running, exploring the outdoors, and talking to family and friends.
Kavi Jakes (B.A. Vanderbilt University) is a Project Coordinator/Data Manager for the EAT Lab. Kavi graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2024 with a degree in Psychology. While at Vanderbilt, he completed an honors thesis studying a safety behavior reduction text message intervention for health anxiety under the mentorship of Dr. Bunmi Olatunji in the Vanderbilt Emotion and Anxiety Research Lab. Kavi developed an interest in eating disorder research after working on a study examining the relation of self-disgust to body dissatisfaction. He is very excited to be working in the EAT Lab and plans to apply to PhD programs in clinical psychology. In his free time, Kavi enjoys running, exploring the outdoors, and talking to family and friends.
|
Ayah Aldebyan, B.A. (She/Her)
Ayah Aldebyan (B.A. West Virginia University) is the women’s supplement research coordinator in the EAT lab. Ayah graduated from West Virginia University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Nutrition and Food Studies. While receiving her bachelor’s degree, she was a research assistant under Dr. Shari Steinman's Cognition and Anxiety Treatment Lab. Under the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Claydon, Ayah worked on a study on access to treatment for older adults with eating disorder symptoms during her undergraduate career. She is interested in the sociocultural influence that leads to the development of eating disorders among traditionally underrepresented groups and identities. She hopes to earn a PhD in clinical psychology and work in academia to continue researching eating disorders. In her free time, Ayah enjoys listening to music and exploring local coffee shops. |
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.
Data Managers
Jayson Stancil, M.S. (He/Him)
As one of the Data Managers for the University of Louisville's EAT Lab, Jayson (B.A., Bellarmine University) helps to oversee dataset management, data cleansing, and the creation of data dictionaries. Pursuing a master's in quantitative psychology at Ball State University, he is currently focused on a thesis exploring the nexus between personality traits and behavior. Outside the lab and classroom, Jayson enjoys watching sports, staying active with regular workouts, and spending quality time with his dog, Bobby.
As one of the Data Managers for the University of Louisville's EAT Lab, Jayson (B.A., Bellarmine University) helps to oversee dataset management, data cleansing, and the creation of data dictionaries. Pursuing a master's in quantitative psychology at Ball State University, he is currently focused on a thesis exploring the nexus between personality traits and behavior. Outside the lab and classroom, Jayson enjoys watching sports, staying active with regular workouts, and spending quality time with his dog, Bobby.
Apsara Pitigalaarachchi, M.S. (She/Her)
Apsara Pitigalaarachchi is a first-year graduate student as of Fall 2023 in the Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics program at the University of Louisville. Apsara received her Bachelor of Science (Special) Degree with Honors from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka where she majored in Statistics and she received her Master in Biostatistics from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family.
Apsara Pitigalaarachchi is a first-year graduate student as of Fall 2023 in the Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics program at the University of Louisville. Apsara received her Bachelor of Science (Special) Degree with Honors from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka where she majored in Statistics and she received her Master in Biostatistics from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family.
Brendan Sullivan, M.S. (He/Him)
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.
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.
Lab Managers
Sofie Glatt, B.A. (She/Her)
Sofie Glatt (B.A. Touro University) is a Lab Manager at the EAT Lab and concurrently a Clinical Research Coordinator at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center (suicide prevention team). She graduated with honors from Touro University in New York City with a major in Psychology in 2022. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Sofie worked under Dr. Nancy Zucker studying eating disorders and social media, and under Dr. Jutta Joormann studying real-time dynamics of cognitive processes. Sofie is interested in understanding and predicting self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (e.g., eating disorders, suicide) by using real-time monitoring technologies and idiographic methods, with the goals of informing precise theoretical models and developing personalized interventions. In the future, Sofie hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
Sofie Glatt (B.A. Touro University) is a Lab Manager at the EAT Lab and concurrently a Clinical Research Coordinator at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center (suicide prevention team). She graduated with honors from Touro University in New York City with a major in Psychology in 2022. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Sofie worked under Dr. Nancy Zucker studying eating disorders and social media, and under Dr. Jutta Joormann studying real-time dynamics of cognitive processes. Sofie is interested in understanding and predicting self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (e.g., eating disorders, suicide) by using real-time monitoring technologies and idiographic methods, with the goals of informing precise theoretical models and developing personalized interventions. In the future, Sofie hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
Executive Assistants
Christina Barragan (She/Her)
Christina Barragan is the Executive 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 married with a step-daughter and a puppy dog. She loves to watch movies and spend any vacation time at Disney World.
Christina Barragan is the Executive 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 married with a step-daughter 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.
Graduate Student Collaborators
Sam Bedard, B.S. (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:
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.
Gabby Davis, M.Ed. (She/Her)
Gabby is a recent 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.
Gabby is a recent 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.
Taylor Penwell, B.A. (She/Her)
Taylor Penwell (B.A., Ohio University) is a second-year 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:
Taylor Penwell (B.A., Ohio University) is a second-year 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
Emma Crumby, B.S. (She/They)
Emma Crumby (B.S. Georgia College & State University) is a first year 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.
Emma Crumby (B.S. Georgia College & State University) is a first year 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.
Katie Barber, M.S. (She/Her)
Katie Barber is a third-year clinical psychology Ph.D. student at Marquette University working under the mentorship of Dr. Douglas Woods. Her research focuses on obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, particularly body-focused repetitive behaviors like trichotillomania (hair pulling) and skin picking disorder. Katie joined the EAT Lab as a summer intern in 2023 and continues to collaborate on several EAT Lab projects. She is interested in the relationship between eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders and factors contributing to their co-occurrence. Outside of research, Katie enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her friends and cat.
Representative Publications:
Katie Barber is a third-year clinical psychology Ph.D. student at Marquette University working under the mentorship of Dr. Douglas Woods. Her research focuses on obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, particularly body-focused repetitive behaviors like trichotillomania (hair pulling) and skin picking disorder. Katie joined the EAT Lab as a summer intern in 2023 and continues to collaborate on several EAT Lab projects. She is interested in the relationship between eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders and factors contributing to their co-occurrence. Outside of research, Katie enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her friends and cat.
Representative Publications:
- Ralph-Nearman, C., Osborn, K. D., Chang, R. S., & Barber, K. E. (2024). Momentary physiological indices related to eating disorders: A systematic and methodological review. European Eating Disorders Review. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.3062
- Barber, K. E., Woods, D. W., Ely, L. J., Saunders, S. M., Compton, S. N., Neal-Barnett, A., Franklin, M. E., Capriotti, M. R., Conelea, C. A., & Twohig, M. P. (2024). Long-term follow-up of acceptance-enhanced behavior therapy for trichotillomania. Psychiatry Research, 333, 115767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115767
- Barber, K. E., Woods, D. W., Bauer, C. C., Twohig, M. P., Saunders, S. M., Compton, S. N., & Franklin, M. E. (2023). Psychometric properties of trichotillomania severity measures. Cognitive Therapy and Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-023-10406-4
Madison Hooper, M.S. (She/Her)
Madison Hooper is a doctoral candidate in Quantitative Methods at Vanderbilt University. Her 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 on several EAT Lab projects. 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.
Madison Hooper is a doctoral candidate in Quantitative Methods at Vanderbilt University. Her 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 on several EAT Lab projects. 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.
Madison Ortman, B.S. (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.
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.
Study Therapist Collaborators
Karyne Machry (She/Her)
Karyne Machry is a study therapist in the PIONEER study at the EAT Lab. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Paranaense University in Brazil, where she obtained a license as a Clinical Psychologist and dedicated 3 years to providing evidence-based treatments for different conditions in her private practice. Her interests primarily focus on understanding shared mechanisms underlying eating disorders, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, with a particular emphasis on personality and how they can be targeted in treatment. Karyne is motivated to continue her studies and pursue her PhD in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family, including her dog, Nala.
Karyne Machry is a study therapist in the PIONEER study at the EAT Lab. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Paranaense University in Brazil, where she obtained a license as a Clinical Psychologist and dedicated 3 years to providing evidence-based treatments for different conditions in her private practice. Her interests primarily focus on understanding shared mechanisms underlying eating disorders, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, with a particular emphasis on personality and how they can be targeted in treatment. Karyne is motivated to continue her studies and pursue her PhD in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family, including her dog, Nala.
EAT Lab Interns
Zoë Hopewell, M.S. (She/Her)
Zoë Hopewell (she/her) is a first-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 first-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.
Yubi Mamiya (She/Her)
Yubi Mamiya is an undergraduate student studying computer, science, bioengineering, and global health at Princeton University. She is passionate about building computational tools to better understand eating disorders and develop more accessible and personalized treatment methods. In her free time, she enjoys singing, songwriting, and running with her family.
Yubi Mamiya is an undergraduate student studying computer, science, bioengineering, and global health at Princeton University. She is passionate about building computational tools to better understand eating disorders and develop more accessible and personalized treatment methods. In her free time, she enjoys singing, songwriting, and running with her family.
