Our Team
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Lab Director
Dr. Cheri A. Levinson, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Associate Professor
Clinical Psychology Ph.D.: Washington University, Department of Psychology
T32 Post-doctoral Fellowship: Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
Clinical Internship: University of North Carolina, Department of Psychiatry
Center for Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED)
Dr. Levinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville and Director of the EAT lab and clinic. Dr. Levinson’s research focuses on (a) understanding the high levels of comorbidity between eating and anxiety disorders and (b) applying empirically supported treatments for anxiety disorders, specifically exposure therapy, to the eating disorders. Dr. Levinson has published more than 110 peer-reviewed manuscripts and chapters and has been the primary investigator on several national grants and awards. She has received several awards for her work from the Academy for Eating Disorders, including the 2015 Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award. Dr. Levinson was also awarded the 2020 American Psychological Foundation Theodore Blau Award for an Early Investigator who has made an outstanding contribution to Clinical Psychology. Dr. Levinson’s clinical work focuses primarily on treating patients with eating disorders using CBT, DBT, and other empirically-based treatments.
To see Dr. Levinson's CV, please click here: levinson_cv.doc
Associate Professor
Clinical Psychology Ph.D.: Washington University, Department of Psychology
T32 Post-doctoral Fellowship: Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
Clinical Internship: University of North Carolina, Department of Psychiatry
Center for Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED)
Dr. Levinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville and Director of the EAT lab and clinic. Dr. Levinson’s research focuses on (a) understanding the high levels of comorbidity between eating and anxiety disorders and (b) applying empirically supported treatments for anxiety disorders, specifically exposure therapy, to the eating disorders. Dr. Levinson has published more than 110 peer-reviewed manuscripts and chapters and has been the primary investigator on several national grants and awards. She has received several awards for her work from the Academy for Eating Disorders, including the 2015 Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award. Dr. Levinson was also awarded the 2020 American Psychological Foundation Theodore Blau Award for an Early Investigator who has made an outstanding contribution to Clinical Psychology. Dr. Levinson’s clinical work focuses primarily on treating patients with eating disorders using CBT, DBT, and other empirically-based treatments.
To see Dr. Levinson's CV, please click here: levinson_cv.doc
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Christina Ralph-Nearman, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Ralph-Nearman is a Post-doctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. She joined us after completing a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research. Dr. Ralph-Nearman became a Cognitive and Experimental Psychologist in 2018, after receiving the University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s Ph.D. Scholarship for Research Excellence, academic scholarships for her M.S. in Neuroimaging and Clinical Neuropsychology (with distinction), and B.S. in Psychology (summa cum laude). Her main research focuses are: 1) Developing innovative tools with objective methods that implicitly detect, assess, prevent, and treat eating disorders; 2) 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 with the ‘2020 Early Career Abstract Award’ and the ‘2017 Young Investigators Award’. Additionally, she has received two American Psychological Association early career awards, the University of Nottingham’s ‘Highly Commended Teaching Award’, and multiple research travel grants (e.g., Experimental Psychology Society, British Psychological Society, and Laura and John Arnold Foundation) for her work. Dr. Ralph-Nearman enjoys life, including laughing with family/friends, traveling, the beach, bonfires, hiking, coffee + deep talks, good food, spinning, and volunteering.
Representative publications:
Dr. Ralph-Nearman is a Post-doctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. She joined us after completing a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research. Dr. Ralph-Nearman became a Cognitive and Experimental Psychologist in 2018, after receiving the University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s Ph.D. Scholarship for Research Excellence, academic scholarships for her M.S. in Neuroimaging and Clinical Neuropsychology (with distinction), and B.S. in Psychology (summa cum laude). Her main research focuses are: 1) Developing innovative tools with objective methods that implicitly detect, assess, prevent, and treat eating disorders; 2) 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 with the ‘2020 Early Career Abstract Award’ and the ‘2017 Young Investigators Award’. Additionally, she has received two American Psychological Association early career awards, the University of Nottingham’s ‘Highly Commended Teaching Award’, and multiple research travel grants (e.g., Experimental Psychology Society, British Psychological Society, and Laura and John Arnold Foundation) for her work. Dr. Ralph-Nearman enjoys life, including laughing with family/friends, traveling, the beach, bonfires, hiking, coffee + deep talks, good food, spinning, and volunteering.
Representative publications:
- Ralph-Nearman, C., 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., 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., Stewart, J. L., & Jones, K. A. (2020). The role of negative urgency in risky alcohol drinking and binge-eating in United Kingdom male and female students. Addictive Behaviors Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100274
- Ralph-Nearman, C., Arevian, A., Puhl, M., Kumar, R., Villaroman, D., Suthana, N., & Feusner, J., Khalsa, SS. (2019). A novel mobile tool (Somatomap) to assess body image perception pilot tested with fashion models and nonmodels: Cross-sectional study. JMIR Mental Health, 6(10). https://doi.org/10.2196/14115
- Ralph-Nearman, C., Achee, M., Lapidus, R., Stewart, J. L., & Filik, R. (2019). A systematic and methodological review of attentional biases in eating disorders: Food, Body, and Perfection. Brain and Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1458
- Samad, M., Ralph-Nearman, C., Hellemann, G., Khalsa, S., Shams, L., & Feusner, J. (2019). Disturbed eating and body dysmorphic symptoms in a young adult sample are separable constructs that each show a mixture of distributions. Assessment. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191119879241
- Ralph‐Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2018). Eating disorder symptomatology and body mass index are associated with readers' expectations about character behavior: Evidence from eye‐tracking during reading. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(9), 1070-1079. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22961
- Ralph-Nearman, C., & Filik, R. (2018). New body scales reveal body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal, and muscularity-ideal in males. American Journal of Men's Health, 12(4), 240-250. https://doi.org/10.1177.1557988318763516
Dr. Jamie-Lee Pennesi, Ph.D. (She/Her)
Dr. Pennesi is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Dr. Pennesi has just completed 3 years as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at San Diego State University. Before relocating to the US in 2018, Dr. Pennesi completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Flinders University in Australia. Her research interests are in the development and prevention of eating disorders, body image issues, and disordered eating behaviors (e.g., muscularity-oriented behaviors) among adults and sexual minority populations. She is also interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods (e.g., daily diary studies). Her research has already had an impact with 80+ citations on Scopus. She has received several awards for her work, including the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists ‘2017 Student Prize’, the Flinders University ‘2016 Best Research Higher Degree Student Publication Award’, and multiple research travel grants. Dr. Pennesi also trained as a clinician/psychologist and has several years of clinical experience in working with eating disorders; she hopes to obtain licensure to continue working with eating and weight disorders in the US. Dr. Pennesi loves being active (cycling, running, hiking), spending time outside (especially by the beach), talking with family/friends at home in Australia and South Africa (where she was born), travelling, good food, coffee, and cute fluffy dogs.
Representative publications:
Dr. Pennesi is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Dr. Pennesi has just completed 3 years as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at San Diego State University. Before relocating to the US in 2018, Dr. Pennesi completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Flinders University in Australia. Her research interests are in the development and prevention of eating disorders, body image issues, and disordered eating behaviors (e.g., muscularity-oriented behaviors) among adults and sexual minority populations. She is also interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods (e.g., daily diary studies). Her research has already had an impact with 80+ citations on Scopus. She has received several awards for her work, including the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists ‘2017 Student Prize’, the Flinders University ‘2016 Best Research Higher Degree Student Publication Award’, and multiple research travel grants. Dr. Pennesi also trained as a clinician/psychologist and has several years of clinical experience in working with eating disorders; she hopes to obtain licensure to continue working with eating and weight disorders in the US. Dr. Pennesi loves being active (cycling, running, hiking), spending time outside (especially by the beach), talking with family/friends at home in Australia and South Africa (where she was born), travelling, good food, coffee, and cute fluffy dogs.
Representative publications:
- Convertino, A.D., Helm, J.L., Pennesi, J-L., Gonzales, M., 4th, & Blashill, A.J. (2021). Integrating minority stress theory and the tripartite influence model: A model of eating disordered behavior in sexual minority young adults. Appetite. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2021.105204
- Klimek, P., Convertino, A.D., Pennesi, J-L., Gonzales, M., 4th Roesch, S.C., Nagata, J.M., & Blashill, A.J. (2021). Confirmatory factor and measurement invariance analyses of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire in sexual minority men and women. International Journal of Eating Disorders. doi:10.1002/eat.23488
- Zhou, Y., Pennesi, J-L., & Wade, T.D. (2020). Online imagery rescripting among young women at risk of developing an eating disorder: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Eating Disorders. doi:10.1002/eat.23370
- Wei, B., Klimek, P., Pennesi, J-L., & Blashill, A.J. (2020). Perceptual and attitudinal body image, disordered eating, and muscle-building behavior in college men. Psychology of Men & Masculinities. doi:10.1037/men0000290
- Pennesi, J-L., & Wade, T.D. (2018). Imagery rescripting and cognitive dissonance: A randomized controlled trial of two brief online interventions for women at risk of developing an eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(5), 439-448. doi:10.1002/eat.22849
- Pennesi, J-L., & Wade T.D. (2016). A systematic review of the existing models of disordered eating: Do they inform the development of effective interventions? Clinical Psychology Review, 43, 175-192. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2015.12.004
- Pennesi. J-L., & Wade, T.D. (2015). Common factors across the eating disorder models. In TD. Wade (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Feeding and Eating Disorders. Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi:10.1007/978-981-287-087-2_97-1
Rachel Butler, MA (she/her)
Rachel Butler is an incoming Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Rachel is a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology at Temple University and is completing 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:
Rachel Butler is an incoming Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. Rachel is a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology at Temple University and is completing 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.
Hannah Fitterman-Harris, M.S. (she/her)
Hannah is an incoming Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. She is a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology at Saint Louis University. She will join the lab after completing her predoctoral internship at the University of Florida Health Science Center. Hannah’s primary research and clinical interests include assessment and reduction of weight stigma (particularly weight stigma in healthcare settings), prevention and treatment of eating disorders, and body image. Hannah received the Saint Louis University Dissertation Fellowship to support her research to create and validate an instrument to assess weight stigma among healthcare providers. She also received the RSH Scholarship through the Academy for Eating Disorders to support her work more broadly in the reduction of weight stigma and treatment of eating disorders. Hannah enjoys watching hockey and baking shows, knitting hats, and anything involving golden retrievers.
Representative publications:
Hannah is an incoming Postdoctoral Fellow in the EAT Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville. She is a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology at Saint Louis University. She will join the lab after completing her predoctoral internship at the University of Florida Health Science Center. Hannah’s primary research and clinical interests include assessment and reduction of weight stigma (particularly weight stigma in healthcare settings), prevention and treatment of eating disorders, and body image. Hannah received the Saint Louis University Dissertation Fellowship to support her research to create and validate an instrument to assess weight stigma among healthcare providers. She also received the RSH Scholarship through the Academy for Eating Disorders to support her work more broadly in the reduction of weight stigma and treatment of eating disorders. Hannah enjoys watching hockey and baking shows, knitting hats, and anything involving golden retrievers.
Representative publications:
- Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Hughes, H. M., Soulliard, Z. A., Zane, K. (2022). Barriers to LGBQ- and TGNB-affirmative clinical training in psychology doctoral programs. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000565
- Fitterman-Harris, H. F., & Vander Wal, J. S. (2021). Weight bias reduction among first-year medical students: A quasi-randomized, controlled trial. Clinical Obesity, e12479. https://doi.org/10.1111/cob.12479
- Soulliard, Z. A., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Perry, J. E., Poe, L., & Ross, M. J. (2021). Differences in body appreciation and functionality appreciation outside of and directly following sport among collegiate student athletes. The Sport Psychologist, 35(4), 320-328. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2020-0175
- Smith, L. B., Foster, N., Bollepalli, S., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., & Rancourt, D. (2020). An examination of sex differences in a disease-specific model of disordered eating behaviors in type 1 diabetes. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 45(1), 91-100. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsz090
- Rancourt, D., Foster, N., Bollepalli, S., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Powers, M. A., Clements, M., & Smith, L. B. (2019). Test of the modified dual pathway model of eating disorders in individuals with type 1 diabetes. International Journal of Eating Disorders 52(6), 630-642. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23054
- Soulliard, Z. A., Kauffman, A. A., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Perry, J. E., & Ross, M. J. (2019). Examining positive body image, sport confidence, flow state, and subjective performance among student athletes and non-athletes. Body Image, 28, 93-100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.12.009
Graduate Students
Leigh C. Brosof, M.S.
Leigh Brosof (B.A. Washington University in St. Louis) entered graduate school in July 2016. She received her Master’s degree in May 2019. Her research interests include exploring the etiology of eating disorders and testing novel treatments of eating disorders based on etiological models. In particular, Leigh is interested in applying exposure-based treatments to eating disorders. She is also interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods and novel statistical techniques, including network analysis and machine learning. She is currently investigating shared and unique vulnerability factors (including neurobiological vulnerabilities) of comorbid eating disorders-anxiety in adolescents. In her free time, Leigh enjoys running, spending time outdoors, and exploring the local restaurant and food scene.
Representative publications and presentations:
Leigh Brosof (B.A. Washington University in St. Louis) entered graduate school in July 2016. She received her Master’s degree in May 2019. Her research interests include exploring the etiology of eating disorders and testing novel treatments of eating disorders based on etiological models. In particular, Leigh is interested in applying exposure-based treatments to eating disorders. She is also interested in longitudinal modeling and ecological momentary assessment methods and novel statistical techniques, including network analysis and machine learning. She is currently investigating shared and unique vulnerability factors (including neurobiological vulnerabilities) of comorbid eating disorders-anxiety in adolescents. In her free time, Leigh enjoys running, spending time outdoors, and exploring the local restaurant and food scene.
Representative publications and presentations:
- Brosof, L. C., Egbert, A. H., Reilly, E. E., Wonderlich, J. A., Karam, A., Vanzhula, I., Steward, T., & Levinson, C. A. (2019). Intolerance of uncertainty moderates the relationship between high personal standards but not evaluative concerns perfectionism and eating disorder symptoms cross-sectionally and prospectively. Eating Behaviors, 35, 101340.
- Brosof, L. C., & Levinson, C. A. (2017). Social appearance anxiety and dietary restraint as mediators between perfectionism and binge eating: A six month three wave longitudinal study. Appetite, 108, 335-342.
- Brosof, L. C., Levinson, C. A., Forbush, K., Goodman, E., Schaumberg, K., Bulik, C. M, Micali, N., & Zerwas, S. (under review). Understanding the comorbidity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms during adolescence: A network model.
- Farrell, N. R., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula, I. A., Christian, C., & Levinson, C. A. (2019). Exploring mechanisms of action in exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders: The role of eating-related fears and body-related safety behaviors. Behavior Therapy, 50, 1125-1135.
- Brosof, L. C., Trombley, C., & Levinson, C.A. (September 2019). Prediction of binge eating and purging symptoms using machine learning. Paper presented at the Eating Disorders Research Society, Chicago, Illinois. Selected for Best Student Abstract Award.
- Brosof, L. C., Knight, L., Hunt, K. J., Levinson, C. A., & Depue, B. (2019, March). Imaginal exposure eating disorder fear scripts are associated with increased activation related to threat and internally processed thought compared to neutral scripts: A proof-of-concept fMRI study. Paper presented at the International Conference of Eating Disorders, New York, NY.
Caroline Christian, M.S. (She/Her)
Caroline Christian (M.S. University of Louisville) is a 5th year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Caroline is interested in integrating novel methods to better understand the role of transdiagnostic factors (e.g., fear and avoidance) in eating disorders, especially across critical periods (e.g., pregnancy; partial remission), to inform prevention, treatment, and relapse prevention interventions. In her free time, Caroline enjoys taking her dog Lincoln to the park, playing tennis, and making pottery.
Representative Publications:
Caroline Christian (M.S. University of Louisville) is a 5th year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Caroline is interested in integrating novel methods to better understand the role of transdiagnostic factors (e.g., fear and avoidance) in eating disorders, especially across critical periods (e.g., pregnancy; partial remission), to inform prevention, treatment, and relapse prevention interventions. In her free time, Caroline enjoys taking her dog Lincoln to the park, playing tennis, and making pottery.
Representative Publications:
- Christian, C., Cash, E., Cohen, D.A., Trombley, C.M., Levinson, C.A. (2022). Electrodermal activity and heart rate variability during exposure fear scripts predict trait-level and momentary social anxiety and eating disorder symptoms in an analogue sample. Clinical Psychological Science.
- Christian, C., Bridges-Curry, Z., Hunt, R.A., Ortiz, A.M.L., Drake, J.E., Levinson, C.A. (2021). Latent profile analysis of impulsivity and perfectionism dimensions and associations with psychiatric symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders.
- Christian, C., Perko, V. L., Vanzhula, I.A., Tregarthen, J.P., Forbush, K.T., Levinson, C. A. (2019). Eating Disorder Core Symptoms and Symptom Pathways across Developmental Stages: A Network Analysis. Journal of Abnormal Psychology.
- Christian, C., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula I.A., Williams, B. M., Shankar Ram, S., Levinson, C. A. (2019). Implementation of a dissonance-based, eating disorder prevention program and investigation of eating disorder comorbidities and risk factors in southern, all-female high schools. Body Image.
Brenna Williams, M.S. (She/Her)
Brenna Williams (B.A. Southern Methodist University, M.S. University of Louisville) is a doctoral candidate in the EAT Lab. Brenna is interested in studying self-relations, such as self-criticism and self-compassion, as transdiagnostic factors that contribute to the high rates of psychiatric comorbidity among eating disorders. She is passionate about studying the impact of self-criticism and self-compassion on eating disorder symptoms and the integration of compassion-focused interventions for eating disorders. Through her research, she hopes to develop transdiagnostic treatments for eating disorders that target eating disorders and other co-occurring symptoms of psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depression) simultaneously. Brenna is also interested in integrating psychophysiological methods into her research, and she plans to use sensor technology to identify biomarkers of self-criticism among individuals with eating disorders. Brenna has also received clinical training in eating disorders and sleep disorders, and she is currently a clinic assistant at the Psychological Services Center at the University of Louisville and a practicum student at the Behavioral Wellness Clinic in Louisville, KY where she works with individuals with eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Outside of her research and clinical work, Brenna practices yoga, enjoys playing videogames, and takes hikes with her dog Hera.
Representative Publications:
Brenna Williams (B.A. Southern Methodist University, M.S. University of Louisville) is a doctoral candidate in the EAT Lab. Brenna is interested in studying self-relations, such as self-criticism and self-compassion, as transdiagnostic factors that contribute to the high rates of psychiatric comorbidity among eating disorders. She is passionate about studying the impact of self-criticism and self-compassion on eating disorder symptoms and the integration of compassion-focused interventions for eating disorders. Through her research, she hopes to develop transdiagnostic treatments for eating disorders that target eating disorders and other co-occurring symptoms of psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depression) simultaneously. Brenna is also interested in integrating psychophysiological methods into her research, and she plans to use sensor technology to identify biomarkers of self-criticism among individuals with eating disorders. Brenna has also received clinical training in eating disorders and sleep disorders, and she is currently a clinic assistant at the Psychological Services Center at the University of Louisville and a practicum student at the Behavioral Wellness Clinic in Louisville, KY where she works with individuals with eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Outside of her research and clinical work, Brenna practices yoga, enjoys playing videogames, and takes hikes with her dog Hera.
Representative Publications:
- Williams, B. M., Brown, M. L., Sandoval-Araujo, L., Russell, S., & Levinson, C. A. (in press). Psychiatric comorbidity among eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder and underlying shared mechanisms and features: An updated review. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy.
- 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, 294(1), 24-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.061
- Williams, B. M., & Levinson, C. A. (2021). Intolerance of uncertainty and perfectionism as maintenance factors for eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. European Eating Disorders Review, 29(1), 101-111. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2807
- Sahlan, R. N., Williams, B. M., Forrest, L. N., Saunders, J. F., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., & Levinson, C. A. (2021). Disordered eating, self-esteem, and depression symptoms in Iranian adolescents and young adults: A network analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54(2), 132-147. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23365
- Williams, B. M., & Levinson, C. A. (2020). Negative beliefs about the self prospectively predict eating disorder severity among undergraduate women. Eating Behaviors. 37(1), 101384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101384
- Levinson, C. A., Christian, C., Shankar Ram, S., Brosof, L. C., & Williams, B. M. (2019). Sensory technology implementation for research, treatment, and assessment of eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 52(10), 1176-1180. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23120
Rowan Hunt, B.A. (She/Her)
Rowan Hunt (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a third year graduate student in the EAT lab. Rowan's research interests include the shared affective mechanisms underlying eating disordered behaviors and other impulsive behaviors, and how such shared mechanisms can be targeted through treatment. Additionally, she is also interested in trajectories of illness in EDs (e.g., predictors of recovery, remission, and relapse). In her free time, Rowan enjoys cooking, seeing live music, and trying her hand at ceramics.
Representative Publications:
Rowan Hunt (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a third year graduate student in the EAT lab. Rowan's research interests include the shared affective mechanisms underlying eating disordered behaviors and other impulsive behaviors, and how such shared mechanisms can be targeted through treatment. Additionally, she is also interested in trajectories of illness in EDs (e.g., predictors of recovery, remission, and relapse). In her free time, Rowan enjoys cooking, seeing live music, and trying her hand at ceramics.
Representative Publications:
- Hunt, R.A., Levinson, C.A., & Peiper, N.C. (2020, in press). Leveraging general risk surveillance to reduce suicide in early adolescents: Associations between suicidality, disordered eating, and other developmental risk factors. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior.
- Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A.C., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4), 625-630. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23254 Christian, C., Williams, B. M., Hunt, R.A., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., Vanzhula I.A., Tregarthen J.P., Forbush, K.T., & Levinson, C.A. (2020, in press). A network investigation of core symptoms and pathways across duration of illness using a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral model of eating disorder symptoms. Psychological Medicine, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719003817
Ani Keshishian, B.A. (She/Her)
Ani Keshishian (B.A. Boston University) is a third year graduate student in the EAT lab. Ani is interested in conducting translational research using novel technology to capture the transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying comorbid psychopathology in eating disorders. She is also interested in improving treatment outcomes by adapting current evidence-based treatments as well as developing novel treatments while also taking into consideration the prevalence of comorbidity in eating disorders. In her free time, Ani enjoys traveling, yoga, and dancing.
Representative Publication:
Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A.C., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4), 625-630. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23254.
Ani Keshishian (B.A. Boston University) is a third year graduate student in the EAT lab. Ani is interested in conducting translational research using novel technology to capture the transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying comorbid psychopathology in eating disorders. She is also interested in improving treatment outcomes by adapting current evidence-based treatments as well as developing novel treatments while also taking into consideration the prevalence of comorbidity in eating disorders. In her free time, Ani enjoys traveling, yoga, and dancing.
Representative Publication:
Vanzhula, I.A., Sala, M., Christian, C., Hunt, R.A., Keshishian, A.C., Wong, V.Z., Ernst, S.E., Spoor, S.P., & Levinson, C.A. (2020). Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts an increase in eating disorder symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(4), 625-630. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23254.
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Mackenzie Brown, B.A.
Mackenzie Brown (B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is a second year graduate student in the EAT Lab. Mackenzie is primarily interested in improving our understanding of eating disorders and comorbid psychopathology at the individual level. In particular, she is interested in examining the causal interactions amongst symptoms implicated in both eating and anxiety disorders using ecological momentary assessment and a network approach. Ultimately, she hopes to elucidate the mechanisms that lead these disorders to persist so that we may improve treatment and prevent relapse. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and photography. |
Claire Cusack, M.A. (She/They)
Claire Cusack (M.A. Towson University; B.A. Agnes Scott College) is a first-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.
Claire Cusack (M.A. Towson University; B.A. Agnes Scott College) is a first-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.
Lab Managers
Gabby Davis, B.A. (she/her)
Gabby (B.A. Bellarmine University) is a second-year graduate student in the Counseling Psychology M.Ed. program at the University of Louisville. Her primary research interests include eating disorder (ED) treatment avoidance vs. treatment seeking, ED treatment advertising, ED identity, and perfectionism. In her free time, Gabby enjoys going to the movies with her partner, spending time with their Vizsla puppy, Murph, and working to challenge diet culture.
Gabby (B.A. Bellarmine University) is a second-year graduate student in the Counseling Psychology M.Ed. program at the University of Louisville. Her primary research interests include eating disorder (ED) treatment avoidance vs. treatment seeking, ED treatment advertising, ED identity, and perfectionism. In her free time, Gabby enjoys going to the movies with her partner, spending time with their Vizsla puppy, Murph, and working to challenge diet culture.
Kimberly Osborn, B.A. (She/Hers)
Kimberly is a second year Master of Social Work student at the University of Oklahoma. She is interested in studying the relationship between barriers to specialized eating disorder treatment and various client outcomes. She is also interested in the development and implementation of evidence-based practices for eating disorders. Kimberly plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She enjoys kayaking and hiking with her husband and her dog, watching the Office, and reading Steven King novels.
Kimberly is a second year Master of Social Work student at the University of Oklahoma. She is interested in studying the relationship between barriers to specialized eating disorder treatment and various client outcomes. She is also interested in the development and implementation of evidence-based practices for eating disorders. Kimberly plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She enjoys kayaking and hiking with her husband and her dog, watching the Office, and reading Steven King novels.
Study Coordinators
Luis Sandoval-Araujo, B.A. (He/Him)
Luis Sandoval-Araujo (B.A. Florida International University) is a study coordinator for the NIMH-Funded Predicting Eating Disorder Recovery Study. Prior to joining the EAT Lab, Luis worked on a number of projects at the FIU Center for Children and Families, such as the Mental Health Interventions and Technology program and the Supporting Teens Academic Needs Daily program. Luis is primarily interested in how eating disorders and anxiety disorders interact with each other, particularly viewing anxiety as a developmental risk factor or moderating variable in later disordered eating behaviors and cognitions. He hopes to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Outside the lab, Luis enjoys playing music (mostly sad songs on guitar), building computers, and spending quality time with friends.
Luis Sandoval-Araujo (B.A. Florida International University) is a study coordinator for the NIMH-Funded Predicting Eating Disorder Recovery Study. Prior to joining the EAT Lab, Luis worked on a number of projects at the FIU Center for Children and Families, such as the Mental Health Interventions and Technology program and the Supporting Teens Academic Needs Daily program. Luis is primarily interested in how eating disorders and anxiety disorders interact with each other, particularly viewing anxiety as a developmental risk factor or moderating variable in later disordered eating behaviors and cognitions. He hopes to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Outside the lab, Luis enjoys playing music (mostly sad songs on guitar), building computers, and spending quality time with friends.
Taylor Penwell, B.A. (She/Her)
Taylor (Gardner) Penwell (B.A. Ohio University) is the Study Coordinator for the NIMH funded Relapse-Prevention Study. Taylor received her Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors from Ohio University where she majored in Psychology and minored in Biological Sciences. While at Ohio University, Taylor completed a departmental Honors Thesis exploring the relationship between disordered eating behaviors and impulsivity in a high risk drinking sample under supervision of Dr. Julie Suhr. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Taylor worked as the Research Coordinator for The Renfrew Center where she examined treatment outcomes for an emotion-focused treatment for eating disorders. While at Renfrew, Taylor developed research interests focused on understanding risk factors for relapse and readmission in eating disorders. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her dog, Roxxi, and her cat, Iggi, reading, and raising awareness for eating disorders.
Representative Publication:
Thompson-Brenner, H., Singh, S., Gardner, T., Brooks, G. E., Smith, M. T., Lowe, M. R., & Boswell, J. F. (2021). The Renfrew Unified Treatment for Eating Disorders and Comorbidity: Long-Term Effects of an Evidence-Based Practice Implementation in Residential Treatment. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 641601.
Taylor (Gardner) Penwell (B.A. Ohio University) is the Study Coordinator for the NIMH funded Relapse-Prevention Study. Taylor received her Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors from Ohio University where she majored in Psychology and minored in Biological Sciences. While at Ohio University, Taylor completed a departmental Honors Thesis exploring the relationship between disordered eating behaviors and impulsivity in a high risk drinking sample under supervision of Dr. Julie Suhr. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Taylor worked as the Research Coordinator for The Renfrew Center where she examined treatment outcomes for an emotion-focused treatment for eating disorders. While at Renfrew, Taylor developed research interests focused on understanding risk factors for relapse and readmission in eating disorders. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her dog, Roxxi, and her cat, Iggi, reading, and raising awareness for eating disorders.
Representative Publication:
Thompson-Brenner, H., Singh, S., Gardner, T., Brooks, G. E., Smith, M. T., Lowe, M. R., & Boswell, J. F. (2021). The Renfrew Unified Treatment for Eating Disorders and Comorbidity: Long-Term Effects of an Evidence-Based Practice Implementation in Residential Treatment. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 641601.
Emma Crumby, B.S. (She/Her)
Emma Crumby (B.S. Georgia College & State University) is a 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. Her goal is to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and conduct research that is clinically useful for furthering eating disorder treatment. In her free time, she enjoys reading gothic fiction, listening to music, and baking.
Emma Crumby (B.S. Georgia College & State University) is a 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. Her goal is to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and conduct research that is clinically useful for furthering eating disorder treatment. In her free time, she enjoys reading gothic fiction, listening to music, and baking.
Jillian Winn, B.A. (she/her)
Jillian Winn (B.A. University of Louisville) is a study coordinator for the High School Body Project expansion . She is in charge of implementing The Body Project, an eating disorder prevention program, across Louisville high schools. Before joining the lab, Jillian worked with a U of L Public Health study that examined the neurobehavioral consequences of coal ash exposure in children. During her undergraduate career, she was a member of U of L’s Body Project student organization. Through her involvement, she facilitated sessions with college-aged women to promote healthy body image and confront unrealistic body ideals. Jillian is mainly interested in how cultural and environmental factors relate to eating anxiety. Being from a small town, she is also passionate about improved access to eating disorder treatments in underserved areas. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and road trips.
Jillian Winn (B.A. University of Louisville) is a study coordinator for the High School Body Project expansion . She is in charge of implementing The Body Project, an eating disorder prevention program, across Louisville high schools. Before joining the lab, Jillian worked with a U of L Public Health study that examined the neurobehavioral consequences of coal ash exposure in children. During her undergraduate career, she was a member of U of L’s Body Project student organization. Through her involvement, she facilitated sessions with college-aged women to promote healthy body image and confront unrealistic body ideals. Jillian is mainly interested in how cultural and environmental factors relate to eating anxiety. Being from a small town, she is also passionate about improved access to eating disorder treatments in underserved areas. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and road trips.
Graduate Student Collaborators
Anna Marie Ortiz, M.S.
Graduate Student - University of Kentucky
Anna Marie Ortiz (M.S. University of Kentucky) is a pre-doctoral intern at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Anna Marie is interested in investigating the influence of transdiagnostic and disorder-specific risk factors in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. In particular, she is interested in the interplay between cognitive and affective risk factors such as alexithymia, thinness expectancies, eating rumination, and emotional avoidance.
In her free time, Anna Marie enjoys hiking, spending time with her nieces and nephew, and playing basketball.
Representative Publication:
Graduate Student - University of Kentucky
Anna Marie Ortiz (M.S. University of Kentucky) is a pre-doctoral intern at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Anna Marie is interested in investigating the influence of transdiagnostic and disorder-specific risk factors in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. In particular, she is interested in the interplay between cognitive and affective risk factors such as alexithymia, thinness expectancies, eating rumination, and emotional avoidance.
In her free time, Anna Marie enjoys hiking, spending time with her nieces and nephew, and playing basketball.
Representative Publication:
- 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.
Sam Spoor, 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 now an incoming first-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 now an incoming first-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.
Research Assistants
Chris Trombley
Chris is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science at the University of Louisville. Upon graduating, he plans on attaining a Masters and potentially PhD in Computer Science and pursuing a career in Artificial Intelligence. Chris is currently completing a Pathways Engineering program at NASA. In his free time he enjoys programming, reading, and hanging out with friends.
Chris is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science at the University of Louisville. Upon graduating, he plans on attaining a Masters and potentially PhD in Computer Science and pursuing a career in Artificial Intelligence. Chris is currently completing a Pathways Engineering program at NASA. In his free time he enjoys programming, reading, and hanging out with friends.
Haley Waite
Haley is a Junior at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Psychology. After graduation, she hopes to further her education at UofL's Medical School and go on to become a Psychiatrist. Her research interests include how stress and trauma lead to the development of psychological disorders including eating disorders. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with friends.
Haley is a Junior at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Psychology. After graduation, she hopes to further her education at UofL's Medical School and go on to become a Psychiatrist. Her research interests include how stress and trauma lead to the development of psychological disorders including eating disorders. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with friends.
Betty Ngo (She/Her)
Betty is a sophomore undergraduate studying Psychology and Biology. She also serves as an executive member of the Body Project Chapter at UofL. Her research interests include the neurobiology of eating disorders and eating disorder-anxiety comorbidity.
Betty is a sophomore undergraduate studying Psychology and Biology. She also serves as an executive member of the Body Project Chapter at UofL. Her research interests include the neurobiology of eating disorders and eating disorder-anxiety comorbidity.
Mattison Hale (She/Her)
Mattison is a sophomore at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Mattison serves both as an undergraduate research assistant at the EAT Lab, and as a clinical research assistant at the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders. After graduating, Mattison hopes to attend medical school to become a pediatric psychiatrist. In her free time, she loves to write, spend time with family and friends, and meet new people.
Mattison is a sophomore at the University of Louisville and is majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Mattison serves both as an undergraduate research assistant at the EAT Lab, and as a clinical research assistant at the Louisville Center for Eating Disorders. After graduating, Mattison hopes to attend medical school to become a pediatric psychiatrist. In her free time, she loves to write, spend time with family and friends, and meet new people.
Madison Shannon
Madison is currently a senior pursing a BA in psychology. Her specific research interest is how having life-threatening illnesses and medical trauma can lead to the development of eating disorders in adolescents and young adults. After graduating, she intends to obtain her PhD in clinical psychology and wants to work with medically complex children and adolescents. In her free time she enjoys exercising, making arts and crafts, playing with her dog, Bubbles, and hanging out with her friends.
Madison is currently a senior pursing a BA in psychology. Her specific research interest is how having life-threatening illnesses and medical trauma can lead to the development of eating disorders in adolescents and young adults. After graduating, she intends to obtain her PhD in clinical psychology and wants to work with medically complex children and adolescents. In her free time she enjoys exercising, making arts and crafts, playing with her dog, Bubbles, and hanging out with her friends.
Shaye Allen (she/her)
Shaye is a senior at the University of Louisville majoring in Electrical Engineering. She plans to pursue a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management after graduating in May 2021. Along with volunteering in the lab, Shaye works for the Engineering Fundamentals Department and is secretary of the student organization Speed Spectrum. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends and binge-watching Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds.
Shaye is a senior at the University of Louisville majoring in Electrical Engineering. She plans to pursue a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management after graduating in May 2021. Along with volunteering in the lab, Shaye works for the Engineering Fundamentals Department and is secretary of the student organization Speed Spectrum. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends and binge-watching Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds.
Rose Chang
Upon graduation, Rose (B.A. Vanderbilt University) served as a clinical research assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, working on clinical neuroscience and neuroimaging related to reward processing in depression and obesity in the context of stress. Currently, she is working as a lab manager in CCS Lab in South Korea, learning how to apply computational modeling to cognitive processes. She is interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric disorders, particularly those of anxiety and eating disorders. After gaining relevant experience, she hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.
Upon graduation, Rose (B.A. Vanderbilt University) served as a clinical research assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, working on clinical neuroscience and neuroimaging related to reward processing in depression and obesity in the context of stress. Currently, she is working as a lab manager in CCS Lab in South Korea, learning how to apply computational modeling to cognitive processes. She is interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric disorders, particularly those of anxiety and eating disorders. After gaining relevant experience, she hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.
David Powell (He/Him)
David is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in psychology with a minor in Arabic. After graduating, he plans to pursue a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. His interests include trauma and PTSD in adults, as well as preventive measures for children with a biological predisposition to psychological disorders. In his free time, David enjoys working out and reading.
David is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in psychology with a minor in Arabic. After graduating, he plans to pursue a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. His interests include trauma and PTSD in adults, as well as preventive measures for children with a biological predisposition to psychological disorders. In his free time, David enjoys working out and reading.
Coders
Amy Benningfield
Amy is a senior Psychology major at the University of Louisville. She is minoring in Social Change, is in the Peace, Justice, and Conflict Transformation certificate program, and is a University Honors Scholar. Amy plans to pursue a career in counseling after graduation. In the mean time, she is a coder for the Eating Anxiety Treatment Lab, is on the Leadership Team for Campus Outreach, and is a member of the German Club. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading, watching Netflix, and spending time with her friends.
Amy is a senior Psychology major at the University of Louisville. She is minoring in Social Change, is in the Peace, Justice, and Conflict Transformation certificate program, and is a University Honors Scholar. Amy plans to pursue a career in counseling after graduation. In the mean time, she is a coder for the Eating Anxiety Treatment Lab, is on the Leadership Team for Campus Outreach, and is a member of the German Club. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading, watching Netflix, and spending time with her friends.
