RESEARCH INTERESTS & COLLABORATORS

I am a PhD student in Clinical and Developmental Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, mentored by Dr. Sophia Choukas-Bradley in the Teen and Young Adult Lab. I study the development and prevention of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating during adolescence. I'm interested in understanding how sociocultural factors, like gender, contribute to adolescents' body image and disordered eating. I also study disordered eating among LGBTQ+ populations. My hope is to one day develop eating disorder prevention protocols for vulnerable adolescent populations, such as LGBTQ+ youth.

My research typically incorporates some or all of the following themes: 

• Body image and disordered eating

• Adolescent development

• Gender

• Social media

• LGBTQ+ mental health

• Romantic and sexual relationships

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Transgender and Cisgender Adolescents' Body Dissatisfaction: Using Eye-Tracking and Growth Curve Modeling to Elucidate a Novel, Gender-Inclusive Model 

​2020 - 2023

Total funds: $138,000

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Project DAISY: Disordered Eating, Academics, Identity, and Sexual Experiences among Young Adults

2020-2021

​Co-PI: Anne J. Maheux, M.S.

Advisor: Sophia Choukas-Bradley, Ph.D.

Funded by the Psi Chi Mamie Phipps Clark Diversity Research Grant and Psi Chi Junior Scientist Fellowship

Total funds: $1,000

Project DAISY is a cross-sectional, self-report, anonymous online survey among young adults ages 18-25. The survey assesses a range of mental health concerns relevant to the developmental stage of emerging adulthood, in addition to academic achievement and identity development. I am interested in learning how young adults' appearance ideals, gender, and romantic and sexual experiences shape their disordered eating behaviors and body image. Data collection was completed in Spring 2021. Analyses are ongoing.

ARTS & SCIENCES FELLOWSHIP

University of Pittsburgh​

2019 - 2020

Total funds: $23,500