Education
PhD, Duke University, 2003
MA, Duke University, 2000
Overview
My research addresses the development, evaluation, and dissemination of prevention strategies to improve mental health among underserved populations, with a focus on adolescents in urban communities.
I am currently evaluating trauma-informed and mindfulness-based approaches for improving emotional and behavioral outcomes among urban middle and high school students. In addition, through the Center for Adolescent Health and the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, I collaborate with multiple partners to help reduce the number of young people who become disconnected from school, the workforce, and other key supports. I am particularly interested in research that includes young people's input and collaboration and advances health equity for young people.
Honors and Awards
Henrietta Lacks Memorial Award: University partner to award winner Joni Holifield of HeartSmiles (2020)
Leadership Development Program: Influencer Program (2017-2018)
JHSPH Recognition for Excellence in Teaching (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016)
The Maryland Psychological Association of Graduate Students Mentoring Award (2012)
Finalist, Aspen Brain Forum Prize in Neuroeducation, Aspen Brain Forum Foundation and New York Academy of Sciences (2011)
Senior Investigator, Mind and Life Summer Institute (2010)
Faculty Innovations Fund Awardee, JHSPH (2008-2009)
Career Development Institute (CDI) for Psychiatry, Stanford University, CA (2007)
Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholar, Harvard University (2004-2006)
Robert E. Harris Memorial Award: Outstanding Clinical Psychology Fellow, University of California, San Francisco (2004)
NRSA Individual Predoctoral Fellowship from NIMH (2001-2002)
American Psychological Foundation Graduate Research Scholarship in Psychology (2001-2002)
Aleane Webb Dissertation Research Fellowship, Duke University (2001-2002)
James B. Duke Fellowship, Duke University (1997-2001)
Phi Beta Kappa, Yale University (1993)
Magna cum laude, Yale University (1993)
Distinction in the Humanities Major, Yale University (1993)
Marshall Dodge Prize for Philosophy, Yale University (1990)