Assistant Professor | Clinical Psychologist | Tufts University
My program of research examines methods to harness memory processes with the goal of developing novel interventions for emotional disorders (e.g., anxiety, trauma and stressor-related, and mood disorders). My background is unique in that I began by training in clinical psychology but have spent the past five years learning translational and affective neuroscience methods related to memory and emotion. These experiences enable me to identify strategies from the non-human animal literature, test these strategies in healthy humans and patients in the laboratory, and use effective strategies to design and test new therapeutic procedures. Furthermore, this background has provided me with the tools to examine memory and emotion at a behavioral, psychophysiological, and neurobiological level, allowing for a deeper understanding of mechanisms of change. Specifically, a large portion of my research aims to:
Investigate reactivation-induced memory change strategies at a behavioral and neurobiological level and potential applications for the treatment of emotional disorders
Enhance consolidation of learning processes relevant to cognitive behavioral therapy (e.g., extinction learning) for emotional disorders
Understand the prevalence and impact of symptom-relevant and negative autobiographical memories
More About Me:
I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology at Stanford University, doctorate in clinical psychology at Boston University, and postdoctoral fellowship in The Phelps Lab at Harvard University. I am currently an Assistant Professor in Psychology at Tufts University and a Research Associate at Harvard University. Aside from research, I enjoy teaching and mentoring students. Outside of work, I love cooking, yoga, and spending time with my husband, kids, and beagle-mix.
Awards:
George W. Goethals Teaching Award (2020)
Recognizing excellence in teaching in the sophomore tutorial program for instruction of Psychology 971, Contemporary Issues in Psychology: Intensive Crosslevel Analyses taught in Spring 2020.
Distinguished Student Research Award in Clinical Psychology (2018)
Honors a graduate student in clinical psychology who has made exemplary theoretical or empirical contributions to research in clinical psychology. Clinical research contributions can include quantity, quality, contribution to diversity, and/or innovations in research.
Virginia A. Roswell Student Dissertation Award (2017)
This award is given to one student per year based on their doctoral dissertation proposal. Candidates must be student members of ABCT; the topic area of the dissertation research must be of direct relevant to cognitive-behavioral therapy, broadly defined; and the dissertation must have been successfully proposed but not yet defended.
Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Predoctoral Fellowship (2014-17)
Awarding Institution: National Institute of Mental Health
Grant # F31MH103969
Project Title: Exploring the boundaries of post-retrieval extinction in anxious individuals
Role: Principal Investigator
This grant provides predoctoral individuals with supervised research training in specified health and health-related areas leading toward the research doctoral degree (e.g., PhD).
Clara Mayo Memorial Fellowship (2016-17)
Awarding Institution: Boston University
Project Title: Exploring the boundaries of post-retrieval extinction in healthy and anxious individuals
Role: Principal Investigator
Clara Mayo was a professor at Boston University from 1964-1981. She dedicated her career to the study of nonverbal communication, racism and sexism, and women’s work lives. Upon her death, a memorial fellowship was established in her honor by her family. The intent of the award is to help support female psychology doctoral students.
Clara Mayo Memorial Fellowship (2013-14)
Awarding Institution: Boston University
Project Title: Developing an ecological momentary exercise intervention to augment treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder
Role: Principal Investigator
Clara Mayo was a professor at Boston University from 1964-1981. She dedicated her career to the study of nonverbal communication, racism and sexism, and women’s work lives. Upon her death, a memorial fellowship was established in her honor by her family. The intent of the award is to help support female psychology doctoral students.