Project Title: Aggression and Irritability in Middle Childhood: Between- and Within-Person Associations

Gretchen Perhamus is a 6th year doctoral candidate under the mentorship of Dr. Jamie M. Ostrov at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. Gretchen’s work broadly focuses on the interplay between affective, social-cognitive, and psychophysiological factors in the development of youth externalizing problems. As a NICHD F31-Diversity recipient, Gretchen’s research is one of the first known to examine the role of peer relations in the development of CU traits across multiple developmental periods (i.e., middle childhood to adolescence) and includes rigorous assessments of multiple domains of functioning (e.g., social, affective, biological). In addition, Gretchen has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring underrepresented students in her role as an undergraduate and McNair scholar mentor and has served as an English language support volunteer for children of refugee families. Congratulations to Gretchen on all her accomplishments!

Project Title: Timing-Dependent Associations between Harsh and Warm Parenting and Functional Brain Architecture: Longitudinal Implications for Risk and Resilience

Cleanthis Michael is a 3rd year doctoral student at the University of Michigan under the mentorship of Dr. Luke Hyde. Cleanthis’ work primarily characterizes how environmental experiences interact with the plasticity of the developing brain to influence cognitive and socioemotional functioning and mental health across childhood and adolescence. Cleanthis’ research combines clinical, developmental, and neuroscientific approaches to delineate how the state and pace of brain development interact with adversity and support, shape behavior, and can be targeted by policy and intervention. Cleanthis has also been the recipient of multiple competitive fellowships and awards at the University of Michigan in recognition of his work. In addition, Cleanthis has demonstrated a commitment to teaching, mentorship, and community outreach. Through these roles, he is dedicated to the research and career mentorship of early-career scientists to help break down the barriers of an increasingly multidisciplinary clinical science, especially the unique and intersecting barriers faced by students with minoritized identities. Congratulations to Cleanthis on all of his accomplishments!

Project Title: Evaluating the Working Memory Profiles of 4th and 5th-Grade Students with Reading Difficulties: Original Data Collection

Caroline Whitmarsh is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Art in Plan II Honors and Psychology, as well as a certificate in Intervention and Vulnerable Children. Caroline has demonstrated excellence in research focusing on executive functioning support and implementing and disseminating evidence-based practices for underserved families and children. In particular, she serves as first author on a project examining the working memory profiles of 4th and 5th-grade students with reading difficulties compared to their typically developing peers. She has also completed extensive coding training to characterize processes of evidence-based practices for emotional and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Caroline serves as a College of Liberal Arts’ Dean’s Ambassador and Bridging Disciplines Program Ambassador at UT. Caroline promises to be an outstanding scholar, as exemplified by her multiple recent research projects, volunteering and clinical work, and her exceptional community engagement. She hopes to pursue neuropsychological training at the graduate level. Congratulations to Caroline on all of her accomplishments!

Faye Domokos is a 4th year doctoral student under the mentorship of Dr. Jennifer Bolden Bush, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Faye has extensive experience in assessment and delivering evidence-based treatments to children and adolescents in a variety of rural and urban community mental health settings. Further, Faye spearheaded a new clinical practicum with the Knox County Juvenile Court in Knoxville, TN to bring high-quality, comprehensive evaluations to children and adolescents involved in the youth justice system. Faye has demonstrated a commitment to serving the mental health care needs of underserved communities in rural and urban Tennessee and her work highlights the ongoing need for equitable and affirming access to care in this region. In addition to her exceptional clinical work and commitment to evidence-based practices, Faye has also mentored many undergraduate and early-stage graduate students in research and clinical work, and engaged in various outreach and community service projects. Congratulations to Faye on all of her accomplishments!