Members of the SEA Lab (Fall 2025)
Principal Investigator:
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Kathryn L. Humphreys, Ph.D., Ed.M. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Human Development at Vanderbilt University. She directs the Stress and Early Adversity (SEA) Laboratory. Dr. Humphreys attended Vanderbilt as an undergraduate, earned a master’s in Risk and Prevention at Harvard, and obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA. Dr. Humphreys completed her clinical internship and clinical postdoctoral fellowship in Infant Mental Health at the Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford. Dr. Humphreys’s ultimate goal is to promote healthy development through supporting families during what is often a challenging time. She has three children of her own, who inspire her daily.
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Staff Scientist:
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Lucy King earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Stanford University where she researched how enriching and adverse early environments shape developing neurobiology and risk for psychopathology in childhood and adolescence. Outside of work, she loves making pottery, doing pilates, and going on long walks by the ocean.
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Collaborating Faculty:
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Whitney Barnett, Ph.D., M.P.H. is an Assistant Professor at Meharry Medical College supported by an NICHD K01 award. Whitney's current research work includes understanding the impact of maltreatment in early life on child outcomes and implementing evidence-based approaches to support parents and children to prevent maltreatment. Whitney graduated with an honors degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and earned her Masters in Public Health and her Ph.D. from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Outside of the lab, Whitney enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two children, Madison and Jackson.
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Kaylin Hill, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at University of Notre Dame supported by an NIMH K23 award. Kaylin’s research utilizes multiple methods, including psychophysiology, behavioral measures, and self-report/structured interviews, to examine cognitive and affective processes. Kaylin is most interested in assessing intergenerational risk factors and the rigor of commonly used methods to support early identification and intervention for mood disorders. Kaylin graduated summa cum laude from Butler University, earned her Ph.D. from Purdue University, and completed her clinical internship at the University of Notre Dame. Outside the lab, Kaylin enjoys adventuring and spending time with her family.
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Postdoctoral Scholars:
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Julia Garon-Bissonnette, Ph.D. completed her graduate work in Psychology at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Her work focused on the developmental mechanisms involved in the intergenerational transmission of trauma, mainly reflective functioning. Julia’s research focuses on how parental and child individual, interpersonal, and psychosocial risk and protective factors interact in understanding infant behavioral and socioemotional development. Outside the lab, she enjoys backcountry skiing, cycling, reading and spending time with her family and friends.
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Megan Hare, Ph.D. is a Postdoctoral Scholar working with Dr. Humphreys and Dr. Zeanah on the Bucharest Early Intervention Project. Megan graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida and earned her Ph.D. from Florida International University, specializing in child and adolescent psychology. Her work focuses on how experiences of early adversity and different components of emotion functioning impact families across the peripartum period through preschool. Megan’s long term career goal is to contribute to a more inclusive mental health landscape, where every family has access to the care they need. Outside the lab, Megan enjoys spending time outdoors with friends .
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Hannah Rasmussen, Ph.D. is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Stress and Early Adversity (SEA) Laboratory at Vanderbilt University. Hannah graduated from Pomona College with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Science from the University of Southern California, where she was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. She completed her clinical internship at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle. Hannah’s research investigates how relationship dynamics—particularly in romantic partnerships—influence mental health across the lifespan. Her work integrates multiple methodologies, including behavioral observation, physiological measures, and innovative technologies to capture relationship processes in real-world contexts. Her ultimate goal is to develop family-focused interventions that leverage relationship dynamics to promote mental health during significant life transitions. Outside the lab, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.
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Linhao Zhang, is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the lab. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Georgia. Her research examines how adversity influences development and psychopathology, with a focus on the psychophysiological and neural mechanisms underlying these processes. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and TV shows, reading and running.
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Samantha A. Murray-Perdue, Ph.D is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the SEA Lab. She received her B.A. and M.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University. Her research examines the factors and processes that promote healthy parent relationships, especially during the transition to parenthood, as well as how parent relationship functioning predicts child adjustment and overall family system health. Her broader research goals center on developing evidence-based preventive programs for first-time parents and expanding access to these programs through scalable dissemination methods, including adaptations for social media. When she's not working, Sam loves to hike, run, play volleyball, and volunteer at her local equine therapeutic riding center. She is lucky to have a wonderful family, including her husband, daughter, two dogs, and a cat.
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Lab Manager:
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Jessica Feller, Ph.D. is a Research Scholar and Lab Manager. Jessica graduated with her doctoral degree in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt Brain Institute's Neuroscience Graduate Program in 2024, where her work focused on the neurophysiological and cognitive effects of traumatic brain injury. Her broad research interests include understanding neuroplasticity and the neurocognitive effects of traumatic experiences. Outside of the lab, Jessica enjoys amateur photography, being outdoors, and snuggling up with her cat and two dogs.
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Staff:
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Jackie Ayers earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Georgetown University and serves as the Neurobiological Changes Across Pregnancy (NCAP) project coordinator. She is interested in attachment theory, maternal mental health, and the effects of neglectful parenting during infancy. Outside of the lab, Jackie enjoys practicing yoga, attending concerts/festivals, and hunting for treasures at estate sales.
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Sarah Bouthillier earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology from Belmont University in 2023 and now serves as the CARE Project Coordinator. Her research interests lie in exploring the intersections of attachment styles, relationships, and behaviors across the lifespan. Beyond her academic pursuits, Sarah is a passionate coffee connoisseur and loves to cook. During weekends, you’ll often find her exploring new restaurants and spending quality time with friends!
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Jada Ledgister is a student in the Child Studies master’s program. She graduated from Lee University in 2023 with her B.A. in Psychology. She is interested in researching the impacts of psychopathology and resilience in children. Outside the lab, she enjoys cooking, caring for her plants, and checking out new coffee shops.
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Ella Onderdonk earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture from the University of Michigan in 2025 and now serves as the ABC and BABIES Project Coordinator for the SEA Lab. Her research interests include psychopathology risk and resilience in childhood and adolescence, as well as infant and child development. Outside of the lab, Ella enjoys spending time outdoors, local coffee shops, and quality time with loved ones.
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Ph.D. Students:
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Dylan Douglas-Brown is a Clinical Science Ph.D. student. She graduated from Emory University in 2023 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Quantitative Sciences. After graduation, Dylan completed a Donald J. Cohen Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Developmental Social Neuroscience at the Marcus Autism Center. Her research interests lie at the intersection of caregiver mental health, infant development, and early dyadic interaction. Outside of the lab, Dylan enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with family.
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Yanbin Niu is a doctoral student in the Developmental Science program. She received her masters in Developmental Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University in 2020. Prior to joining the SEA Lab, Yanbin worked as a research assistant at the Teachers College, Columbia University and a research technician at the Florida International University. She is interested in studying brain plasticity, including how the brain changes in response to experiences. Outside of the lab, Yanbin enjoys spending time with her family.
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Hannah Piersiak is a Clinical Science Ph.D. student. She received her M.Ed. in Child Studies from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody School of Education in 2020. Before completing her master’s degree, she received a B.A. in Psychology from Colby College in 2017. Her research interests include the developmental outcomes associated with different early life experiences and protective factors that can promote resilience in children and families. Outside of the lab, Hannah enjoys being outdoors, running, and watching sports.
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Masters Students:
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Maha Ali is a student in the Child Studies master’s program. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2023 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Science, followed by serving as a clinical research assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Brazelton Touchpoints Center for two years. She is interested in better understanding how early adversity shapes neurobiology, risk and resilience factors, and social-emotional development in children. Outside the lab, Maha enjoys being outside, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends.
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Haley Betron is a student in the Human Development Counseling program studying school and clinical counseling. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 2024 with a B.A. in Psychology. Her research interests include the risk factors and treatment methods of anxiety and depression in young children and adolescents. Outside of the lab, Haley enjoys baking, listening to podcasts, and exploring nature spots in Nashville.
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Sarah Obi is a student in the Child Studies master’s program. She graduated from Mercer University in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Ethics. She is interested in how race-related stress and trauma shape identity development, coping, and resilience. Additionally, how processes like racial socialization and community cohesion can buffer the effects of racialized ACEs. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with family.
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Summer Phommachieng is a student in the Child Studies master’s program. She graduated from North Carolina State University in 2023 with a B.A in Psychology and a minor in Social Work. She is interested in exploring how parenting and household environment impact a child’s development, particularly in the realms of emotions and socialization. She hopes to use this knowledge as a way to better understand how caregivers can support children’s development in the context of their individual needs. Outside of the lab, Summer enjoys going to concerts, getting bubble tea with friends, and relaxing with her pet cat Oswald.
Anna Robbins is a student in the Child Studies Master's program. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2026 with a B.S. in Child Development and Human Organization and Development. She is interested in how environment factors and interactions play a role in early child development and education. Further she hopes to investigate how these components can inform practices that support growth and development in early childhood.
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Jessica Utter is from Asheville, NC. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science Degree in Child Development/Family and Child Studies from Appalachian State University in 2024. She is a Child Studies masters student, pursuing the career field of Child Life. Prior to joining the SEA Lab she worked as a parent educator and as a family advocate for Head Start families. Her research interests include the impacts of early adversity on child development in addition to the impact of medical trauma on infants and children. Outside the lab, she enjoys skiing, watching baseball, and visiting coffee shops.
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Xiaoli (Lydia) Zhou is a student in the Child Studies master’s program. She graduated from University of Wisconsin Madison in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and Neurobiology. Her research interests include the risk factors related to the developmental trajectory of mental disorders and the neurological contributions. Outside of the lab, Lydia enjoys cooking, doing crafts, and spending time with her cat.
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Kat Gerasimenko is a Cognitive and Developmental Psychology in Context M.S. student. She graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a B.S in Psychology and Minor in Communications in 2021. Kat aims to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology upon graduation. Her research interests center on women and pregnancy, specifically how a woman's brain changes during pregnancy, at childbirth, and post-partum, and how this all relates to early childhood outcomes. Outside of the lab, Kat enjoys crafts, walks, fitness, and outdoor activities.
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Undergraduate Students:
Liza Akpoli
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Dayling Agramonte
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Jaycie Bateman
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Megha Duvvuri
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Naima Elmara
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Avery Gould
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Ava Graddy
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Anya Jaroszewski
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Sungjoon Kim
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Sarah Salman
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Frances Smith
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Anna Wickliffe
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Bianca Zorilla
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Lab Alumni:
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Lamiya Adri
Clean Alexander Brinda Ambal Ekene Azuka Lauren Bailes Emma Baker Luc Behague-Mentzel Trinity Bell Abby Blum Maria Bonnee Kerissa Bryant Isabella Capra Regan Carell Emilia Cárdenas Casey Carrow Jenna Collazzo Nancy Collie Lei Cui Kiss'Shonna Curtis Sragvi Dara Nikki Delgado Julia DeLuca Vikas Dodda Lizzy Donaldson Addison Dunn Nikkie Dutta Lauren Eales Nelson Eiselstein Arielle Emile Garrett Ennis Elizabeth Estes Nicky Farren Brooke Fleming Juelle Ford Sean Gallagher Vedant Gandhewar Madison Gilbert |
Addison Glover
Sydney Goldberg Jamie Gordon Sunny Gorrepati McKenzie Greene Ellen Habteyonas Madi Halwes Paige Hamilton Regi Hammond Clare Hansen Colton Harper Elizabeth Hinckley Nan Hu Karen Jacques Nyshedra Jordan Emily Kamalnathan Florence Kane Alexa Karach Amber Kassis Alex Katz Kate Kwasneski Sarah Lempres Mia Letterie Elena Li Lizzie Li Megan Lin Maya Matsumoto Janessa Madison Jennifer (Markfeld) Magnuson Langley McEntyre Micaela Macfarlane Philip Metcalf Jayden Miller Leah Mortimer Gakenia Muigai Gabrielle Napper Christina Norberg |
Samantha OKeefe
Andrea Peterson Connor Pinson Sanjana Ravi Alexis Richmond Jadyn Rogers David Romero Christian Rosig Marissa Roth David Russo Virginia Salo Bria Savoy Sara Schunck Sabrina Scollar Michael Scudder Amelia Shaddinger Safa Sheik Sally Shi William Steward Tom Qian Sydney Takemoto Pat Teerachotmongkol Tiffany Tran Matthew Weindling Hannah Weissman Ryan Wiggington Kaymin Wilkins Joyce Woo Shuang Wu Rachel Yang Jeanie Yu Chao Zhang Kevin Zheng Cynthia Zhou Tina Xia Kara Xu |