Members of the SEA Lab (Summer 2025)
Principal Investigator:
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 the Harvard, and obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the UCLA. Dr. Humphreys completed her clinical internship and clinical postdoctoral fellowship in Infant Mental Health at the Tulane. 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.
Staff Scientist:
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Lucy King earned her PhD 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 being outside and spending time 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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Lab Manager:
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Jessica Feller, Ph.D. is a Postdoctoral 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 now serves as a Research Assistant. She is interested in attachment theory, maternal mental health, and the effects of neglectful parenting during infancy. Outside of the lab, Jackie enjoys yoga, concerts/festivals, and 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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Emily Kamalnathan is the Senior Project Coordinator for the SEA Lab. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Intensive Psychology, Anthropology, and Business Management Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2025. Her research interests include the development of parent-child attachment styles, early risk factors for psychopathology, and neuroplasticity in the context of maternal and infant mental health. Outside of the lab, Emily enjoys reading, exploring nature, 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 maltreatment on children, psychopathology, and resilience. 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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Abby Blum is a Clinical Science Ph.D. student. She graduated from Northwestern University in 2020 with a B.A. in Psychology and Creative Writing. Her research interests include caregiver–child attachment and infant mental health. Outside the lab, Abby enjoys exploring new cities, hiking, and novels.
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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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Sanjana Ravi is a doctoral student in the Clinical Science program. She graduated from University of Washington in 2018 with a double degree in Psychology and Early Childhood and Family Studies. Prior to joining the SEA Lab, Sanjana worked as a research coordinator in the Child Development Lab at the University of Maryland. She is interested in studying parenting of young children, as well as identifying how to promote healthy development/protect against the development of psychopathology. Outside of the lab, Sanjana loves trying new restaurants and cafes as well as watching vlogs on YouTube.
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Collaborating Graduate Students:
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Jennifer Markfeld is a speech-language pathologist and doctoral candidate in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences. She graduated from James Madison University in 2019 with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Jennifer is interested in how caregiver factors such as experiencing stress may influence caregiver–child interactions and child language outcomes in families with children at risk for neurodevelopmental conditions. Outside of the lab she enjoys cycling, crocheting, playing clarinet, and baking.
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Masters Students:
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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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Lauren Eales is a current Psychology master’s student at Lipscomb University. Lauren graduated from University of Alabama in May 2024 with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Biology. Her current research interests include youth development specifically how their peer relations and family connections impact their overall adolescent development. Outside of the lab she enjoys teaching pilates, traveling, and meeting new people.
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Alexa Karach is a child studies master’s student. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Child and Family Development. She is interested in studying the social-emotional development, peer relationships, and social inclusion of minimally speaking children with autism. Outside of research, she enjoys painting, shopping, and cuddling with her cat.
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Andrea Petersen is a Child Studies M.Ed. student. She graduated from Washington College with a Psychology B.S. and minor in Dance in 2023, followed by serving as a residential ABA therapist in supervised living at Princeton Child Development Institute prior to starting the program. Andrea aims to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to explore how children develop independent skills, specifically self-regulation and decision-making across diverse home and community environments. Outside of research, she enjoys discovering new coffee shops and playing with her cats.
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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.
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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, visiting coffee shops, and working as a wedding planner.
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Ryan Wigginton is a student in the Child Studies master's program. He graduated from the University of Richmond in 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. He is interested in better understanding the many causes of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders for minority children and adolescents and developing more effective prevention and intervention strategies to serve these groups. Outside of research, Ryan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his friends.
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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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Undergraduate Students:
Jaycie Bateman
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Lizzy Donaldson
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Devon Dye
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Ny Jordan
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Lisa Kim
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Sungjoon Kim
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Christina Norberg
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Akshara Senthil
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Pauli Serrano
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Frances Smith
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Sally Son
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Kaymin Wilkins
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Lauren Yang
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Kevin Zheng
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Cynthia Zhou
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Bianca Zorrilla
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High School Students:
Luc Behague-Mentzel
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Lab Alumni:
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Lamiya Adri
Clean Alexander Brinda Ambal Ekene Azuka Lauren Bailes Emma Baker Trinity Bell Maria Bonnee Kerissa Bryant Isabella Capra Regan Carell Emilia Cárdenas Casey Carrow Jenna Collazzo Nancy Collie Lei Cui Kiss'Shonna Curtis Nikki Delgado Julia DeLuca Vikas Dodda Addison Dunn Nikkie Dutta 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 Florence Kane Alex Katz Kate Kwasneski Sarah Lempres Mia Letterie Elena Li Lizzie Li Megan Lin Maya Matsumoto Janessa Madison Langley McEntyre Micaela Macfarlane Philip Metcalf Jayden Miller Leah Mortimer Gakenia Muigai |
Gabrielle Napper
Samantha OKeefe Connor Pinson Alexis Richmond Jadyn Rogers 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 Joyce Woo Shuang Wu Rachel Yang Jeanie Yu Chao Zhang Tina Xia Kara Xu |