RACHEL VAUGHN-COAXUM, PHD

Principal Investigator

Dr. Vaughn-Coaxum (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Vaughn-Coaxum completed her PhD in clinical psychology at Harvard University and her BA in psychology from Northwestern University. Dr. Vaughn-Coaxum completed her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral training in clinical science at Western Psychiatric Hospital/University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The primary goal of Dr. Vaughn-Coaxum's research is to understand how youths' environmental context (particularly the experience of adverse life events) influences their mental health and response to psychological treatments through changes in cognition and behavior. Dr. Vaughn-Coaxum's work has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), The Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation, and the Sackler Foundation.

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BENJAMIN MILLS, BA, BS

Research Coordinator

Benjamin Mills (he/him) is the ECYMH Lab Research Coordinator. He received his B.S. in Psychology and his B.A. in Theater from the University of Pittsburgh. Benjamin is hoping to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and his research interests include how environmental context and adversity contribute to risk factors for behavioral addictions

KATHERINE JOHNSTON, MSc, MA

Research Associate

Katie Johnston (she/her) is a clinician for the LEADS Study. She received her MSc in Counseling Psychology, her MA in Secondary Education, and her BA in English from Chatham University. Katie's research and clinical interests include how stress impacts physical and mental health across an individual’s lifespan.

BLAYNE BECKER

Research Assistant

Blayne (she/her) is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in psychology and minoring in gender, sexuality, and women's studies. She wants to pursue a PsyD and is interested in biopsychology, developmental psychology, and mental health care. In the future, she hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of those who are struggling with their mental health.

DOMINIQUE CLARK-ENOS

Research Assistant

Dominique (she/her) is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Psychology. She has an interest in trauma as well family dynamics and childhood outcomes. She hopes to pursue a career in family counseling.

SHANNON DAY

Research Assistant

Shannon (she/her/hers) is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in psychology. Shannon hopes to pursue a career with children and adolescents, specifically in the field of school psychology . Her interests include child development, learning acquisition, and childhood trauma. She hopes to be able to support and guide children as well as foster positive learning environments.

JUDAH KASS

Research Assistant

Judah (He/Him) is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in psychology and philosophy. Judah hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology, specifically working with children and adolescents. He hopes to give guidance and support to patients in need and foster better psychoeducation in youth.

THANU YALAMANCHI

Research Assistant

Thanu (she/her) is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Chemistry. She is currently working as a Medical Assistant at Magee-Women's Hospital. She plans to pursue an MD and is interested in psychiatry.

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