John Grych, Ph.D.

My students and I currently are conducting research in two contexts that can promote resilience in youths: families and schools. First, we are working with several organizations in Milwaukee to study sources of resilience in Latine adolescents. We are particularly interested in identifying cultural and community factors that promote healthy development in these youths and their families. Second, we are partnering with Marquette’s Center for Peacemaking and Milwaukee Public Schools to evaluate a program for students at risk for suspension that is based on restorative justice principles and a wholistic approach to mental health and well-being.

Kaitlyn Fredian, M.S.

I am a fifth-year graduate student in the clinical psychology doctoral program. Before coming to Marquette University, I worked within the Developmental Mechanisms Lab at Northwestern University. Within this lab, I worked on various projects regarding child development; examining variables such as irritability, emotion regulation, and language with the goal of identifying mental health risk in children.

My current research interests include examining the different contexts, levels, or systems of support that foster resilience in children who have experienced adversity or trauma. Aside from looking at resiliency and what influences it, I am also interested in looking at resilience more broadly with the goal of expanding on preventative strategies, clinical interventions, and policies.

When I’m not at the lab, I enjoy making art, watching horror movies, and hanging out with my two parrots (Noodle and Moose).

Emilie McLeod, M.S.

I am a fourth-year graduate student in Marquette’s clinical psychology doctoral program. Before graduating from Northern Illinois University in 2022, I worked in the Emotion Regulation and Temperament (ERT) Lab where we investigated relationships between characteristics of parents and their children’s development. Additionally, I worked on a project in the Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Department at the Medical College of Wisconsin looking at mental and physical outcomes of a traumatic injury, as well as how socioenvironmental factors played into recovery.

I am interested in understanding the cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal factors that promote resilience in adolescents and emerging adults who have faced interpersonal trauma, and how these insights can guide clinical interventions.

In my free time outside of the lab, I enjoy weightlifting, cooking, gardening, reading science fiction, and hanging out with my son and partner.

Ellie Kuhlmann, B.A.

I am a second-year in the clinical psychology doctoral program.

Before joining the Resilience and Relationships Lab, I was a research coordinator under Dr. Christine Larson in the Affective Neuroscience Lab (ANL) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I worked on the Pediatric Acute Trauma Trajectories study. This study had the main goal of identifying acute risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among youth victims of trauma. Within this role, I was also a part of the Milwaukee Trauma Outcomes Projects (MTOP) and helped lead the MTOP social media team. 

My current research interests broadly include examining socioenvironmental and individual factors and how they impact mental health, particularly among youth who’ve experienced trauma with an overarching goal of promoting resilience and equity. 

In addition to conducting research, I enjoy going on long walks, reading, going to escape rooms, and petting my cat (Myles). 

Loriann Chavez

I am a senior majoring in Cognitive Science with minors in Spanish, Mental Health Applications, and a concentration in Innovation Leadership. I am planning to attain my PhD and participate in mental health research, focusing on psychological disorders in children and adolescents. I am looking forward to gaining experience in the RAR Lab, particularly due to the role resilience plays in the successful treatment of psychological disorders.

In my free time, I love spending time with my animals (a dog, two pygmy goats, a miniature donkey, and chickens) at home in New Mexico, reading, and making beaded jewelry.

Jenan Halawa

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at Marquette, double-majoring in psychology and political science. After graduation, I hope to attend law school and pursue a career in public service.

I am excited to be part of Professor Grych’s lab and look forward to gaining research and advocacy experience. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, attending concerts, swimming, practicing Pilates, and interacting with animals.

Maeve Pickart

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with minors in French and Family Studies. After graduation, I hope to obtain a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Psychology and hope to work with both adolescents and adults. I am excited to be part of the RAR Lab, where I look forward to working with children and their families to support their mental health and well-being. Through my experience in the lab, I hope to gain valuable research skills and learn more about working with children and families.

Outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, exercising, and playing competitive pickleball, especially when the competition is against my family and friends! 

Sophia Rynes

I am a senior at Marquette, majoring in Psychology with minors in Gender and Sexuality Studies and Family Studies. I am planning on getting a Master’s Degree in counseling after finishing undergrad and becoming a therapist. I am excited to gain more research experience in the RAR lab this year.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, singing in my a cappella group, trying new coffee shops, and going to concerts.