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 fourth-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, B.A.

I am a third-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 first 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 junior 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.

Sami Greenfield

I am from Northbrook, Illinois, and am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology. I am very excited to have joined this lab to obtain research experience and work on my honors thesis! I am also an intern at the Benedict Center, specifically with the Women’s Harm Reduction Program. After graduation, I plan to receive my doctorate in Clinical Psychology. 

Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, traveling, plane spotting, Pilates, and spending time with my friends and family, including my cat, Josie.

Jenan Halawa

I am a third-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.

Fernando Lopez

I am a senior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration. I live in Vernon Hills, IL. I am interested in research and pursuing a PhD after I graduate. Here at Marquette University, I am involved in the Evans Scholars chapter, and I play intramural club soccer. During my free time I enjoy listening to rap music, collecting shoes, fitted hats, and spending time with my friends and family. I have also caddied for a summer job for the past 5 seasons at Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest, IL.

Erik Nelson

I am a junior undergraduate student majoring in psychology from Chicago, Illinois. I am very interested in research and eventually hoping to find a clinical psychology program after I graduate. I am a part of the Autonomous Youth Council at Milwaukee Succeeds where we give a voice to underserved communities within the greater Milwaukee area. In my free time I enjoy exercising, reading, and doing work within my community. Following school, I hope to do work in assessment and perhaps therapy later down the line.