Dr. Brown is a clinical and developmental psychologist whose research focuses on understanding factors that influence the development of children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma. Specifically, her research uses a developmental psychopathology framework to: (1) understand how interpersonal relationships influence victimized children’s risk for developing adverse socioemotional outcomes and (2) elucidate biopsychosocial factors that influence treatment outcomes for victimized children.
Dr. Brown received her PhD in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development where she specialized in Developmental Psychopathology and Clinical Science. She completed her predoctoral clinical psychology internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Child Abuse Pediatrics at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Curtisha is a second year PhD student in the Clinical Community Psychology Doctoral program at the University of South Carolina. Prior to coming to USC, Curtisha worked at the Medical University of South Carolina as a Program Assistant in the National Crime Victims Center. Curtisha holds her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from Florida State University (2018).
Research
Curtisha’s research interests include community violence exposure and how this exposure affects the mental and behavioral outcomes in Black and Brown children and adolescents.
Savannah (Sav) J. Woods is a first year PhD student in the Clinical-Community Psychology Doctoral program at the University of South Carolina. Before coming to USC, Sav obtained her Master of Science in Psychological Sciences at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and completed a thesis project on “The Role of Shame in the Relationships Among Childhood Maltreatment, Fears of Evaluation, and Associated Submissive Behaviors”. Additionally, Sav completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child Development from Florida State University.
Research Interest:
Sav’s research interests revolve around studying maltreated adolescents and how having incarcerated caregivers effects this population. She specifically is interested in identifying resiliency factors that reduce social fears and negative emotions of the self (e.g., shame, guilt) in this population.
Anna Leah is the research/lab coordinator for the STARR lab. She graduated with her BS in Psychology from Yale University in May 2022. Her research interests include adolescent mental health, early prevention of psychopathology, and therapeutic interventions. In the future, she hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, Anna Leah enjoys reading, yoga, and rewatching her favorite TV shows.
Jailah Layton graduated from the University of South Carolina with her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on counseling education in fall of 2022. Jailah currently works as a qualified mental health professional and will continue as a masters student in a clinical mental health program. She is passionate about mental health and learning about different ways it could be implemented in children. In her free time she likes to go hiking, write poetry, and learn new recipes.
Ella DuBard is a senior at the University of South Carolina, currently working towards a B.S. with a major in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. She intends to pursue graduate school in the field of either Developmental or Child Psychology.
Katie is a senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Psychology. When she graduates, Katie plans to attend medical school in the hopes of one day becoming a physician. She is especially interested in pediatrics and family medicine. In her free time, Katie enjoys serving her community, exploring new places to eat, and spending time at the beach.
Miranda is currently a senior at the University of South Carolina, currently studying Biological Sciences and Psychology. She found her interest in child development while taking her Developmental Psychology class and in the future hopes to attend graduate school for Speech-Language Pathology.
Rhoda earned a BA in Psychology from Waldorf University in 2021. Prior to this, she worked with a team to provide evidence-based preventions of trafficking to at-risk youth in Cambodia. Rhoda has also advocated for the welfare and rights of Mennonite women and youth. Her research interests involve child welfare, underserved groups, and policy work. Befriend Rhoda, and she will probably make Mennonite food for you in her free time.
Alexsia Johnson is an undergraduate student studying Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Alexsia passionate about all things related to mental health and social justice advocacy, which is why she is very excited to be working alongside Rhoda on a systematic review examining the friendships of maltreated youth.
Paige is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina majoring in Psychology and minoring in Creative Writing. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school and go on to get her PhD in Clinical Psychology. She is specifically interested in mental disorders and behaviors and is looking forward to pursuing those interests in a career in private practice. Outside of school, Paige enjoys time with her friends, long walks, and greasy food.
Mackenzie Dubberly is a Junior at the University of South Carolina working towards a B.S. with a major in psychology and a minor in neuroscience. After graduation she hopes to go to medical school with hopes of becoming a psychiatrist. In her free time Mackenzie enjoys discovering new cities and coffee shops, swimming, and painting.
Ella is a junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology. She is still undecided on the career that she plans to pursue after graduation, whether that be a Child Psychologist specializing in children with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) or an Animal Physical Therapist. In her free time, Ella enjoys going out to eat, watching shows with her roommates, and sitting on the couch with her dog.
Brenna Calandra is a senior at the University of South Carolina, currently working towards a B.A. with a major in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. She intends to pursue graduate school in the field of Psychology, specifically in community-clinical psychology with a specialization in addiction treatment and familial bonds. In her free time, she likes to workout, read, cook and travel.
Madison Rivers is currently a Junior at the University of South Carolina, working towards a BS in Psychology while minoring in Spanish. Upon graduating, she hopes to attend graduate school to specialize in clinical psychology, with a particular interest in trauma studies. Outside of academics, Madison finds joy in crocheting, cooking up new recipes, and watching movies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.