DEC | Psychology | University of Miami

Students

Bharat Bharat

I am a graduate student working under the mentorship of Dr. Steve Safren in the Health track. My research interests revolve around LGBTQ+ mental health, resilience, intersectionality, implementation science, and developing new interventions aimed at preventing HIV and bolstering resilience in marginalized communities, especially for queer people of color. I am also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and aim to help pass legislation banning sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (commonly known as conversion “therapy”) for LGBTQ+ youth in Florida and nationally. As my research interests and advocacy efforts naturally blend into each other, I was deeply drawn to join the DEC to further promote inclusivity and diversity at all levels. As a new member, I look forward to learning from our DEC members and their collective treasure trove of experiences that help make our department inclusive and inviting.

Joely Centracchio

Hi, everyone! My name is Joely Centracchio and I am a graduate student on the clinical health track working under the mentorship of Dr. Lara Traeger. Within psycho-oncology, my key research interests are in health communication, prognostic understanding, and psychosocial interventions aimed at improving resiliency in this patient population. As a member of the DEC, I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in dialogues centered on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I look forward to collaborating with my peers in the DEC to facilitate change that promotes ongoing growth and education within our department. It is so exciting to begin this important work together as we learn how best to cultivate an inclusive, safe environment for all to thrive in.

Olivia Chen

Hi! My name is Olivia Chen. I am a health clinical student working with Dr. Steve Safren. I am originally from China and have lived in the U.S. for most of my life. I have always been passionate about promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in clinical practices. My current status as an international student also made me aware of the longstanding barriers to getting into a graduate program for international students, especially one as competitive as clinical psychology. Thus, I am eager to share my personal experiences to encourage more international applicants and also help facilitate systemic changes. I believe working with the DEC can help me accomplish these goals.

Denise Chung-Zou

I joined the DEC to hear and elevate others' voices and to celebrate all persons' individual differences. Personally, I have had the experience of merging Chinese and Jamaican cultures as a daughter of Chinese immigrants and a daughter-in-law of a large Jamaican family. In unique ways, my family and I have had to navigate complex everyday social experiences staying here in North America, which fuels my passion for examining the impacts of race and culture in the real world. I am excited to bring my interests in racial identity, as well as my cultural background, to the DEC to generate productive, meaningful conversations across campus and in the local community.

Isabella D’Ottone

My name is Isabella D'Ottone, and I work as a lab manager under Dr. Aaron Heller for the Manatee Lab. I was drawn to the Diversity and Equity committee because I believe creating a more equitable and inclusive academic environment requires thoughtful organization and action on the part of everyone in the community. I hope to aid in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and to learn from the diverse experiences and insights shared by the knowledgeable members of the DEC.

Lang Duong

I am a child clinical psychology student under Dr. Amanda Jensen-Doss. My research interests revolve around the development of culturally sensitive measures, evidence-based treatments, and implementation strategies for ethnically underrepresented populations. These interests revolve around the democratization of the field of psychology as a whole thus leading to my interest and involvement in the DEC. I aim to elevate marginalized voices within the field of academia by demystifying the field's grueling application process and diversifying the future generations of applicants.

Chabely Figuereo
I am a graduate student working with Dr. Daryl Greenfield in the developmental track. I am passionate about ensuring equitable learning experiences for children from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds. Specifically, using early science education to drive high-quality interactions between young children and adult caregivers. Being a low-income, first-generation college graduate, I am also a strong advocate for college access and dismantling systemic barriers to higher education. I am hopeful that in serving on the DEC, I can further promote equity in education in our program and beyond.

Elizabeth Lane

I was excited to join the DEC to help promote equity and access for all members of the UM community. Growing up in San Diego, CA, diversity of all kinds is something that I have valued from a young age and has been a driving force in my career and personal life. One particular area that I hope to contribute my personal expertise is disabilities and disability services. I hope to help foster a community that supports and advocates for all types of diversity and look forward to continuing to apply this to my own research and clinical work.

Tiffany Leung

After attending my first DEC event, I was delighted to discover a team that supports and amplifies the voices of individuals from underrepresented groups. Being part of the DEC has been an excellent reminder that individuals at all career levels have the ability and responsibility to advocate for steps to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and outreach to reduce barriers in academia. I am thrilled to be part of a group that is passionate about improving climate in our department, in the field of psychology, and in science more broadly.

India McCray
I am an adult clinical graduate student working under Dr. Simon Howard and Dr. Sannisha Dale. My research interests include the effects of racism and systemic factors with an emphasis on mental and physical health, socioeconomic factors and quality of life in marginalized communities. I aim to identify factors that lead to informed intervention to support the well-being of minority populations in a culturally responsive and nuanced way. I joined the DEC because I am passionate about enhancing diversity within the field and engaging in a meaningful way while learning from others!

Alexandra Ramirez
I'm Alexandra Ramirez, a doctoral student working with Dr. Yanerys Leon at the Learning and Behavior, Research and Training Lab. I'm excited to join the DEC committee and contribute to the department's commitment to diversity and equity within academia and the community. I'm greatly looking forward to learning and developing skills that will allow me to serve as an advocate for underrepresented groups and highlight areas that need support within my research.

Runan Wang
Hi everyone! My name is Runan Wang, and I am a graduate student in the Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience track, working under the mentorship of Dr. Aaron Heller. As an international student and a woman in STEM, I’ve encountered challenges both academically and socially while adapting to life in the U.S. By joining DEC, I am excited to help create a more equitable and inclusive environment for individuals of all backgrounds. I hope to contribute, advocate, and amplify the voices of underrepresented groups within our community.

Catherine Waye
Catherine Waye is a first-year graduate student in the Child/Family Clinical Psychology program at the University of Miami studying under the mentorship of Dr. Amanda Jensen-Doss. She graduated with a BA in psychology and a minor in public health from the University of Rochester. After graduating, she remained in Rochester to work as a research assistant in a developmental psychopathology lab led by Dr. Patrick Davies at Mt. Hope Family Center. There, she co-founded the Center’s Community Advisory Board, which focused on fostering antiracist research and clinical practices. She then joined the Baker Center for Children and Families in Boston, MA as a Program Assistant. In her role, she provided administrative support to programs focused on contextually competent implementation of evidence-based therapies. Catherine’s research interests lie in strategies for developing a culturally competent mental health workforce. She has secondary research interests in trauma-informed care and measurement-based care.

Lisa Yuwen Hu

My name is Lisa Yuwen Hu, and I was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, before moving to Toronto, Canada to complete my undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. Currently, I am in the Adult track of the Clinical Psychology program, working under the supervision of Dr. Simon Howard. At UM, my hope is to examine how negative perceptions of marginalized groups impact both the health outcomes and access to health care in these populations, to decrease the marginalization of underserved communities. I'm excited to be a part of the DEC to make a difference in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at UM and in clinical practice. I am also excited to learn from this community of like-minded individuals to better myself as an advocate for DEI.

Faculty

Roger McIntosh, Ph.D. (Chair): What drew me to the DEC is the opportunity to learn more about the diverse community that makes up our graduate students, staff and faculty here at the Department of Psychology. It's clear that we all have unique backgrounds that have helped to shape who we are and the type of work that we do. I think taking the perspective of others is a great exercise that allows us to learn how we are 'U'nited by our differences.
Sannisha Dale, Ph.D. (Founding Chair, 2017-2022): As an individual at the intersection of many socialized and often oppressed identities - Black, woman, immigrant, etc. - speaking, facilitating, and leading discussions and changes to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion are actions that I long ago discovered was essential to my existence and survival across spaces be it within academia, research, or social settings. Hence, being the founding chair of this committee was important when I joined UM and continue to be important as I lead my research program, mentor, and teach at the University of Miami.
Jill Ehrenreich-May, Ph.D.: I am very pleased to join the Department's Diversity and Equity Committee beginning the 2020-2021 academic year. I am passionate about women's rights and have been particularly active in advocating for women and mothers in academia throughout my career at UM. As the current Chair of the Faculty Senate's Standing Committee on Equity and Inclusion Committee and an ex-officio member of the University's Standing Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I hope to aid the DEC by sharing the progress and priorities of these companion committees at the University of Miami. I also plan to advocate for undergraduate and graduate student DEC priorities in concert with my role as the Department's Assistant Chair for Academic Affairs and Research, as we work together to create a more just and equitable University and Departmental environment that lifts up and respects diverse voices at all levels.
Amanda Jensen-Doss, Ph.D.: I view the ultimate goal of my research program as addressing issues of inequity, by ensuring that all children have access to high quality mental health services. My goals in joining the DEC were to learn from others in the department about how to ensure those values carry through to the work I do as a faculty member and to lend my perspective and voice to the important work it does.

Meaghan Parlade
I am very excited to join the Diversity and Equity Committee (DEC) to support the Department’s efforts to foster an inclusive environment within the university and our community at large. My passion for this cause stems from a commitment to fostering a society that recognizes the value of diversity in all its forms, particularly within the realms of neurodiversity and disability rights. As the Co-Director of the Autism Spectrum Assessment Clinic and a Division Director at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, I have witnessed the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and individuals with disabilities, particularly those with intersecting identities. I understand how crucial it is to advocate for equitable access, representation, and resources. My goal in joining the DEC is to contribute to initiatives that recognize the strengths, abilities, and unique perspectives of all individuals. This approach not only enhances individual well-being but enriches our communities as a whole. I am eager about the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals who share this vision and will help cultivate an environment that celebrates and supports diversity in every form.
Dr. Yanerys Leon: I’m excited to join the Diversity and Equity committee and contribute to the Department’s efforts to create an inclusive environment for students, staff, and faculty. Professionally, I have a strong interest in mentorship of historically underrepresented groups and first-generation students in academia. Additionally, from both a clinical and research perspective, I have a strong interest in factors contributing to disparities in access to evidence-based practices for marginalized groups. I look forward to the opportunity to learn from and contribute to this community.
Steven Safren, Ph.D.: I decided to join the Diversity and Equity Committee (DEC) as part of an effort to “act locally” regarding the critical need to increase the diversity of scholars in our field, and do what I can to insure that those from racial, ethnic, sexual, gender, or other minority backgrounds feel welcome and supported in our department.
Kiara Timpano, Ph.D.: I am delighted to join the Diversity and Equity committee and to help support our efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding and to foster under-represented members of our community. I was drawn to the DEC as I believe strongly that addressing issues of equity and inclusion for all members of our diverse department is important for improving the overall climate. We all have the responsibility to advocate and promote the priorities championed by the DEC, which will allow the diverse voices that reflect the Department of Psychology--across staff, students, and faculty--to be heard and doing so will allow our group to grow in important ways.

Staff

Costanza Alessio: I joined the DEC because of my desire to enhance our departmental culture and support an environment marked by diversity, equity, and inclusion for all. I am grateful for the DEC as it offers an opportunity to advocate for social justice reform and be an ally for individuals from underrepresented groups both in our immediate community as well as in the scientific field. Working alongside my DEC fellows has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has provided me with an array of skills and a broader understanding that will accompany in my future work and will hopefully support my future DEI efforts.
Dr. Janelle Bacotti: Dr. Janelle Bacotti is a Post-Doctoral Associate in the Department of Psychology and Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) - Applied Research and Professional Development Division at the University of Miami. She is the Associate Director of Clinical Research for the Pediatric Applied and Innovative Research (PAIR) Program at the University of Miami. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Florida, master's degree at the University of South Florida, and bachelor's degree at Florida International University. In the last decade, she has focused on gaining clinical, research, and teaching experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Most of her clinical and research experiences have involved working with young children diagnosed with autism or related neurodevelopmental disorders seeking or receiving behavioral services. Her primary clinical and research interests involve accessibility to behavioral services, establishing early learner skills among minimally verbal children (e.g., communication via alternative modes of communication, listener skills), and toilet training. She differentially prioritizes the mentorship and training of underrepresented students and early career professionals to build capacity among clinical researchers and service providers. She is also a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who primarily focuses on clinical research, which aims to systematically evaluate assessments and interventions while directly benefitting minimally verbal children with autism or related neurodevelopmental disorders.
Isabella Castillo: I am a Miami native and current research associate at the Jha Lab in the division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. After receiving my BA in psychology and French at Johns Hopkins, I obtained my M.S. in Biomedical Sciences at the Duke School of Medicine. The underlying purpose for all my academic endeavors is my desire to serve others, particularly those in underserved communities. Because of this, I am pursuing a career in international studies and policy to advocate for universal access to healthcare. This is also the reason why I have the privilege and honor of being a member of the DEC's Outreach Subcommittee.
Brittney Gonzalez: I was initially drawn to the DEC after attending one of their “Our Stories” events. Hearing and paying witness to people sharing their experiences was incredibly moving and I knew from that moment I had to be a part of that effort. Joining the DEC meant I had the chance to be a part of the work that let everyone have a seat at the table.

Barbara Junco
I am a doctoral researcher working with Dr. Roger McIntosh on the clinical health track. As a member of Miami’s vibrant Latino community, I have witnessed firsthand the systemic health disparities affecting underserved communities in South Florida. This experience drives my commitment to advancing health equity, promoting diversity and inclusion in clinical health research and expanding access to health education for all. My experience working with the Study of Latinos-Hispanic Community Health Study, the largest longitudinal research study on Latino-Hispanic health in the U.S., has motivated me to focus my research on the effects of chronic disease and psychosocial factors on brain health in underrepresented populations. In addition to my research work, I am a mother, feminist, and nontraditional student who is passionate about advocating for women, particularly mothers, who strive to balance family, education and professional goals.
Emma Joy Poole: I currently serve as the Participant Coordinator in Dr. Brian Doss' Couples Lab, which delivers the OurRelationship program primarily to low-income, military, and same-gender couples. My research interests focus on the impact of individual differences in emotion regulation on cycles of conflict between intimate partners. I am particularly passionate about providing help to underserved and underrepresented couples, who often have the highest rates of conflict yet the least access to tailored interventions. While equitable access to health services is imperative for any community's well-being, said access is only effective when the treatments offered actually serve the intended population. I believe that much of the field's future advancement relies on producing research and culturally sensitive solutions that meet the needs of diverse, global populations. I joined the DEC to participate in this larger conversation of identifying and addressing such gaps in the field.
Vandana Sookdeo, MD, EMBA: I joined the Diversity and Equity family because I believe the committee's goals parallel my own personal goals. Improving the climate for current students and faculty from underrepresented groups ensures that these individuals are given the tools to succeed in their respective discipline. Being a part of this committee gives me the platform to be a role model to minority women; whom I can relate to their story, encourage the exchange of ideas and open the barriers of communication in a University environment.

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