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.

MEET OUR TEAM

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.

BROOKE BANDA

Research Assistant

Brooke (She/Her) is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in psychology. After graduation, Brooke is interested in pursuing a career in clinical psychology, working with adolescents or the geriatric population. I am interested in child and senior advocacy, wanting to research ways to improve well-being through psychological intervention and promote awareness for youth and senior mental health.

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.

OREOLUWA ODENIYI

Medical Student

Oreoluwa (Ore) is a medical student at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She earned her bachelor's degree in bioengineering from the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering. Ore is passionate about understanding depression, suicidality, and trauma in Black youth and exploring how family dynamics can provide enriching support throughout the mental health process. Her clinical interests lie in Pediatric Psychiatry and Neurology, with a focus on improving mental health outcomes for children and adolescents. Outside of medicine, Ore is a dedicated music producer and songwriter, blending her love for creativity with her commitment to advocacy and well-being.

ALEXANDRA WINDOWS

Research Assistant

Alexandra (she/her) is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree in child clinical psychology, studying how environmental stressors affect emotional and behavioral development in neurodivergent youth and adolescence. Alexandra hopes to help youth and adolescents adapt to adverse environments and foster resilience.

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