Papadakis Lab > People

People

Lab Director

Alison Papadakis, Ph.D.

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With my collaborators, I explore stress, coping, peer processes, psychopathology, and gender. We are interested in questions such as: How do adolescents and emerging adults cope with stress? What coping strategies are effective, and which ones increase vulnerability to psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-injury? What peer experiences induce stress and psychopathology? How can peers serve as resources for one another when they experience stress?

In our work, we see that certain stressors and coping responses are associated with increased risk for psychopathology and also that psychopathology can disrupt coping and peer and romantic relationship functioning. Among the stressors that we have examined are peer stressors such as bullying and relational victimization, but peer processes can also serve to mitigate the risk that stress poses for psychopathology.  For example, our work suggests that certain types of social support are associated with a reduction in risk for depression and self-injury. We are also studying the association between stress, psychopathology, and individual coping responses, such as problem solving, rumination, and mindfulness. In our work, we also investigate how these associations among stress, coping, peer processes, and psychopathology vary by gender and age.

Lab Manager

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Michelle Liu

I am a senior at Johns Hopkins University double majoring in Psychology and Public Health Studies. My research interests lie in mood and anxiety disorders, evidence-based positive psychology interventions, and the synergies between them to improve mental health outcomes. I’m excited to develop valuable skills and insights at the Papadakis lab which I can apply to future endeavors in promoting well-being. Ultimately, I aim to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. 

Research Assistants

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Nicole Keller

I am a Junior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. Prior to being in this role, I graduated with a BA from Georgetown University, where I studied psychology, cognitive science, and government. My main research interests revolve around the implementation of psychological interventions to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services. I am specifically excited about exploring how youths’ access to care can be further supported in community settings.

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Catherine Ugale

I am a senior at Johns Hopkins University studying Psychology with a minor in History of Art. My research interests involve co-rumination, anxiety, depression, and related disorders in adolescents and young adults. In the future, I look forward to receiving a doctoral degree in clinical psychology!  

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Aurora Jackson

I am a junior at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Psychology. My research interests involve mood disorders and coping mechanisms, particularly in children and adolescents. In the future, I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career as a Psychiatrist! 

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Olivia Eads

I am a junior at Johns Hopkins University, double majoring in Psychology and Political Science. My research interests lie in forensic psychology, political psychology, and clinical coping mechanisms. In the future, I hope to attend law school and apply the psychological principles that I learn in the Papadakis lab to serve my clients. 

Alumni