Why did you choose graduate school at IU Indianapolis?
I chose IU Indianapolis because the research in Dr. Jesse Stewart’s Cardiometabolic Behavioral Medicine Lab strongly aligned with my interests in leveraging behavioral interventions to reduce cardiometabolic disease risk in marginalized groups. I was also impressed with the variety of clinical opportunities available through the clinical psychology program and excited to gain specialized training in health psychology.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
My favorite accomplishment thus far has been my master’s thesis. The pandemic had created an urgent need for health disparities research on COVID-19. In response, I conducted a study on the longer-term mental health consequences of COVID-19 infection. Through that study, I gained foundational experience in examining health disparities and identifying psychological targets for future interventions. Additionally, I had the opportunity to report my findings in an oral presentation at a national behavioral medicine conference and in a manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
I love that it has big city perks that are accessible on a grad student budget! I’ve enjoyed exploring the local coffee shops, attending my first NBA game (let’s go Pacers!), and events like concerts and local festivals.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
My research examines the potential of novel depression interventions to improve mental health outcomes and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk, particularly in Black people and people with lower socioeconomic status. For my dissertation, I am examining the effect of a depression intervention that incorporates internet cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) on psychological risk and protective factors for diabetes (i.e., depression, anxiety, positive affect, and life satisfaction) in a sociodemographically diverse group of primary care patients. My findings could demonstrate the feasibility of iCBT for depression in primary care as a diabetes prevention strategy and highlight areas for improvement to better meet the needs of marginalized groups.