Center staff
Biostatistics and data services
- R.K. Elswick, PhD, Director of Biostatistics and Data Services
- Sally Russell, M.S., M.A., Data Coordinator
- Erica Gregory, M.S., Data Manager
- Suzie Zhang, PhD Candidate
Biobehavioral laboratory
- Marty Montpetit, PhD, Scientific Director
- Julie Stillman, Laboratory Manager
- Courtney Carrington, Laboratory Technician
Research Coordinators
Research Coordinator: Christine Huson
Christine is a first year student in the PhD in Nursing program at VCU. She is a registered nurse with a background in neuro-trauma critical care. Christine completed a master of science in the nursing program in 2007 and began instructing nursing students in an undergraduate program in Roanoke, Va. Her interests include the use of alternative therapies to promote health and wellbeing.
Research Coordinator: Johnnie O'Neal
Johnnie is a third year doctoral candidate in the VCU School of Social Work. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the B.S.W. and M.S.W. programs for the School of Social Work. His research focus is HIV/AIDS prevention in adults 50 and older. He received his M.S.W. from the University of South Carolina and B.S.W. from Limestone College. His prior direct practice experience includes working as a clinical social worker with individuals living with HIV/AIDS and medical social worker in a hospital setting. Prior to coming to VCU, Johnnie served as an adjunct professor in the B.S.W. program at Limestone College.
Research Assistants
Research Assistant:Shelika Buchanan
Buchanan plans to graduate in May of 2013 from VCU’s School of Nursing Traditional BS program with a minor in Psychology. She is currently interested in starting her nursing career as a Pediatric or Cardiology Registered Nurse. This is her first experience with clinical research, but she is eager to get started and learn more about the variety of different projects that the center has to offer. Also, she is exploring an interest in research surrounding caregiver stress management.
Research Assistant:Joel Gill
Joel is an Accelerated BS track student here at the VCU School of Nursing. He previously graduated from VCU in 2006 with a BA in English and a minor in Religious Studies. It is currently his goal to enrich his nursing education by seeking experiences that will give him diverse exposure to the nursing field and aid in the development of his inter-personal and professional skills in such a way that he will not only be able to have a fulfilling career but also have a positive impact on people’s lives. He is very excited to be able to make the CBCR part of his journey.
Research Assistant: Hilly Hicks
Hilly is a senior undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. After graduating he plans to stay at VCU and get his M.S.W. He wants to work with children and adults who have ADD and ADHD. He is currently the webmaster/ historian for the Black Psychology Student Association. When not working, Hilly enjoys spending time with friends and his dog.
Research Assistant: Lauren Jimenez
Lauren is a senior in VCU’s undergraduate Psychology program with a minor in Sociology. She will be graduating in Fall 2011 and hopes to continue her studies in clinical psychology. Prior to the CBCR, Lauren served as an undergraduate research assistant in the Mazzeo Lab, of the Counseling Psychology program, where she assisted in examining body image related issues and eating disorder symptomatology. She recently joined the research team at the Psychophysiology of Anxiety Lab, assisting in studies evaluating the effects of expressive writing therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With a passion for both research and the ways in which it can inform treatment programs, Lauren is excited to contribute to the findings of the CBCR.
Research Assistant: Ashley July
Ashley is a Junior in VCU’s School of Nursing. In addition to a BSN, she is pursuing a minor in psychology because of an interest in the way people think and behave. In the future, Ashley wants to specialize in pediatric nursing in order to travel and help children in need of medical care they do not have access to. She also plans on opening a local daycare that has a special emphasis on educating children and their parents on healthy lifestyle choices from a holistic but culturally and socioeconomically sensitive standpoint. She looks forward to having a hands-on experience in research and to one day see the outcome of her studies implemented in clinical practice.
Research Assistant: Supannee Kanhadilok
Kanhadilok is a first year doctoral student in nursing. Originally from Thailand, Kanhadilok came to the U.S. in 2009 to begin her studies. She is interested in exploring adolescent maternal and infant attachment, as she has experience in working with mothers and infants during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period.
Research Assistant: Jordan Kiszla
Jordan is a senior at the University of Richmond where she designed her own interdisciplinary major to study Global Health. By taking this initiative, she’s had the opportunity to study diverse subjects and gain an understanding of health from many different perspectives. This well-rounded approach has shown her that her passion in life is healthcare but is not limited to patient care or even a hospital setting. She is excited to learn more about medical research and how the field is evolving through her work at the CBCR. Jordan hopes to enter healthcare consulting after graduation before she pursues graduate school.
Research Assistant: Teri O'Sullivan
I recently graduated from VCU spring of 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. I will be beginning nursing school this fall at J. Sargeant Reynold’s and I hope to continue on to graduate school in the future, with plans of becoming a nurse practitioner. I look forward to working at the CBCR and the opportunity to learn more about research which is something I haven’t had much hands-on experience with in the past.
Research Assistant: Angela Rathbun
A recent VCU graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Angela has prior research experience working for Dr. Shook in the Social Psychology department doing a recruitment MBSR research study under Laura Kiken. Throughout her college experience she enjoyed research and plans to further her education in Health Psychology or Occupational Therapy. Her goal is to get involved in health by trying to combat obesity or promote a better way of life through nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness. Currently she is trying to get certified as a personal trainer from the ACE program and plans to take physiology and human anatomy courses. She is happy to be a member of the CBCR and looks forward to working and learning more about Biobehavioral research.
Research Assistant: Sarah Seredni
Sarah is a senior in the Psychology program at VCU set to graduate in the Fall of 2011. She loves Psychology and really wanted to see what psychologists and researchers do up close. She is currently working with Dr. Nancy Jallo on the Guided Imagery Study for Pregnant African American Women. Sarah says the CBCR is a great place to get some hands on research experience and it has truly made her Psychology degree more meaningful. She hopes to continue on to obtain her Master's degree in order to become a counseling psychologist for teens and older adults dealing with divorce, family struggles, and death.
Research Assistant: Amber Tate
Amber plans to graduate in May 2012 from VCU’s School of Nursing, Traditional BS program with a minor in Psychology. Her goal is to pursue a Master’s degree and act as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has worked for the School of Nursing since her first year at VCU, but has just recently assumed the role of a research assistant.
Research Assistant: Brittni Trofort
Brittni is an out-of-state junior at Virginia Commonwealth University from Miami, Florida. She is studying Psychology with a minor in Special Education. She currently enjoys helping and finding ways to encourage younger students to succeed and attend college. Brittni plans to graduate in May 2013 and continue her education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy dedicated to Pediatrics. Her long term goal is to open a day care and start a new multi-disciplinary group combining children of all walks of life into her practice. Brittni says she loves the time she spends as a Research Assistant and can’t wait to see where this opportunity will take her.
