Caio Clauson (He/Him), Undergraduate Student, Old Dominion University
Caio Clauson is an undergraduate student at Old Dominion University, and he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in human services with a spring 2027 graduation date. He has worked with the Armed Services YMCA as an intern in a program that helps children from military families cope with the increased difficulties they may face called Operation Hero. He has as also worked with the ASYMCA as a summer camp counselor and intends to complete a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling after he graduates.
Elizabeth McElrath (She/Her), Undergraduate Student, Old Dominion University
Elizabeth is an undergraduate student at Old Dominion University, intending to double major in Psychology and Professional Writing. Elizabeth worked professionally as an EMT for five years, where she provided care to a variety of patients, including those in crisis. She is a certified tissue banking specialist with the American Association of Tissue Banking (AATB). Elizabeth currently works with a non-profit organization. Initially, she supported grieving families after losing a loved one, but now she works in the Quality Assurance department. Elizabeth hopes to go into medical/scientific writing.
Kathryn Loschert (She/They), Undergraduate Student, Old Dominion University
Kathryn is an undergraduate student at Old Dominion University, majoring in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. They are an active member and the president of Old Dominion University’s chapter of Psi Chi. After graduation, Kathryn plans to continue working in research labs then pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Kathryn is gaining clinical experience by working with adolescents in residential treatment. In the future, Kathryn hopes to conduct research on youth at risk for suicide in a hospital or academic setting.
Haneeta Parakala-Jain (She/Her), High School Student, Princess Anne High School
Haneeta is a senior in the International Baccalaureate Program at Princess Anne High School. She plans to double major in psychology and neuroscience and eventually pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Her interests include adolescent mental health, brain development, and understanding the psychological and neurological factors that influence adolescent well-being. As a research assistant in the Youth Risk and Resilience Lab under Dr. Cassie Glenn, Haneeta hopes to gain meaningful experience in psychological research, strengthen her research skills, and develop a deeper understanding of adolescent mental health. She believes this experience will provide a valuable foundation for her future studies and career in clinical psychology.
Conner Smith (He/Him), High School Student, Landstown High School
Conner is currently a senior at Landstown High School. In college, he plans to major in cognitive science with a minor in computer science or data science. His future plans include going into the technology industry, working to promote digital literacy and reduce the negative impacts of the digital world on mental health. Although, he would like to pursue a PhD in psychology one day. Beyond the lab, he is a student ambassador for NAMI Coastal Virginia and a member of the Virginia Beach Public Schools Mental Health Task Force. As a research assistant, he hopes to learn more about the connection between data science and psychology, while also gaining hands on research experience.