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Current Lab Members

Penn Lab – Spring 2025

Graduate Students

 

Bryan Stiles, MA

Bryan grew up in Olympia, WA. He graduated in 2011 from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA with a B.A. in religion and simultaneously commissioned into the U.S. Army Reserve. Desiring to learn more about psychology, he completed post-baccalaureate coursework at the University of Washington (UW). As a student intern and then research assistant, Bryan worked on several clinical trials evaluating interventions with populations at high-risk for suicide. Particularly interested in the recovery stories of individuals with serious mental illnesses, Bryan transitioned to work with Dr. Maria Monroe-DeVita at the UW. He coordinated the implementation of evidence-based practices for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, namely Washington State’s early intervention program for first episode psychosis (New Journeys). Bryan’s research interests broadly center around the development and implementation of psychosocial treatments for persons experiencing schizophrenia and psychotic spectrum disorders. His current research is focused on clarifying mechanisms (e.g., therapeutic alliance, engagement) that enhance the effectiveness of digital interventions in first episode psychosis. Outside of the Penn lab, he loves road bicycling, kayaking, drinking coffee, baking, and relaxing with his cat Benny.

 

Research Coordinators

 

Hanna Campbell, MS

Hanna was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University, FL, with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Criminology. She went on to receive an M.S. in Experimental Psychology from Villanova University. During her time at FSU, she worked under Dr. Andrea Meltzer, studying relationship formation. In graduate school, she worked with Dr. Erica Slotter, studying the interplay of health and romantic relationships. During this time, she also collaborated with Dr. Patrick Markey, utilizing AI for the development of personality tests and examining cognitive bias in AI-generated personas. Hanna has also worked closely with Dr. Juliana French on a speed dating study and longitudinal work focused on marital success. She is interested in the relationship between health and romantic relationships.  In her free time, Hanna spends her time cooking, reading a good book, and spending time with family.

 

Undergraduate Research Assistants

 

 

Rathisree Seenivasan

Rathi is currently a sophomore at UNC majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry. She joined Penn Lab in the summer of 2024 as an undergraduate research assistant for the Altitudes Project. After undergrad, Rathi hopes to attend medical school while continuing to be involved in research in psychology and neuroscience. Rathi’s hobbies are running, dancing, weightlifting, and bullet journaling.

 

 

 

Zoya Barnes

Zoya is currently a sophomore majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Biology and Health & Society. She joined the Penn Lab in the fall of 2024 as a research assistant for the Horyzons study. After graduating, Zoya plans to pursue a doctoral program in Psychology to achieve her long-term goal of becoming a professor and principal investigator. She enjoys reading, baking, and working in her hometown cafe in Florida.

 

 

 

Nick Smemoe

Nick is currently a sophomore double majoring in Neuroscience and Biochemistry and minoring in Latin at UNC. He joined the Penn Lab in the fall of 2024 as a research assistant for the Horyzons study. After graduating, he hopes to attend medical school. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, tennis, and reading.

 

 

 

Heidi Dittus

Heidi is currently a junior majoring in biology and psychology. She started working with the Penn lab in fall 2024 as an undergraduate research assistant on the Altitudes project. She is interested in psychosocial interventions for teens with chronic illnesses and social medicine. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career as a physician. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, especially hiking, birding, and rock climbing!

 

 

 

Madeleine Shepard

Maddie is a senior undergraduate student studying Health Policy and Management with minors in biology and chemistry. She joined the Penn Lab in the fall of 2024 as a research assistant for the Horyzons study. After undergrad, Maddie plans to attend medical school and pursue clinical research within her role as a physician. In her free time, she loves going on walks, coloring, and listening to music.

 

 

 

Hazel Wu

Hazel, who uses they/she pronouns, is currently a junior double majoring in Health Policy & Management and Information Science. They joined the Penn Lab in the fall of 2023. They have a broad interest in health, from technological aspects and policies to understanding individual cognition, narratives, and holistic healing. After undergrad, they plan to pursue a PhD in Health informatics with an aim to apply data-centric solutions and technological innovation to inform decision-making and enhance health outcomes. In their free time, they enjoy poetry and rollerblading.