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Global Engagement

Global database, ph.d. in psychology.

The graduate program in psychology at Georgetown University offers a fully funded five-year, full-time program of study leading to a Ph.D. in psychology. Students in the program concentrate in either human development and public policy or lifespan cognitive neuroscience.

Learn More About Ph.D. in Psychology

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Interested Applicants

Apply to join the lab as a post-doctoral researcher.

We are accepting applications for post-doctoral researchers with excellent computational skills, familiarity with structural and functional fMRI research, and a strong record of research productivity to conduct research on the neurocognitive basis of empathy, altruism, and psychopathy. Please contact Dr. Marsh to inquire about upcoming post-doctoral opportunities and please attach a current CV to your email.

Please see complete information on our post-doctoral position here .

APPLY TO JOIN THE LAB AS A PHD STUDENT

We are considering accepting a new Ph.D. student to the lab in the upcoming application cycle. Please click the link below for more information about applying to the Psychology PhD program, the Neuroscience PhD program, or the Cognitive Science PhD program, all of which are programs through which our lab accepts graduate student trainees.

Please also see this page for my recommendations and advice for potential PhD applicants to my lab, or any lab.

APPLY TO BE AN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

We are seeking enthusiastic, hard-working undergraduate students as research assistants. Please note that we are not able to offer research assistant positions to all interested applicants.

LSAN MEMBERS

Past & Present

Current Members

Paige Freeburg

Marla Dressel

Kate Bohigian

Courtney Brooks

Heather Doherty

Paige Foster

Jeffrey Gao

Grace Hardymon

Cait Jenkyn

Graeme Morland-Tellez

Caroline Palermo

Jessica Visone

Mateo Zoubek

Kathryn berluti, kristin brethel-haurwitz, phd, elise cardinale, phd, leah lozier, phd, lydia meena, katie o’connell, phd, montana ploe, shawn rhoads, emily robertson, phd, hannah savitz, pauline smith, sarah stoycos, phd, kruti vekaria, phd, joana b. vieira, phd, undergraduate alumni, hae min byeon*, col ’11.

Honors Student

Kearney Capuano

Jessica chaffkin*, col ’13, kelly church, col ’13, keri church, col ’13, nicole conrad, col ’19, lauren davis, michael didow iii, yean do*, col ’13, zoë epstein, col ’17, lin gan, sfs '23, brandi ginn*, col ’20, shivani goyal*, col ’19, mollie grossman, col ’12, jennifer hammer*, col ’14, alexandra hashemi, col ’11, arianna hughes, col ’17, sarah khorasani, col ’16, kalli krumpos, col ’12, joanna li, col '23, kyla machell*, col ’10, diana mccue, col ’11.

Recent News & Publications

Global Health Institute

Deborah Phillips

Department of Psychology College of Arts and Sciences

Deborah Phillips is a professor in the Department of Psychology and vice dean of faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences. She is also affiliated faculty of the McCourt School of Public Policy and a member of the Global Health Initiative faculty committee.

Activities include:

• ​Served as first executive director of the Board on Children, Youth, and Families of the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine. 
• Served as president of the Foundation for Child Development.
• Acted as director of Child Care Information Services at the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
• Studies the developmental effects of early childhood programs for both typically developing children and those with special needs.

Learn More About Deborah Phillips

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Our Team: Experienced and Compassionate Providers

Emily Aron, MD

Medical Director of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program

Dr. Aron is a child and family psychiatrist with an extensive background in providing infant and early childhood interventions to families in the DMV. She received her Bachelors in Science in Human Development and Family Studies at Cornell University College of Human Ecology and her medical degree from Georgetown University. She completed her general psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training at NYU. Dr. Aron also has prior research experience, working at the National Institute of Mental Health studying ADHD in young children with Dr. Xavier Castellanos and examining attachment, temperament and neurophysiology at The George Washington University. She has published multiple articles related to adult and children’s mental health in scholarly journals.

Dr. Aron has specialized training in infant and early childhood mental health and is rostered in Parent-Child Interaction Training, Child Parent Psychotherapy and Circle of Security Parenting. She enjoys training the next generation of early childhood psychiatrists and works with child psychiatry fellows who rotate in the Early Childhood Program. She is also involved in teaching infant and early childhood principles through the multidisciplinary professional certificate program at Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies for which she is the co-director of the program that brings together luminaries in the field to teach students from all over the globe.

Dr. Aron’s clinical work focuses on providing culturally responsive and high quality services to families in DC, Maryland and Virginia. She works in partnership with community-based organizations to meet families where they are and can feel most comfortable in receiving care. She is passionate about prevention and early intervention in mental health.

In her free time, Dr. Aron tries inventing recipes that her two school-age children will eat, spending time with friends and family, gardening and getting outdoors. She is also trying to visit every National Park in the United States and has already visited twenty.

Amalia Londoño Tobón, MD, IMH-E® Mentor

Dr. Amalia Londoño Tobón is a bicultural-bilingual, board-certified psychiatrist and researcher with expertise in perinatal, infant-early childhood, family, and cultural aspects of mental health. She received her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree from Stanford University. She completed her psychiatry residency and child psychiatry fellowship at Yale University. Additionally, Dr. Londoño completed a postdoctoral clinical and research fellowship in perinatal mental health at Brown University, and a research fellowship at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. She is currently a faculty member at Georgetown University Medical Center. Her research and scholarly work focuses on understanding and addressing mental health disparities during the perinatal and early childhood period.

She has specific training and expertise in working with families who have experienced trauma and adversity, and parent-child relationship difficulties. She is rostered in Child Parent Psychotherapy, Circle of Security, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. She also has training in Parent Management Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Dr. Londoño was born in Colombia. She is fluent in Spanish and English, and has taken French, Italian, Mandarin, and Hebrew courses. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, learning about different cultures and traditions, enjoying diverse food, and learning new languages.

Erica Coates, Ph.D.

Dr. Coates is a licensed clinical psychologist at [clinic name]. She is a mother of two young daughters and has extensive experience working with children and families experiencing chronic stress. She is a compassionate therapist who takes a collaborative approach to support families in reaching their health goals.

Michael Brachfeld, PhD

Dr. Brachfeld earned his Ph.D. in School Psychology from Tulane University. He completed his Doctoral Internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Brachfeld subsequently completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan University Center for the Child and Family.

Dr. Brachfeld has experience providing clinical services in schools, community mental health centers, university clinics, and hospitals. His clinical interests focus on promoting positive academic and social-emotional outcomes for children and adolescents. Dr. Brachfeld also has extensive experience working with parents to increase the utilization of positive, consistent, and effective parenting practices.

In his spare time, Dr. Brachfeld enjoys playing tennis and running. He is an avid sports fan who cheers on the University of Michigan (Go Blue)! Dr. Brachfeld also enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family

Flavia DeSouza MD MHS

Dr. DeSouza is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Medstar-Georgetown, a Board-certified Adult Psychiatrist with attending privileges at Howard University Hospital, and DEI consultant with Vision for Equity. She was born and raised in the beautiful island of Jamaica. Prior to entering medicine, she was a community and regional organizer who equipped local and regional Church leaders up and down the northeast to advocate for social change and social justice. She completed her general psychiatry residency and public psychiatry fellowship within the Yale Department of Psychiatry. She is the co-founder of Rooted in Transitions project — a platform that focuses on building mental health literacy for Caribbean emigrants. She is able to do this work through the support of an American Psychiatric Association SAMHSA fellowship. She also has interests in early childhood mental health and mitigating the impact of early childhood trauma. Outside of work she enjoys liming, modeling, making granola and learning to play squash.

Marika Martin, Ph.D., LCMFT, CFLE

Dr. Marika Martin is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Family Life Educator who has worked with couples, individuals, and families for over seventeen years. Dr. Martin is a Clinician/Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine and Medstar-Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Martin believes it is a privilege to be part of an individual’s mental health journey. She does not take her role for granted, as she knows that each person she approaches is the expert of his or her life. A systems thinker, Dr. Martin appreciates working with her patients from a holistic perspective.

Dr. Martin earned her doctorate and Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University in Lubbock (Texas), in addition to her Master of Science degree in Child and Family Studies from Miami University in Oxford (Ohio). She has training and experience in the following areas: Marital, Couple and Family Therapy, Law Enforcement, Critical Incident Debriefing Groups, EMDR, Trauma Treatment, Strategies for Coping with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, Sand Play Therapy, Child Play Therapy, Parenting Education, Parent Child Interaction Training (PCIT), Circle of Security Parenting (COSP), Anger Management for Children, and Brain Gym.

Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible – the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family . Virginia Satir

Elizabeth Demeusy, Ph.D.

Dr. Elizabeth Demeusy is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Assistant Director of Research and Program Evaluation at the Medstar Georgetown Wellbeing in School Environments (WISE) Center, where she is actively involved in both research and clinical activities. Broadly, her research focuses on the impact of trauma and adversity on the developmental trajectory, as well as the design, dissemination, and evaluation of interventions to promote wellbeing and prevent long-term psychological maladjustment. Dr. Demeusy conducts applied intervention research in real life settings that is informed by the clinical services delivered, creating a necessary and impactful feedback loop between research and clinical intervention.

Dr. Demeusy also has extensive experience providing evidence-based interventions in under-resourced communities to children, families, and educators. She specializes in infant and early childhood mental health and educator wellbeing. Overall, she is passionate about ameliorating the impact of trauma and increasing accessibility to evidence-based mental health services in community settings. Dr. Demeusy earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rochester. She completed her doctoral internship training through the Child and Family Track at Denver Health Medical Center, and a postdoctoral fellowship through Medstar Georgetown University Hospital.

In her free time, Dr. Demeusy enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, exploring the DMV area, and spending time with family and friends.

Ruthie Arbit, LICSW, MA

Ruthie Arbit, LICSW, MA, is a clinical psychotherapist specializing in perinatal and pediatric mental health. At MGUH, Ruthie engages in research, teaches, supervises residents, and sees patients in the outpatient psychiatry department. Ruthie has worked in a variety of different settings including schools, domestic violence shelters, early intervention programs, and hospitals. Ruthie has a Masters from Columbia University and a Masters of Arts from The Jewish Theological Seminary. Ruthie has done advanced training and received certification in a number of different modalities including SPACE (Yale Child Study Center), DIR/Floor-time model, CBT (Boston University) and Exposure and Response Prevention (Cognitive Behavior Institute).

Ruthie has been published in a number of acclaimed publications including The Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. She has presented at a number of conferences including Postpartum Support International Conference, Mayor Bowser’s Maternal and Infant Health Summit, and Marcé of North America Perinatal Mental Health Conference. Ruthie also teaches courses including CBT for the Perinatal Period and CBT/ERP for Perinatal OCD.

In her free time, Ruthie loves cooking, reading fantasy novels, hiking with her dog, or chasing around her three rambunctious kids.

Yancy Padilla

Yancy Padilla is a child and adolescent clinical social worker. Yancy currently splits her time at the Infant and Early Childhood Clinic and Medstar Georgetown Wellbeing in School Environments (WISE) Program, where she works with youth and families as a School Based Therapist at Washington, D.C. Bilingual Schools. She is also currently involved in research related to understanding how a child’s adversities may impact their ability to thrive in the school setting. Her practice is geared towards early intervention and treatment with pediatric and youth patients with mental health diagnoses including trauma, ADHD, anxiety, behavioral problems, and learning disorders. She has specialized, evidence-based training in the evaluation and treatment of traumatic stress in children and adolescents, ages birth through 18 years. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), master trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trained to fidelity in Child-Focused Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) and trained in the Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) model.

As a native Spanish speaker, she takes great pride in serving diverse and underserved populations across many settings. In addition to this service, she has made it her personal mission to break down language barriers to meet the needs of Spanish speaking families seeking mental health services in a client-centered collaborative and compassionate manner. She has authored and co-authored articles related to children and families with adverse experiences from historically-marginalized communities as she amplifies her clinical expertise and lived experiences of families that she has served and those that she hopes to support.

Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her two wonderful children and granddaughter. She gets re-energized by being outdoors mostly getting dirty in the mud while in the trails, so if you ever see me please don’t be afraid to wave (even if she’s on the ground because she’s known for falling a lot 😊)

Kathy S. Katz, PhD

Kathy S. Katz, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist, with a joint appointment between the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Katz has a specialty in providing evaluation and treatment of young children and their families. She has a particular interest in assessment and intervention with children with developmental risks. Dr. Katz works with families to improve problems with sleeping, eating, toileting, and tantrums. She also provides therapy for school age children to help them better manage anxiety and regulation of emotions.

Dr. Katz has been active on Task Forces of the American Psychological Association to promote national policies towards early intervention for children with mental health problems. She has conducted community-based research to improve outcomes for high-risk infants and their families. Dr. Katz completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Rutgers University. She did her internship at the Judge Baker Center of Harvard Medical School and a Post-doctoral Fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Jessica Ouyang, MD

Jessica Ouyang, MD, is a pediatrician, child and adolescent psychiatrist, and perinatal psychiatrist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Her clinical work currently involves integrated mental health care in primary care pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology. Administratively, she works closely with the leadership team at ECIN/Healthy Steps Program. She received her medical degree from Saint Louis University and completed residency training in the Triple Board Program (Pediatrics, General Psychiatry, and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry) at Indiana University, where she served as chief resident in her last year. She is also a fellowship-trained perinatal/reproductive psychiatrist from Brown University/Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island. Her academic interests include perinatal mental health, general pediatrics, behavioral management training/education, early childhood development/attachment, and medical education.

Travis Spencer

Travis Spencer is a licensed mental health therapist and mindfulness teacher/facilitator, and a graduate of Trinity Washington University with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Over the years, He generously dedicated himself to serving Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) through counseling, adults, teens, children, and families.

Travis is a mental health coordinator for Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (IBme) retreats in Virginia and in California. iBme mission is to provide in-depth, highly relational mindfulness programming for youth and the parents and professionals who support them.

Additionally, Travis established:

The Institute of African American Mindfulness LLC (IAAM). IAAM is a healing and wellness organization that supports the natural capacity of African Americans and Allies to heal and live in an inclusive community devoted to Mindful Living.

The Mindful Teen Circles (MTC) at Georgetown (MTC@GT), Mindful Teens of Color at Maya Angelou Academy at Youth Services Center (MTC@MAA@YSC), and the Mindful Teens of Color at Taratibu Youth Association (MTC@TYA). The Mindful Teen Circles’ mission is to create an inclusive healing-centered community of practice that employs mindfulness to support the psychosocial development of teens (Identity versus Confusion). MTC supports teens by creating a mindful environment to foster (1) physical, (2) mental, (3) social, and (4) emotional well-being.

Travis fosters ongoing relationships and partnerships with Educare DC and Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW.

Social Psychology Graduate Program Celebrates NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Achievements

By Patricia Spillane

We are thrilled to announce that several of our distinguished students have been recognized by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for their exceptional research potential. The NSF Graduate Research Fellowships and Honorable Mentions highlight our students’ commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in their respective fields.

Asha Hinson , a first-year student working under the guidance of Professor Julian Rucker, has been awarded the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.

Yuritza Escalante , an incoming graduate student who will be joining Professor Kristen Lindquist’s lab, also received an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.

Additionally, Natalie Antenucci , soon to be working with Professor Keely Muscatell, has been honored with an NSF Honorable Mention.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based Master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions. The fellowships provide three years of financial support within a five-year fellowship period.

Please join us in congratulating Asha, Yuritza, and Natalie on their outstanding achievements. We look forward to their continued success and contributions to the social sciences.

Title: ‘Part of the Solution’ – Georgetown’s Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs’ Connection to the Environment & Sustainability

For several decades, Georgetown University has been working toward a more sustainable campus community, from solar panels installed on the roof of the Intercultural Center in 1984, to new climate-focused courses and majors. 

In 2022, the Georgetown community marked a major milestone with the launch of the Earth Commons—Georgetown University’s Institute for Environment & Sustainability. The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences partnered with the McDonough School of Business and Earth Commons (ECo) to launch a joint Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Management . And this year, the school is joining forces again to launch a new interdisciplinary master’s degree focused on the environment and international affairs. 

The Graduate School works closely with the Earth Commons, which seeks to shape the future of the planet through sustainability research, education and actions across campus, and to cultivate future leaders in the fields of environment and sustainability.

“I have been impressed by the innovative work of the Earth Commons over the past several years, and by the number of exciting cross-university initiatives they have spearheaded,” said Alexander Sens, dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. “From new undergraduate and master’s degrees to other exciting initiatives at Georgetown and across the globe, their energy and creativity are inspiring.”

Explore the Graduate School’s interdisciplinary environmental graduate programs that faculty are developing, new research projects by ECo postdoctoral fellows, and efforts by an alumna and current graduate student leader to care for our common home.

An Environmental Hub

Over the past few years, the Graduate School has developed new interdisciplinary programs to form future leaders on the world’s most pressing climate issues.

Pete Marra, dean of the Earth Commons, looks forward to expanding educational programs with the launch of the Master of Science in Environment & International Affairs this fall, an interdisciplinary degree developed in collaboration with the School of Foreign Service. This one year program is designed with practical implications in mind: to develop future leaders who can help solve pressing environmental issues grounded in an understanding of the scientific and political factors at play.

The Earth Commons (ECo) is also developing partnerships for internships and career advising in the Capitol area, enhancing students’ professional opportunities and networks, as they expand their presence on the Capitol Campus in downtown Washington, DC. 

“Our focus on the environment and sustainability throughout our academics and operations honors the university’s commitment to Jesuit values,” says Marra, an ornithologist and conservation biologist. “It empowers students, faculty and staff to contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability and stewardship, fostering positive impacts on campus and beyond.”

Last year, the Graduate School, along with ECo and the McDonough School of Business, welcomed a second, larger cohort of Environment and Sustainability Management (ESM) students and launched the bachelor’s in Environment & Sustainability program. 

Kerrie Carfagno, the program director for the master’s in ESM and associate teaching professor in the McDonough School of Business, said the program recognizes the importance of understanding both the business and scientific aspects of the world to address climate change. 

She uses renewable energy as an example:

“It is a business with traditional aspects — profit, sunk costs, ROI, supply chain — but it’s also something that needs to be understood at a scientific level to optimize wind patterns and power transmission, as well as the social justice issues of affordable energy and where neighborhood coal plants were allowed to be built beside,” she says. “We also have to look at both regional and federal policies that slow or enable growth.”

Carfagno also notes that an interdisciplinary understanding of relevant topics motivates both her graduate and undergraduate students to want to make a positive impact in the world.

Students in Action

Every graduate program at Georgetown seeks to create opportunities for students to pursue solutions that make an impact on the real world. Meet an alumna doing policy analysis in DC and a current student serving in a leadership role in GradGov, Georgetown’s graduate student government, who are both active in their advocacy for sustainability and environmental protection.

Passion for Policy

As a kid, Emily Prest (G’23) visited Mount St. Helens Volcano in Washington state. She knew then that she wanted to learn more about environmental science. Prest went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in environment and sustainability from Cornell University and wanted to pursue a career in environmental policy.

By her senior year, Prest knew that she wanted to continue in her studies, which led her to the Master of Science in Environmental Metrology & Policy program at the Graduate School. It would provide the knowledge and hands-on training she needed, including a 10-week summer internship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology or the Environmental Protection Agency. The proximity to policymakers in the nation’s capital was also a major factor. After graduate school, Prest was hired to work as a research and policy analyst at Forbes Tate Partners in DC.

During Earth Month, Prest likes to spend time connecting with nature and engaging in outdoor activities. She also takes time to assess her own environmental impact in the past year and identify ways to be more eco-friendly. Prest urges people to learn different ways to protect the environment and call on lawmakers to support environmentally friendly policies.

“I am reminded that it is up to the generations of today to protect the environment for those of tomorrow,” says Prest.

Focused on Planetary Management

Sebastian Grajales (G’26) is a part-time master’s student in the Emergency & Disaster Management program at the School of Continuing Studies. They grew up in Colombia and completed their bachelor’s in government and international relations at Universidad Externado de Colombia. 

Grajales was drawn to Georgetown because of their interest in becoming a global leader to manage the Planetary Emergency, a strategic approach to better understand and manage the Earth’s biological, chemical and physical processes. They were already a vocal advocate for protection of the planet, working in a variety of positions to support their local communities’ climate efforts. The urgency of managing climate change inspired them to pursue finding solutions to the crisis.

During Earth Month, Grajales has helped Georgetown launch the first-ever Earth Month agenda with educational events throughout March and April. Additionally, they constantly seek out information on Planetary crises, use sustainable products and vote on climate and environmental proposals. 

Grajales currently serves as the Americas regional organizer for The Climate Reality Project , founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, and volunteers on campus as the co-director of the Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee for GradGov . 

They recommend that we each take a moment to stop and think about our answer to the following question: What am I doing to save the planet?

I am reminded that it is up to the generations of today to protect the environment for those of tomorrow. – Emily Prest (G’23)

Researchers on the Forefront

Integral to enacting change for the environment are the people dedicated to research and scholarship. Meet two of the Earth Commons’ postdoctoral fellows: one who is working at the intersection of peace studies and urban planning, and another who advocates for practitioners not only to be viewed as scientists but individuals invested in the betterment of their community.

Inaugural ECo Fellow, MIT Grad

One of the two inaugural fellows at the Earth Commons, Silvia Danielak is originally from Dusseldorf, Germany. She completed her Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology after earning her master’s in design studies from Harvard and an M.A. in international affairs from SciencesPo in Paris, France.

Her doctoral studies focused on urban and regional planning, infrastructure building, environmental management and their roles in peacebuilding strategies. Danielak has a variety of experiences working in the field of international development.

She is currently working on a research project with Professor Meredith McKittrik in the Department of History, who teaches courses on environmental history and environmental justice, among other topics. Together, they are looking at social imaginaries and contestation around the decarbonization infrastructure in Morocco and Namibia, for which they received the 2023 ECo Impact Award .

This summer, Danielak will be joining the faculty at George Mason University as an Assistant Professor at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Interdisciplinary Scientist and Scholar

A marine visual ecologist, Tom Iwanicki completed his Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Originally from Calgary in Alberta, Canada, Iwanicki completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria. He is completing his first year of the ECo postdoctoral fellowship.

His research focuses on the survival strategies of neuston, surface-dwelling animals, an often overlooked community, he says. Drawing on multiple disciplines, such as physics, oceanography, biology, ecology and engineering, Iwanicki’s research explores the benefits and drawbacks of neuston camouflage techniques to avoid predators both above and below water. They are largely affected, he says, by human impacts, including marine debris that most often manifests in gyres, more infamously known as garbage patches. 

“ I advocate for a holistic approach to science, where practitioners are viewed not merely as ‘scientists,’ but as individuals with ties to their communities,” Iwanicki says. “Whether through outreach, education, advocacy or influencing policy, I firmly believe that scientists have a significant role to play beyond data analysis and reporting.”

While he has another year left in the fellowship, Iwanicki hopes to launch his research in visual ecology and teaching at the university level.

I advocate for a holistic approach to science, where practitioners are viewed not merely as ‘scientists,’ but as individuals with ties to their communities. – Tom Iwanicki

Looking Ahead

Interdisciplinary expertise is one of the biggest focuses at the Earth Commons. As climate change, biodiversity loss and other compound environmental issues continue to persist, it will require more than just a one-dimensional solution to issues that affect every species on the planet.

Awareness is the first step, and Georgetown has launched numerous eco-friendly initiatives for students to engage with across campus, like the Hoya Harvest Garden and NatureRx , and hosted joint event series, like Voices on the Environment and the Earth Month Series .

In the next few years, Dean Marra hopes to continue the meaningful work that the Earth Commons has been doing.

“Our students want to be part of the solution,” Marra says. “It’s just the right thing to do: people look at Georgetown to lead. We can, and we will.”

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Psychology and neuroscience graduate will focus on mental well-being of youth

Firsthand internship experience with children with mental health challenges shaped eliza joy's decision to pursue a doctorate in school psychology.

Photo courtesy of Eliza Joy

Editor’s note:  This story is part of a series of profiles of  notable spring 2024 graduates .

Career-connected learning made all the difference in Eliza Joy’s undergraduate education at ASU.

In addition to double majoring in psychology in the School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology at the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts , and neuroscience at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences , she gained intensive, real-world experiences during two internships: as a counseling aide and social science technician.

While interning at Desert Visions Youth Wellness Center , a Native American youth substance abuse treatment facility, Joy said she learned how factors such as poverty, generational trauma, addiction and a lack of mental health resources can significantly impact nearly every area of health and education.

“My two incredible internships were integral to my success during my undergraduate education,” noted Joy, who is one of three graduates being honored as an inaugural Dean’s Medalist in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts this spring. The college's Dean’s Medalists are honored for their display of exemplary academic achievement and record of leadership and service.

These experiences motivated her to continue learning in this arena and in the fall, she will pursue school psychology as a doctoral student at the University of South Carolina.

Question: Did a scholarship help fund your academic journey at ASU?

Answer: The Medallion Scholarship Program helped fund my academic journey at ASU and played a big role in my success as a student. Not only did MSP help relieve some of the financial burdens of my studies, but the program also provided me with an immense amount of support and community. The scholarship program prides itself on academic success, leadership, and community service and has helped me grow in all of those areas throughout my years at ASU.

Q: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the fields you majored in?

A: A huge “aha” moment that solidified my passion for the field was my experience interning for Advanced Therapeutic Solutions for Anxiety, a mental health clinic that specializes in anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and selective mutism. I had the opportunity to work with children with selective mutism in the intensive exposure therapy process as a psychological confederate. During my time there, I worked as a psychological confederate and in that role, I was used as a therapeutic tool for those who had selective mustism in exposure therapy sessions. Here, I learned about the importance of early intervention and the significant role that educational systems play in the well-being of students. 

During Adventure Camp, a week-long exposure therapy session, I asked my camper, “What was your favorite part of the day?” They looked up at me, smiled, and replied, “You!” Out of all the fun things we did that day, which included a trip to the ice cream parlor, I had made a positive impact on their day and enough of an impact to be considered one of the best parts. That is my “why” when I am asked why I chose the path I am on now.   

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom, lab or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: One of the most important lessons I learned during my time at ASU is that I — and you — can do hard things. Life and college are full of challenges, but in embracing the things that encompass our human experience, we find ourselves. Growth is uncomfortable, but it is incredibly beautiful, too.  

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because of its renowned psychology programs, extensive connections, and significant research. Arizona will always be my home!        

Q: What was your most interesting moment, story or accomplishment at ASU?

A: One of my favorite moments in my ASU journey was being elected to represent the Polytechnic campus as Homecoming Royalty on ASU’s Homecoming Court. I had the best time celebrating ASU traditions, meeting new people, and bringing electric energy to all of the Homecoming events! Having the opportunity to be a part of Homecoming in such a unique way was truly one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU and what was it?

A: Professor Bryan Camp gave me a lot of incredible advice throughout my years at ASU, spanning from academic support to overall personal well-being. One of the most important lessons he taught me was the value of lifelong learning and how important and exciting it is to continue to grow your knowledge, experiences and yourself.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Trust yourself to figure life out as you go. Your early 20s are hard, and if there is one thing I’ve learned as a student success coach at ASU, it is that everybody puts so much pressure on the need to know exactly where they will end up. You will discover your path. Trust your own journey and timeline, as they belong to you.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus?

A: During the cooler months, I loved to study by the water fountain outside of the Student Union at the Polytechnic campus. During the warmer months, I loved hanging out with my friends by the Starbucks at the Student Union and listening to the students' hustle and bustle.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I will pursue a PhD in school psychology with an emphasis in pediatric health and integrated care at the University of South Carolina. In the future, I want to work on a panel of health care providers to take an interdisciplinary approach to the well-being of children by supporting those who struggle with serious health conditions as they transition back into an educational setting.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would focus on optimizing the success of our future generations by way of our educational systems. I think it is important not only to deliver quality education but also to integrate structured support systems, interventions, and programs for developing life skills, especially regarding mental health. The mind and the body work together and influence each other in nearly every capacity, and I believe we could do a lot to set up our future generations for successful and healthy lives. I don’t know if $40 million would solve this problem, but it would be an awesome start!

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Clinical Psychology

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Psy.D. In Clinical Psychology

Welcome to the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program at Florida Institute of Technology. The program at Florida Tech that leads to a Psy.D. in clinical psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association* and offers students training based on a practitioner-scholar model that prepares students for entry-level positions as clinical psychologists.  To achieve that goal, we are committed to training students with strong and continually developing clinical competencies, whose clinical work is informed by the scientific and theoretical knowledge base of the discipline of psychology, and whose graduates respect and value cultural and individual difference, and who maintain the highest professional principles and standards.

What Makes Florida Tech's Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Stand Out?

• Accredited by the American Psychological Association* since 1983
• Opportunities for advanced coursework and practica in emphasis areas: Neuropsychology, Child/Family, Integrated Behavioral Health, and Forensic.
• In-depth training in psychological assessment and integrated psychodiagnostics
• Curriculum that addresses current trends in psychology including Integrated Behavioral Health Care, Clinical Neuropsychology, Assessment, Trauma and Child Psychology
• On-site practicum training facility
• A large network of community-based practicum sites offering many different training opportunities
• Good student-to-faculty ratio, with annual cohorts of approximately 20
• Colleague-in-training atmosphere
• Excellent internship match rate
• Flat-rate tuition program
• Warm climate, great location, close to beaches
• Relatively low cost of living, ample and reasonably priced housing available off campus

Our program leading to a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology trains students to become practicing clinical psychologists with core competencies in relational/clinical skills, comprehensive psychological assessment, clinical treatment interventions, research and evaluation skills, consultation and education, management and supervision, and diversity issues.

We have several opportunities for advanced course work. These areas are:  

• Family/Child Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Clinical Neuropsychology
• Integrated Behavioral Healthcare/Health Psychology  

Admission Requirements

An applicant must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Although it is not necessary for the major area to have been psychology, it is required that those entering without a previous degree in psychology will have completed at least 18 credit hours of psychology coursework at the time of application. These courses must have been taken in a department of psychology, and should include statistics, personality theory, abnormal psychology, learning, physiological psychology and social psychology.

All application materials must be received by December 1 of each year.

Visit the graduate admissions information page for all the information you need to apply to the program. Admissions applications must include transcripts, GRE general test scores, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV.

Students we will consider for admission will receive an invitation approximately two weeks prior to our Interview Day, typically held in February. Attendance at Interview Day is VERY strongly recommended.

*Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone: (202) 336-5979 Email: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Clinical Program

Clinical Psychology, Psy.D

APA Student Data

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Clinical Psychology Information

Info Session: Funding a Clinical Doctoral Degree

2023-2024 PsyD Program Addendum

2023-2024 SOP Grad Handbook

Established by the Georgetown University College of Arts & Sciences in 1967, the Department of Psychology is an intellectually diverse community of scholars engaged in research addressing psychological processes at the levels of mind, brain, and society.

Mission & History

We strive for excellence in our scholarship and teaching, and we seek to cultivate in our students a dedication to the highest standards in their endeavors. We are committed to collaboration within and across disciplinary boundaries, and to sustaining professional links with relevant local, national, and global organizations.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Georgetown Department of Psychology’s DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Committee is committed to fostering an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and provided with equitable opportunities to thrive.

Psychology Department News

Faculty News, News, News Story

Matthew Kiely receives Honorable Mention in NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Competition

April 4, 2024 — Matthew Kiely received an Honorable Mention in the 2024 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) competition.…

April 4, 2024

Mike Slipenkyj successfully defends his dissertation

March 26, 2024 — Mike Slipenkyj succeeds in defending his doctoral…

April 1, 2024

Dr. Anna Johnson is promoted to full professor

March 12, 2024 — Dr. Anna Johnson has been promoted to full professor at Georgetown University and has recently published an paper on public…