Lab Members
Staff
Akshat Gandhi, B.S.
Data Coordinator
Akshat is a research specialist in the Addiction Science Dissemination and Implementation Lab. He graduated from the University of Toronto in Toronto, ON and received a BS in Psychology. Before moving to the United States, Akshat volunteered in the SKIP (Self-Knowledge and Interpersonal Perception) lab at the University of Toronto. He is particularly interested in how evidence-based research can help those suffering from substance use disorders, such as alcohol addiction. Akshat hopes to get a PhD in clinical or counseling psychology and hopes to see clients in the future while continuing to research. Outside the lab, his leisurely interests range from walking and cycling on trails to video games, tech, cars, motorcycles, and standup comedy.
Robin Arnold, B.A.
Project Coordinator
Robin is a research specialist in the Addiction Science Dissemination and Implementation Lab and the Missouri Center for Addiction Research and Engagement (MO-CARE). She graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her research interests include social determinants of health, cognition and aging, stress, health psychology, neuropsychology, pain, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She plans to pursue doctoral studies in psychological and brain sciences. Robin has conducted research in both neuroscience - using functional and structural MRI - and in behavioral medicine, and she has worked as a professional in behavioral health and clinical research. In her free time, you could find Robin growing herbs, veggies, and anything pollinator friendly in her garden, hiking with her dogs, or reading science fiction novels and historical nonfiction.
Research Assistants
Michael Atteberry
Michael is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Missouri. He is majoring in biological sciences and double minoring in nutrition and psychology. Following undergrad, Michael plans on attending medical school. His research interests include substance use as well as the role of dietary changes in obese populations. Michael currently works as patient care technician at the University of Missouri Hospital. He is also involved with RAMS, a non-profit student run philanthropy on Mizzou’s campus which benefits patients who have Multiple Sclerosis and their families. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time outdoors, either fishing or hiking, as well as cooking and watching Mizzou sports.
Catalina Echeverry, B.A.
Catalina is a second-year master’s student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She is studying to become a licensed counselor and hopes to pursue a PhD to one day become a psychologist. In Dr. Helle’s lab, Catalina extracts data from research and also oversees participant recruitment for the treatment receptiveness study. Catalina is interested in working with diverse clients, including immigrants and the Latinx population of which she is a member, who suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance use problems. She currently works as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), where she provides applied behavioral analysis services to autistic kids. In her free time, Catalina enjoys writing, drawing, and spending time with family and friends.
Hope Edwards, B.S.
Hope is a recent graduate from the Psychology undergraduate program, graduating with Latin and departmental honors as well as a minor in Sociology, and certifications in multicultural studies, addiction studies, and neuroscience. They are currently in the graduate program at the University of Missouri for Data Science & Analytics and Graduate Research Intern for the Partners in Prevention (PIP) statewide coalition. Their research interests are addiction studies and harm reductive practices. In their free time they enjoy playing video games and Magic the Gathering with their partner and bonus daughter.
Taylor Iverson
Taylor is an undergraduate student in her third year at the University of Missouri, majoring in Public Health. Her research interests include tobacco prevention and health disparities in urban communities. Taylor works as a Patient Service Representative for University Hospital’s Emergency Department. She is also an intern and Lead Tobacco Wellness Advisor for the Eliminate Tobacco Use Missouri Initiative. After anticipated graduation in December 2023, Taylor hopes to pursue a Master’s and Ph.D. in Social Epidemiology and do research for the government. In her free time, Taylor likes to collect vinyl, thrift, and read.
Delaney Logan, B.A.
Delaney is a graduate student in the Counseling Psychology M.Ed. program. Most of her research interests surround multicultural and social justice concerns, but since joining the lab she has been especially interested in recovery communities as well as substance use in Greek life. Before coming to the University of Missouri, Delaney received her bachelors degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Coe College, located in Cedar Rapids, IA. Later this year, she plans to apply for Counseling Psychology PhD programs, as her ultimate career goal is to have her own private practice. In her free time, Delaney enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as binge watching TV shows.
Andrew Prior, B.A.
Andrew is a second-year student in the counseling psychology M.Ed. program. His research interests center on college students’ well-being and include sociocultural determinants of substance use, spiritual development, and positive psychology. Before attending Mizzou, Andrew studied sociology at Swarthmore College and served with AmeriCorps in Montana and New Orleans. Ultimately, he hopes to earn a Ph.D and advance social justice through both science and practice. In his free time, Andrew runs long distances, cooks elaborate meals, and shouts at the TV during Philadelphia 76ers games.
Jacklyn Vanderbilt
Jacklyn is an undergraduate at the University of Missouri. She is majoring in Psychology and pursuing an Addiction Studies certificate. She is the first in her family to graduate from a four-year institution and is on track to do so with honors. Jacklyn is interested in addiction motivations and treatment. Following graduation, she plans to take a break from school to be a Parole and Probation Officer. After a while, Jacklyn plans to attend graduate school to become an Addictions Counselor. In her free time, she enjoys binging tv shows with her husband and two cats.
Toan Vu
Toan is a third year undergraduate student at the University of Missouri in Columbia. He studies biological sciences while pursuing a pre-med track. His research interests include the relationships between substance use disorders and mental health, as well as the mechanisms of RNA virus-host interaction. Toan is currently working as a mental health technician at a psychiatric hospital. After his undergraduate studies, he hopes to earn a medical degree and work with underserved patient populations. In his free time, Toan likes to tutor local elementary students who are improving their literacy skills, cycle at Mizzou’s recreation center, and paint.
Elizabeth Widiger
Elizabeth is an undergraduate student double majoring in Psychology and Economics. She is applying and hoping to begin working toward a PhD or master's in Counseling Psychology in the fall of 2023. Her research interests include biological and environmental determinants of substance use, decision making regarding alcohol, as well as addiction treatment methods for women. In her free time, you could find Elizabeth cycling or running all around Columbia, reading, cooking just about anything, or obsessing over films.