The Team

Who We Are

Maria M.Galano

Lab director

Dr. Maria M. Galano is interested in how early-life exposure to violence affects mental health and development in diverse populations. The goal of her research is to understand how various environmental factors — including family context, social support, and experiences of racism and discrimination — impact exposure to violence as well as shape the development of PTSD and related disorders following exposure to various forms of violence. She then aims to translate these findings to improve the effectiveness of current evidence-based treatments for children with PTSD, as well as develop preventive interventions for children exposed to chronic violence. Outside of work, Dr. Galano enjoys baking, sewing, and spending time outdoors.

Minji Lee

Graduate Research Assistant

Minji Lee is a PhD student in ViTAL Lab at UMass Amherst. Her research focuses on the effects of early life violence and trauma on children and families’ mental health outcomes. She is particularly interested in research tailored to reduce mental health disparities by addressing societal and cultural factors: marginalized identity (e.g., racial/ethnic minority, gender/sexual minority, refugee), perceived discrimination, and the acculturation process. Her current research is an inquiry into the extent to how racial climate and experiences of discrimination affect relationships between adverse childhood experiences, coping, and various mental health outcomes in young adults. She holds an MA and a BA in Psychology from Sungkyunkwan University. She enjoys cooking and good (and spicy) food, traveling, and musical theatre. She is also fascinated by all kinds of plants and flowers.

Ana Uribe

Graduate Research Assistant

Ana Uribe is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology division at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst working with Dr. Maria Galano. Ana is primarily interested in the role trauma plays in the development of psychopathology in children and adolescents. Specifically, she hopes to better understand how intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure may contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress in youth. Ana is also interested in exploring the way that relevant trauma characteristics and appraisals may influence these symptoms throughout development. In her free time, Ana enjoys catching up with friends and family, listening to podcasts, and visiting new places.

Kristin Howell

Graduate Research Assistant

Kristin Howell is a Clinical Psychology PhD student in the ViTAL Lab at UMass Amherst. Primarily, Kristin is interested in understanding the link between early-life stress and psychopathology, with a particular focus on the etiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She is motivated to think about how minoritized identity (along with the systemic and institutional realities it sustains) is relevant in the interplay of various risk and resilience factors that can either thwart or advance the development of psychopathology in the wake of intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure. Kristin hopes to champion community-based research that can provide evidence-based, culturally-responsive interventions for populations exposed to stress and trauma and better understand intergenerational transmission of risk to protect children from cycles of psychopathology and traumatic disruption. In her spare time, she loves reading, eating, and bingeing reality TV.

Anamaría Rey Bollentini

Graduate Research Assistant

Anamaría Rey Bollentini is a Clinical Psychology PhD student at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst working with Drs. Maria Galano and Evelyn Mercado. Her research focuses on how violence and trauma affect mental and physical health. Specifically, Anamaría is
interested in studying how dating violence impacts mental health among the Latinx community. She completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Puerto Rico and her master’s in clinical psychology at Northwestern University. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is also half-Italian. Anamaría likes to bake, read, and travel in her free time.

Juliah Breen

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Juliah Breen is a Senior undergraduate research assistant at UMass Amherst, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services. Juliah joined the lab in the Fall 2023 semester as an ADRAP (Advancing Diversity in Research and Practice) student. She is interested in how early life experiences impact an individual's self-concept and future life outcomes. Specifically, she is interested in how public school disciplinary measures differ between students (based on race, gender, or other factors), and how that may impact the student's overall self-esteem and success. After graduation, Juliah plans to continue her studies in graduate school and become a School Psychologist. Outside of the lab, she was a Teaching Assistant for the Methods of Inquiry course here at UMass, and is the student manager at the Books by eCampus store in the UMass Campus. Additionally, she is a Behavioral Technician intern at a children's behavioral health clinic in her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys biking, yoga, and perfecting her skin care!

Danielle Badoe

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Danielle Badoe is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology (B.S) with minors in Biology and Natural Resource Conservation. Her research interests include how trauma and PTSD from adolescence inform the development of mental health disorders, the effects of biology on mental health, and lastly the impact of racial trauma on the mental health of people in minority groups. Aside from this lab, Danielle also works as a Residents Assistant on campus, a Recovery Bridger at a group home for adults with mental health disorders, and is an ADRAP student. Danielle is involved as a board member for various student organizations on campus including: She is Goals, as vice president, as well as Day By Day University, a podcast that advocates the importance of maintaining healthy mental health habits as POC college students, in which she serves as co-host and secretary. In her free time she enjoys activities such as thrifting, rollerskating, listening to music/podcasts, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She hopes to gain hands-on experience from this lab that will inform her future work as a clinical psychologist.
She can be contacted at: dbadoe@umass.edu

Kim Cruz

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Kim Cruz is a senior undergraduate pursuing a dual degree in psychology and environmental science. She joined the ViTAL lab in the spring semester of 2024. Cruz’s research interests include poverty and immigration’s impact on trauma and family dynamics, as well as the long-term mental health implications of environmental injustices. As a member of the honors college, Cruz is also working to identify a suitable topic for her honors thesis which will unite her two primary interests. She hopes to gain experience in the lab which will provide a foundation for her to contribute to this field of study. Outside of the lab, Cruz enjoys hiking, all things coffee, and gardening.

Sam Ford

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Sam Ford is a Senior undergraduate research assistant in the ViTAL Lab. She is a member of the Commonwealth Honors College and is working towards a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She is completing her Honors Thesis within the lab, which examines the role of social support in the intergenerational transmission of emotion dysregulation in the context of interpersonal trauma exposure. Additionally, she is a teaching assistant for some Psychology courses, including Adult Psychopathology and Clinical Child Psychology. She aspires to gain further clinical and research experience after graduation before attending graduate school. Outside of campus, Sam works as a Residential Counselor at a treatment center for adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. She also has worked at the MetroWest YMCA for the past few years, where she currently is the Assistant Camp Director of one of their summer camps. In her free time, she loves traveling to sunny places, spending time with her friends, and running outside.

Shaheed Abraham

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Shaheed Abraham is a Freshman undergraduate research assistant pursuing a BA in Psychology with a minor in the Arabic language and a certificate in Civic Engagement & Public Service at the University of Massachusetts Amherst . He is interested in clinical psychology and joined the ViTAL Lab as a member of the Research Assistant Mentoring Program, to develop skills and knowledge in research that aligns with his interests. Alongside studying the intricacies of various psychological disorders, his research interests include intergenerational trauma, trauma in early childhood and adolescence, and trauma concerning people from cultures that stigmatize mental health issues. He also works with the Amherst Survival Center, and In his free time enjoys skateboarding, reading, poetry, cooking, going to the gym, volunteering, and exploring nature.

Yasmeen Zureiqi

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Yasmeen Zureiqi is a first year Psychology B.A student in the Commonwealth Honors college. She plans to pursue a certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Yasmeen is currently working on a publication based off of Resolution After Child Sexual Abuse with UMass Psychology Professor, Dr. Wilinsky. Her areas of interest include examining how the legal system impacts children, preventive measures towards protecting children in the legal system, and how adversity in childhood impacts adult mental health. Yasmeen joined the ViTal lab to get hands on experience from being in a lab, and is excited to learn from the other experienced RA’s around her. Besides this lab, Yasmeen is a teacher’s assistant for Adolescent Psychology and is enrolled in a Peer Mentor program with other Psychology majors. Outside of classes, Yasmeen enjoys going thrifting and garage sales, cooking, meeting new friends and traveling.

Isidora Carcamo

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Isidora is a sophomore Psychology major at UMass Amherst and a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, Isidora joined the ViTAL Lab to learn how trauma and violence affect children and adults of diverse cultures and backgrounds. She is also interested in understanding the long term effects of traumatic events on children and alternative ways to treat PTSD. In the future, she hopes to go into the field of Clinical Psychology and work with children. In her free time, she loves to do yoga, read, journal, and spend time with friends.

Rou Chen

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Rou Chen is a junior psychology B.S. and pre-med student in the Commonwealth Honors College. She is interested in how childhood experiences can shape a person’s growth and development and influence their mental and physical well-being. Through the ViTAL Lab, Rou wishes to explore more about how violence and trauma can impact individuals of diverse backgrounds. Outside of the lab, she likes to watch movies, and she also works at the Edwin C. Gentzler Translation Center at UMass Amherst.

Julianna Rocha

Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant

Julianna Rocha recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Julianna is interested in understanding how psychopathology is affected by exposure to violence & trauma and is passionate about discovering new treatments and interventions to improve PTSD and adverse outcomes. Aside from this lab, Julianna was a peer advisor in the Psychology department, a student supervisor for UMass Dining, and is a Mental Health Worker at Butler Hospital. She joined the ViTAL Lab to gain hands-on research experience and learn about current research methodology, hoping to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology. Julianna enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends and family in her free time.

Talia Caloon

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Talia Caloon is a junior undergraduate student at UMass Amherst majoring in Psychology (B.S) and minoring in Biology and Sociology. She is interested in learning how trauma affects the brain primarily in children and understanding how it affects their development. She wants to find ways to help adolescents and adults dealing with trauma and PTSD. She is very excited to get lab experience with ViTAL lab and contribute to meaningful research. She hopes to continue research and pursue a PhD after graduating. Outside of ViTAL lab Talia works at the W.E.B. DuBois Library on campus and the eCampus Bookstore. Talia loves being outside and going on walks and hikes, spending time with friends and family and cooking in her free time.

Felicity Clamp

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Felicity Clamp is a junior undergraduate student majoring in psychology (BA) and a minor in sociology at UMass Amherst. Part of what drew them to the ViTAL lab was the importance of seeing research on trauma in diverse groups and engaging with community members. They are excited to learn from the team around them and get to see the research process. Their research interests are trauma in childhood and adolescence, IPV, and somatic therapy. Outside of the lab they enjoy painting, wood burning, thrifting, and watching shows.

Mariah Christopher

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Mariah Christopher is an undergraduate Sophomore transfer majoring in Psychology (B.S) and English (B.A), with a minor in Japanese. She is interested in Clinical Psychology and plans to go to graduate school to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist. She is currently part of the RAMP Program, and this is her first semester in the ViTAL lab. She is interested in trauma and the long-term effects it has on the brain due to mental illness, and other traumatic events. Specifically, how and why those events seem to affect the brain the older you get, and why there seems to be a decline socially, and mentally due to past traumatic events. In her free time, she loves to workout, write poetry, play video games and journal. She is very excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this lab and cannot wait to gain hands on experience and learn from her peers.

Kristina Pruitt

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Kristina Pruitt is a psychology (B.S.) major living in the Commonwealth Honors College. She plans on going to medical school to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist in the department of pediatrics. She is part of the RAMP program and is interested in learning about psychology research here on campus. Her research interest is in adolescent psychology and how childhood experiences and environment affect behavior. She is also interested in the rise of mental illness, especially after COVID-19, and how this has affected adolescent development. She is excited to be a part of the RAMP program to get hands-on experiences and learn about research through psychology. Outside the lab, she enjoys shopping, watching movies, eating, listening to music, and hanging out with loved ones.

Kaitlyn Chavez

Undergraduate Research Assisstant

Kaitlyn Chavez is a freshman undergraduate student at UMass Amherst. She plans to pursue a (B.A) in Psychology with a minor in Biology and a certificate in Social Work & Social Welfare. Kaitlyn joined the ViTAL lab as a member of the Research Assistant Mentor Program. And she is very excited to be able to gain first-hand experience to be able to develop her knowledge and skills in research. Her research interests include how early childhood experiences influence the development of psychopathology among adults. She also is interested the effects of mental health stigma affecting marginalized communities and looks for ways on reducing it. Outside of the lab, Kaitlyn is involved in the color guard of the Minuteman Marching Band, FSA (Filipino Student Association), and KDC (K-pop Dance Club). During her free-time, she enjoys drawing, reading, listening to music, shopping, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

ViTAL Lab Alumni

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Former Lab Members

Stevaughn Smith, Lab Manager
June Xin Ang, Undergraduate RA
Obinna Asia, Undergraduate RA
Yana Deeley, Undergraduate RA
Alejandra Dilán, Undergraduate RA
Lachelle Do, Undergraduate RA
Fiona Fox, Undergraduate RA
Yingxin Liang, Undergraduate RA
Klarissa Lopez, Undergraduate RA
Timiekka McCants, Undergraduate RA
Nathaniel Price, Undergraduate RA
Lila Rosendorf, Undergraduate RA
Orin Rozenberg, Undergraduate RA
Yae Hyun (Hannah) Song, Undergraduate RA
Darla Sutton, Undergraduate RA
Emmanuella Umoye, Undergraduate RA
Chen Zou, Undergraduate RA
Angela Cubias, Undergraduate RA
Chizaram Asia, Undergraduate RA
Chiao-Min Chang, Undergraduate RA
Lanelle Garica, Undergraduate RA
Kaitlyn Gatza, Undergraduate RA
Raphaela Machado, Undergraduate RA
Elizabeth Powers, Undergraduate RA
Siddhi Sharma, Undergraduate RA
Grace Traboulssi, Undergraduate RA