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.
Chizaram Asia
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Chizaram Asia is a fourth-year undergraduate student working toward a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is most interested in cognition, behavioral neuroscience, the comorbidity of maladaptive daydreaming, and the mental health of children. She joined the ViTAL Lab to learn about current methods of research used to identify consequences of violence and trauma as well as to assess and understand the interventions used to improve the physiological outcomes of child victims of violence and trauma and how they may be tailored to produce better outcomes. Outside of academics, Chizaram immerses herself in music production, songwriting, sewing, and reading various works of literature.
Chizaram Asia
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Chizaram Asia is a fourth-year undergraduate student working toward a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is most interested in cognition, behavioral neuroscience, the comorbidity of maladaptive daydreaming, and the mental health of children. She joined the ViTAL Lab to learn about current methods of research used to identify consequences of violence and trauma as well as to assess and understand the interventions used to improve the physiological outcomes of child victims of violence and trauma and how they may be tailored to produce better outcomes. Outside of academics, Chizaram immerses herself in music production, songwriting, sewing, and reading various works of literature.
Danielle Badoe
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Danielle Badoe is a junior 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
Juliah Breen
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Juliah Breen is a Junior undergraduate student at UMass Amherst, pursuing a BA in Psychology and a certificate in Medical Humanities. Outside of the lab, she works at the UMass Recreation Center, and is the student manager at the Books by eCampus store in the UMass Campus. Juliah is interested in the ways in which early childhood events and experiences may impact one’s development throughout their life. She hopes to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology, particularly in Applied Behavior Analysis. In her free time, she enjoys biking, yoga, and perfecting her skin care!
Chiao-Min Chang
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Chiao-Min Chang is a fourth-year undergraduate student working towards a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She further explores her academic interest in psychology by actively contributing her efforts to the projects in the ViTAL Laboratory as an undergraduate research assistant. She joined the team in 2022 to explore how exposure to different types of violence can affect individuals’ mental health at varying ages and the trauma that ensues afterwards, since she is very passionate about bringing attention to the importance of mental health, identifying the factors of violence that may affect mental health, and finding important results concerning mental health that can potentially help the society to expand their knowledge on this topic. Her effort to educate her peers and the public on the significance of mental wellbeing took place since high school, where she has been proactively advocating for students’ mental wellbeing through her positions as both a student representative in the Mental Health Advisory Committee and a president in a club she founded called Student Mental Health Committee. She aims to gain hands-on experiences in the field of research and expand her knowledge on trauma and its relationship to mental health. Outside of academia, Chiao-Min enjoys many activities that involve food, such as cooking, baking, and tasting them. She also enjoys participating in various forms of exercise like swimming and playing badminton. On top of those personal hobbies, she loves reading classic literature like Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, and The Crucible by Arthur Miller. She likes to stimulate her visual sensory system with either adventure-themed or horror-themed movies (or both!).
She can be contacted at chiaominchan@umass.edu.
Kim Cruz
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kim Cruz is a junior 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 Junior undergraduate research assistant in the ViTAL Lab working towards a BS in Psychology. She is interested in the effects of early childhood trauma, especially as they manifest in the adolescent years. Of particular fascination is understanding the multifinalities of trauma and how early intervention can prevent negative outcomes. Sam plans to pursue a career and education in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, Sam enjoys working with children at the YMCA, running, and being spontaneous with her friends.
Lanelle Garcia
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Lanelle García is a senior Public Health and Psychology B.S student in the Commonwealth Honors College and completing a 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in Public Health for Health Policy and Management. Her research interests include developmental psychopathology, trauma, and resilience specifically in populations of color. This year, she is completing her honors thesis, which will explore the makeup and impact of social support networks on the resilience of women of color who have experienced interpersonal trauma. Besides research, Lanelle is interested in fashion, music and other forms of creative expression. You can catch her at the WMUA as a radio host or in Latino Christian Fellowship as a club leader.
Kaitlyn Gatza
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Katie Gatza is a Senior double major in Psychology (BA) and Sociology (BA). She is President of UMass' Student Athlete Advisory Committee; founder of New2Chnge, a community engagement resource board; and a student of the ADRAP program, which explores avenues of promoting diversity in psychological research and practitioners. She joined the ViTAL as an undergraduate research assistant to learn about youth mental health and development, and the intricacies of community led research. Outside of this lab, she is a member of the UMass Rowing team, a volunteer at the Amherst Survival Center, and loves to read!
Raphaela Machado
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Raphaela Machado is a Senior undergraduate research assistant in the ViTAL Lab at University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Education, and is working toward certificates in Developmental Disabilities & Human Services and Social Work & Social Welfare. Her research interests include understanding the impact of violence and trauma amongst adolescents particularly in women of color, the adverse effects of intimate partner violence/ trauma in the home, and the need for appropriate mental health resources for marginalized communities. Aside from this lab, she also works for the Center for Women and Community in Amherst, MA and is a member of the Diversity in Psychology Club. In her free time, she enjoys cooking (a new hobby of hers), thrifting, and spending time with her friends.
Elizabeth Powers
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Elizabeth Powers is an undergraduate research assistant in the ViTAL Lab and a fourth-year student at UMass Amherst. She is working toward a dual degree in Psychology and Community Education/Social Change while also pursuing a certificates in Developmental Disabilities & Human Service and Social Work & Social Welfare. Her research interests include examining how adversity correlates with various physical and mental health outcomes in early development, specifically within marginalized communities. She is currently completing her honors thesis which examines the relationship between childhood discrimination and adult mental health outcomes and substance use behaviors. In addition to being a Research Assistant, Elizabeth is currently a Peer Advisor and Coordinator in the Commonwealth Honors College and worked as a Resident Assistant on campus for two years. Outside of classes and work commitments, Elizabeth enjoys anything and everything to do with the outdoors, specifically hiking and skiing, spending time with friends and loved ones, and exploring new music.
She can be contacted at eapowers@umass.edu.
Siddhi Sharma
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Siddhi Sharma is a Sophomore undergraduate research assistant. She is double majoring in Psychology on the Neuroscience track and Biology on the Pre-Med track. Siddhi is excited to get hands on lab experience and finds it interesting how the ViTAL lab focuses on the affects of violent and trauma across all ages with a particular interest in how violence and trauma affect children and young adults. Outside of lab, Siddhi is involved in UNICEF, the Neuroscience club, and the Genetics club. She also loves to dance and and spend time with nature.
Grace Traboulssi
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Grace Traboulssi is a senior attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Grace studies Psychology and Sociology and is pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy after she graduates. She is a member of the Developmental Disabilities & Human Services program and the Special Olympics. She joined the ViTAL lab as an undergraduate research assistant, seeing it as an opportunity to gain experience in the field of research and broaden her knowledge regarding the adverse effects domestic violence & trauma have on adults and children of diverse ethnic & racial backgrounds
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.
ViTAL Lab Alumni
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Former Lab Members
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Stevaughn Smith, Lab Manager
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June Xin Ang, Undergraduate RA
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Obinna Asia, Undergraduate RA
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Yana Deeley, Undergraduate RA
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Alejandra Dilán, Undergraduate RA
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Lachelle Do, Undergraduate RA
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Fiona Fox, Undergraduate RA
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Yingxin Liang, Undergraduate RA
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Klarissa Lopez, Undergraduate RA
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Timiekka McCants, Undergraduate RA
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Nathaniel Price, Undergraduate RA
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Lila Rosendorf, Undergraduate RA
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Orin Rozenberg, Undergraduate RA
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Yae Hyun (Hannah) Song, Undergraduate RA
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Darla Sutton, Undergraduate RA
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Emmanuella Umoye, Undergraduate RA
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Chen Zou, Undergraduate RA
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Angela Cubias, Undergraduate RA