Get to Know Your Representatives
Emerging Scholars Committee Co-Chairs
Laura Wray-Lake, Executive Council (2008-2012)
Laura is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the School of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences at Claremont Graduate University. Prior to graduating in May 2010 with a Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Studies from the Pennsylvania State University, she obtained a M.S. in Experimental Psychology in 2004 from Bucknell University and a B.A. in Psychology from Wake Forest University with honors in 2002. Taking a positive approach to development, her research focuses on adolescent civic development and the role of the family in cultivating these values. Recent studies have focused on processes of value socialization within families, longitudinal patterns in adolescents’ values of social responsibility, and links from values to adolescents’ socially responsible outcomes. A sub-theme of her work involves examining social responsibility as a potential protective factor for substance use. Laura can be contacted at laura.wray-lake@cgu.edu.
Laura is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the School of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences at Claremont Graduate University. Prior to graduating in May 2010 with a Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Studies from the Pennsylvania State University, she obtained a M.S. in Experimental Psychology in 2004 from Bucknell University and a B.A. in Psychology from Wake Forest University with honors in 2002. Taking a positive approach to development, her research focuses on adolescent civic development and the role of the family in cultivating these values. Recent studies have focused on processes of value socialization within families, longitudinal patterns in adolescents’ values of social responsibility, and links from values to adolescents’ socially responsible outcomes. A sub-theme of her work involves examining social responsibility as a potential protective factor for substance use. Laura can be contacted at laura.wray-lake@cgu.edu.Carolyn R. Spellings, Executive Council (2010-2014)
Carolyn is doctoral student in the Child and Family Studies Department at the University of Tennessee, having received her master’s degree in the same department in August, 2009. Her scholarly interests center on the development of female adolescents, and particularly how that development is impacted by social and political contexts. To that end, she is engaged in projects examining the roles of family, peers, and community in the development of U.S. females, as well as projects analyzing the economic, political, and individual influences on female adolescents’ political activism in regions of the world beset by political conflict. Carolyn can be contacted at cspellings@gmail.com.
Emerging Scholars Committee Members
Jordan Bechtold, Nominations Committee (2010-2012)
Jordan is a Developmental Psychology Ph.D. student at UC Irvine and earned her B.S. from UC Berkeley in 2006. Her research interests concern the biological and contextual factors that contribute to the development and perpetuation of antisocial and delinquent behaviors in adolescence. Additionally, she is interested in the legal world of adolescents (e.g., transfer to adult court, competence to stand trial, adolescence as a potential mitigating factor). Jordan may be contacted at jbechtol@uci.edu.Josafá Cunha, Membership Committee (2010-2014)
Josafá Moreira da Cunha is currently a doctoral student in Education at the Federal University of Paraná, in Brazil. He holds a B.A. (Psychology) and M.E. (Education) degree from the Federal University of Paraná. His research primarily focuses on peer relations, specifically in regard to its influence on school adjustment during adolescence. Currently Josafá serves as the editor of the ISSBD E-newsletter. Josafá can be contacted at josafas@gmail.com.
Josafá Moreira da Cunha is currently a doctoral student in Education at the Federal University of Paraná, in Brazil. He holds a B.A. (Psychology) and M.E. (Education) degree from the Federal University of Paraná. His research primarily focuses on peer relations, specifically in regard to its influence on school adjustment during adolescence. Currently Josafá serves as the editor of the ISSBD E-newsletter. Josafá can be contacted at josafas@gmail.com.Andrea Finlay, Ad-Hoc Emerging Scholars Committee Member (2010-2012)
Andrea is a doctoral candidate in Human Development and Family Studies at The Pennsylvania State University. In 2006, she received an M.A. in Developmental Psychology from San Francisco State University. She earned her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Field Studies from the University of California, Berkeley in 2002. Andrea’s research focuses on the co-occurrence of civic engagement and risk behaviors (e.g., alcohol use) during adolescence and the transition to adulthood. Her dissertation will examine the impact of adolescent alcohol use on civic engagement in adolescence and across adulthood and the implications these behaviors have on adult health outcomes. She may be contacted at akf134@psu.edu
Andrea is a doctoral candidate in Human Development and Family Studies at The Pennsylvania State University. In 2006, she received an M.A. in Developmental Psychology from San Francisco State University. She earned her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Field Studies from the University of California, Berkeley in 2002. Andrea’s research focuses on the co-occurrence of civic engagement and risk behaviors (e.g., alcohol use) during adolescence and the transition to adulthood. Her dissertation will examine the impact of adolescent alcohol use on civic engagement in adolescence and across adulthood and the implications these behaviors have on adult health outcomes. She may be contacted at akf134@psu.eduMaria I. Iturbide, Publications Committee (2008-2012)
Maria I. Iturbide is a doctoral candidate at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in the Developmental Psychology program. Her research focuses on understanding factors associated to the well-being of Latino youth. Specifically, her work concentrates on ethnic identity development and cultural factors, and their link to adolescent risk behavior. She is an active member of the Latino Research Initiative at UNL and serves on the Society for Research on Adolescence Publications Committee. Maria can be contacted at isiar@hotmail.com.
Maria I. Iturbide is a doctoral candidate at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in the Developmental Psychology program. Her research focuses on understanding factors associated to the well-being of Latino youth. Specifically, her work concentrates on ethnic identity development and cultural factors, and their link to adolescent risk behavior. She is an active member of the Latino Research Initiative at UNL and serves on the Society for Research on Adolescence Publications Committee. Maria can be contacted at isiar@hotmail.com.
Lauren Kelly O'Hara, Awards Committee (2008-2012) 
Lauren is a Ph.D. student in Child Clinical Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. She graduated with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 2008 from Loyola University and a B.A. in Psychology from Kenyon College with highest honors in 2006. Her research interests include neuropsychological and psychosocial adjustment among youth with chronic health conditions. Her dissertation is focusing on executive functioning, parenting behaviors, and medical autonomy and adherence among youth with spina bifida. She is also involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a camp-based independence program for individuals with spina bifida. Lauren can be contacted at lauren.kelly.ohara@gmail.com.
Lauren is a Ph.D. student in Child Clinical Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. She graduated with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 2008 from Loyola University and a B.A. in Psychology from Kenyon College with highest honors in 2006. Her research interests include neuropsychological and psychosocial adjustment among youth with chronic health conditions. Her dissertation is focusing on executive functioning, parenting behaviors, and medical autonomy and adherence among youth with spina bifida. She is also involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a camp-based independence program for individuals with spina bifida. Lauren can be contacted at lauren.kelly.ohara@gmail.com. Ryan Landoll, Emerging Scholars Secretary (2010-2014)
Ryan is a doctoral candidate in Child Clinical Psychology at the University of Miami. In 2009, he received his M.S. in psychology from the University of Miami and received his B.S. in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2007. His research interests focus on the interplay between adolescent peer processes (i.e., friendships and romantic relationships, peer crowd behavior and peer victimization) and internalizing distress, such as social anxiety and depression. More recently, Ryan’s dissertation focuses on understanding newer forms of peer victimization, including cyber victimization, and how this affects adolescent development. Ryan also serves as the American Psychological Association of Graduate Student’s liaison to the Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice. Ryan can be contacted at r.landoll@umiami.edu.
Ryan is a doctoral candidate in Child Clinical Psychology at the University of Miami. In 2009, he received his M.S. in psychology from the University of Miami and received his B.S. in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2007. His research interests focus on the interplay between adolescent peer processes (i.e., friendships and romantic relationships, peer crowd behavior and peer victimization) and internalizing distress, such as social anxiety and depression. More recently, Ryan’s dissertation focuses on understanding newer forms of peer victimization, including cyber victimization, and how this affects adolescent development. Ryan also serves as the American Psychological Association of Graduate Student’s liaison to the Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice. Ryan can be contacted at r.landoll@umiami.edu.Antoinette Landor, Study Groups Committee (2010-2014)
Antoinette Landor is a doctoral student at the University of Georgia in Child and Family Development. Antoinette’s research focuses on the ways in which various contextual influences such as parents, peers, religion, and community factors influence adolescents’ risk (e.g. risky sex, delinquency, dating violence) and resilient behaviors. Other graduate research has included projects on the influence of parental religiosity on adolescent risky sex behaviors, African American males’ pathways to marriage, adolescents’ romantic relationship development, and the impact of virginity pledges on college students’ attitudes and behaviors. Currently Antoinette serves as the Vice President for Membership Affairs for the National Black Graduate Student Association (NBGSA). Antoinette can be contacted at antoinettelandor@yahoo.com.
Antoinette Landor is a doctoral student at the University of Georgia in Child and Family Development. Antoinette’s research focuses on the ways in which various contextual influences such as parents, peers, religion, and community factors influence adolescents’ risk (e.g. risky sex, delinquency, dating violence) and resilient behaviors. Other graduate research has included projects on the influence of parental religiosity on adolescent risky sex behaviors, African American males’ pathways to marriage, adolescents’ romantic relationship development, and the impact of virginity pledges on college students’ attitudes and behaviors. Currently Antoinette serves as the Vice President for Membership Affairs for the National Black Graduate Student Association (NBGSA). Antoinette can be contacted at antoinettelandor@yahoo.com.Rebecca Wasserman Lieb, Awards Committee (2008-2012)
Rebecca is a Ph.D. student in clinical psychology at Loyola University Chicago. She graduated with a B.A. in psychology from UCLA in 2002 and received her M.A. in clinical psychology at Loyola in December of 2007. She is currently completing her predoctoral internship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. Her research focuses on organized activity involvement in adolescents in developmentally disabled populations. Her dissertation is focusing on executive functions, social impairment, friendship quality, and adjustment in youth with autism spectrum disorders. Other graduate research has included a program evaluation of a Chicago-based after school program, a longitudinal evaluation of cognitive impairment in pediatric liver transplant patients, and testing the longitudinal impact of a coping skills training program on urban African American youth with asthma. Rebecca can be contacted at rebeccalieb1@gmail.com.
Rebecca is a Ph.D. student in clinical psychology at Loyola University Chicago. She graduated with a B.A. in psychology from UCLA in 2002 and received her M.A. in clinical psychology at Loyola in December of 2007. She is currently completing her predoctoral internship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. Her research focuses on organized activity involvement in adolescents in developmentally disabled populations. Her dissertation is focusing on executive functions, social impairment, friendship quality, and adjustment in youth with autism spectrum disorders. Other graduate research has included a program evaluation of a Chicago-based after school program, a longitudinal evaluation of cognitive impairment in pediatric liver transplant patients, and testing the longitudinal impact of a coping skills training program on urban African American youth with asthma. Rebecca can be contacted at rebeccalieb1@gmail.com.
Tamarah Moss-Knight, Membership Committee (2008-2012)
Tamarah’s research interests are in reproductive and sexual health, social and health services, pedagogy, and displaced populations. Ms. Moss-Knight is excited to be a part of the Symposium subcommittee for the Biennial SRA meeting in 2012 as an opportunity to share in the development of enhancing the meeting attendees’ experiences, especially for both students and emerging scholars. She also serves as co-chair of the Mentoring Committee (2012), with American Public Health Association-Student Assembly, and is an ongoing volunteer with the Behavioral Social Science Volunteer Program (BSSV) at the American Psychological Association. As part of the SRA Emerging Scholars Membership Committee, she hopes to support exposing and expanding the SRA membership to new ideas and creative ways of professional development and research collaboration. Tamarah is a recipient of the Social Justice Scholarship from QUERI, Inc. and the Hawthorne Dissertation Research Award from Howard University for her dissertation research, Experiences of pregnancy among adolescents in The Bahamas: A qualitative approach. She anticipates graduating with a Ph.D. in Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in International Studies from Howard University in May 2011. In addition, she holds two master’s degrees (M.S.W. and M.P.H.) and a B.S. in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Tamarah may be contacted via email: tamarahmk@hotmail.com.
Tamarah’s research interests are in reproductive and sexual health, social and health services, pedagogy, and displaced populations. Ms. Moss-Knight is excited to be a part of the Symposium subcommittee for the Biennial SRA meeting in 2012 as an opportunity to share in the development of enhancing the meeting attendees’ experiences, especially for both students and emerging scholars. She also serves as co-chair of the Mentoring Committee (2012), with American Public Health Association-Student Assembly, and is an ongoing volunteer with the Behavioral Social Science Volunteer Program (BSSV) at the American Psychological Association. As part of the SRA Emerging Scholars Membership Committee, she hopes to support exposing and expanding the SRA membership to new ideas and creative ways of professional development and research collaboration. Tamarah is a recipient of the Social Justice Scholarship from QUERI, Inc. and the Hawthorne Dissertation Research Award from Howard University for her dissertation research, Experiences of pregnancy among adolescents in The Bahamas: A qualitative approach. She anticipates graduating with a Ph.D. in Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in International Studies from Howard University in May 2011. In addition, she holds two master’s degrees (M.S.W. and M.P.H.) and a B.S. in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Tamarah may be contacted via email: tamarahmk@hotmail.com.Lauren Kelly O’Hara, Awards Committee (2008-2012)
Lauren is a Ph.D. student in Child Clinical Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. She graduated with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 2008 from Loyola University and a B.A. in Psychology from Kenyon College with highest honors in 2006. Her research interests include neuropsychological and psychosocial adjustment among youth with chronic health conditions. Her dissertation is focusing on executive functioning, parenting behaviors, and medical autonomy and adherence among youth with spina bifida. She is also involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a camp-based independence program for individuals with spina bifida. Lauren can be contacted at LaurenKelleyOHara@gmail.com.
Lauren is a Ph.D. student in Child Clinical Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. She graduated with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 2008 from Loyola University and a B.A. in Psychology from Kenyon College with highest honors in 2006. Her research interests include neuropsychological and psychosocial adjustment among youth with chronic health conditions. Her dissertation is focusing on executive functioning, parenting behaviors, and medical autonomy and adherence among youth with spina bifida. She is also involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a camp-based independence program for individuals with spina bifida. Lauren can be contacted at LaurenKelleyOHara@gmail.com.
Gerad O’Shea, Media and Communications Committee (2010-2014)
Gerad O’Shea recently completed his MA in Applied Psychology from NYU, supported by the Monroe Stein Memorial Fellowship. He received his B.M. in Music Education from Berklee College of Music in 2004, and taught high school music before beginning his graduate studies. His primary research interest is the contribution of school and community settings to the development of civic identity in diverse youth. His thesis will explore how youth in South Africa perceive civic responsibility and the reasons they choose to become active members of civic life. Gerad currently works as a Data Analysis Coordinator at the Child and Family Policy Center at NYU and a Senior Associate at the Michael Cohen Group Research Center. He can be contacted at gfo203@nyu.edu.
Gerad O’Shea recently completed his MA in Applied Psychology from NYU, supported by the Monroe Stein Memorial Fellowship. He received his B.M. in Music Education from Berklee College of Music in 2004, and taught high school music before beginning his graduate studies. His primary research interest is the contribution of school and community settings to the development of civic identity in diverse youth. His thesis will explore how youth in South Africa perceive civic responsibility and the reasons they choose to become active members of civic life. Gerad currently works as a Data Analysis Coordinator at the Child and Family Policy Center at NYU and a Senior Associate at the Michael Cohen Group Research Center. He can be contacted at gfo203@nyu.edu.Shannon Snapp, EARA International Representative
Shannon recently received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Boston College. She currently teaches in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Emerson College in Boston. Shannon seeks to understand how adolescents and young adults cope with salient developmental issues like achievement, sexual behaviors, and body image. What are the sociocultural messages and attitudes about these topics? What impact might these messages, if internalized, have on teens’ social and emotional development? Shannon also studies both risk and protective factors that may influence adolescent health and well-being. You can learn more about Shannon by visiting her website: http://web.me.com/shannonsnapp/phd/ or emailing her at sdsnapp@gmail.com.
Shannon recently received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Boston College. She currently teaches in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Emerson College in Boston. Shannon seeks to understand how adolescents and young adults cope with salient developmental issues like achievement, sexual behaviors, and body image. What are the sociocultural messages and attitudes about these topics? What impact might these messages, if internalized, have on teens’ social and emotional development? Shannon also studies both risk and protective factors that may influence adolescent health and well-being. You can learn more about Shannon by visiting her website: http://web.me.com/shannonsnapp/phd/ or emailing her at sdsnapp@gmail.com.Russell Toomey, Finance Committee (2010-2014)
Russell is currently a PhD student in Family Studies and Human Development at the University of Arizona. He graduated with a M.A. in Human Development and Family Studies in 2006 from Kent State University and a B.S. in Child and Family Studies from Ohio University in 2004. His research interests can best be understood as an intersection between a desire to understand how context influences adolescent development and quantitative research methodology. Three specific areas of interest include: (1) how peer and family relationships influence later developmental outcomes for queer youth, (2) how engagement of queer youth in extracurricular and civic activities affects well-being, and (3) the use of advanced statistical methodologies in studying human development and the dynamic relationships that occur in adolescence. His dissertation will examine sexual minority youth involvement in extracurricular activities and how involvement is associated with well-being longitudinally. Russell can be contacted at toomey@email.arizona.edu.
Russell is currently a PhD student in Family Studies and Human Development at the University of Arizona. He graduated with a M.A. in Human Development and Family Studies in 2006 from Kent State University and a B.S. in Child and Family Studies from Ohio University in 2004. His research interests can best be understood as an intersection between a desire to understand how context influences adolescent development and quantitative research methodology. Three specific areas of interest include: (1) how peer and family relationships influence later developmental outcomes for queer youth, (2) how engagement of queer youth in extracurricular and civic activities affects well-being, and (3) the use of advanced statistical methodologies in studying human development and the dynamic relationships that occur in adolescence. His dissertation will examine sexual minority youth involvement in extracurricular activities and how involvement is associated with well-being longitudinally. Russell can be contacted at toomey@email.arizona.edu.Rachel Yeung, Social Policy Awards Committee (2008-2012)
Rachel recently completed a Ph.D. in the Life-Span Development Psychology program at University of Victoria, Canada. She graduated with a M.Sc. in Life-Span Development Psychology from University of Victoria in 2006 and a B.Sc. (Honors) in Psychology from The University of Western Ontario in 2003. Her research focuses on identifying protective factors that build strength and improve the mental health of children and adolescents. She is particularly interested in developing resources that build resilience and capacity in various contexts (families, schools, and communities), program development and evaluation, and applications in developmental theory for policy initiatives. Rachel’s dissertation investigated the course and changes in the association between peer victimization and internalizing problems over a four-year period. Findings indicated that parent and friend emotional support significantly diminished this relation over time, and offered clear implications for practices and programs that promote healthy relationships for adolescents. As a Research Associate of Psychology at University of Victoria, her current research involves the longitudinal Randomized Control Trial evaluation of the WITS Programs (a peer victimization prevention program for children in kindergarten to grade 6) in communities across Canada. Other research has included a needs assessment in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a local hospital to increase knowledge about strategies that will improve the quality of care delivered to parents and children. Rachel can be contacted at rsyeung@uvic.ca.
Rachel recently completed a Ph.D. in the Life-Span Development Psychology program at University of Victoria, Canada. She graduated with a M.Sc. in Life-Span Development Psychology from University of Victoria in 2006 and a B.Sc. (Honors) in Psychology from The University of Western Ontario in 2003. Her research focuses on identifying protective factors that build strength and improve the mental health of children and adolescents. She is particularly interested in developing resources that build resilience and capacity in various contexts (families, schools, and communities), program development and evaluation, and applications in developmental theory for policy initiatives. Rachel’s dissertation investigated the course and changes in the association between peer victimization and internalizing problems over a four-year period. Findings indicated that parent and friend emotional support significantly diminished this relation over time, and offered clear implications for practices and programs that promote healthy relationships for adolescents. As a Research Associate of Psychology at University of Victoria, her current research involves the longitudinal Randomized Control Trial evaluation of the WITS Programs (a peer victimization prevention program for children in kindergarten to grade 6) in communities across Canada. Other research has included a needs assessment in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a local hospital to increase knowledge about strategies that will improve the quality of care delivered to parents and children. Rachel can be contacted at rsyeung@uvic.ca.
