Background
I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and have been working with the lab for the past five years.  During that time I have been involved in organizing advertising strategies for our research protocols, performing initial screening interviews with participants, budget tracking, data collection, administering the protocol with the participants, and project coordination. 

Current activities and Interests
I am currently working on a Masters of Public Health degree at UIC and have interests in studying mood disorders.  More specifically I hope to engage in research which addresses the psychopathology of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.  I have a special interest in understanding the interaction between mood disorders and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and using mood management treatments for depression and anxiety to promote health and prevent illness.  I am currently working on one of Dr. Spring’s projects that measures the effects of nicotine on positive and negative affect in smokers with and without depression.   

Goals
After completing my degree I intend to continue researching mood disorders while advancing my knowledge and understanding of the various areas of Public Health.