Meet the FAR Lab Members

FAR Lab group photo

The Fear and Anxiety Research (FAR) Lab consists of various graduate and undergraduate members here at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). The FAR Lab currently consists of the following members:

Dr. Ellen Koch

Dr. Ellen Koch

Principal Investigator
Dr. Koch is the Interim Associate Dean for Budgets and Facilities at Eastern Michigan University and the Primary Investigator for the FAR Lab. 
Krithika Prakash

Krithika Prakash

Graduate Student, Clinical Psychology Ph.D. 
 
Joseph Tu

Joseph Tu 

Graduate Student, Clinical Psychology Ph.D. 
Joseph is a current doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at EMU. Before joining the FAR Lab, Joseph studied women with ADHD at the University of California, Berkeley, conducted research on risky sexual behavior at Alliant International University, and evaluated evidence-based treatments for youth with traumatic history at Five Acres. His current interests include implementation science, the network approach to psychopathology, and treatments for trauma and anxiety.

 

Rachael Les

Rachael Les

Graduate Student, MS 
Rachael is a first-year General Clinical Master’s student at EMU and received her BS in Psychology and Spanish from the Honors College at Grand Valley State University. She has a rich background and fascination in childhood trauma and resilience, as well as in cross-cultural work. Rachael intends to pursue doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology while continuing to examine the relationship between early trauma and psychopathology, as well as the value of cultural competence in the promotion of well-being.

 

Picture of Kaitlyn McCarthy

Kaitlyn McCarthy

Graduate Student, MS 
Originally from New Jersey and having received my BA in psychology from Binghamton University, I am currently pursuing my MS in clinical psychology. My primary research interests include the effects of trauma (e.g., PTSD) on individuals, risk and resilience factors (e.g., social support) that either mitigate or exacerbate PTSD symptoms, and the process of trauma recovery among adult populations. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, baking, exercising, and watching movies. 

 

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Dana Manning

Graduate Student, MS 
Dana is a second-year General Clinical Master's student at EMU and received her BSc in Biological Sciences and Developmental Psychology with a Thesis from the University of Windsor. Her undergraduate thesis project looked at cognitions in trauma survivors after exposure to different word stimuli and her research passion is in intergenerational trauma transmission and interpersonal violence. Dana enjoys reading, cooking, and dancing when not working or doing academics.

 

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Erin Neis

Graduate Student, MS 
Erin is a second-year student in the General Clinical Master's program at Eastern Michigan University. She graduated from Butler University in 2021 with a degree in Psychology as well as Political Science. In her undergrad, she worked in a psychology lab assisting on studies looking into memory with misattribution, discovery of pregnancy, and romantic interests. Erin's research interests primarily include emotional regulation, sleep, and anxiety disorders. She hopes to continue her education and earn a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology to continue research.

 

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Joe Brown

Undergraduate Student, BA
Undergraduate student pursuing a degree in both psychology and criminology with a concentration in law enforcement. A future clinical psychologist with interests in the psychopathology and treatment of affective, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. I love trying new restaurants, especially the ones that are small businesses!
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Karla Sundbaum

Undergraduate Student, BA

Hello! My name is Karla and I am a third-year neuroscience major with a minor in human biology. I am from northern Sweden and it was there that I discovered my interest in research. I am on the cheer team here at Eastern and when I am not in school or at practice I enjoy going to the gym, reading, and spending time with my friends.

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Mitchell Luttermoser

Undergraduate Student, BA

Mitchell is a second year bachelor's student at EMU studying psychology, having previously received an undergraduate degree in music performance. Mitchell's primary research interests exist in the realms of how music affects identity development and cognitive processes, as well as how different management styles influence innovation and efficiency in the workplace. Outside of his studies, Mitchell enjoys playing music, lifting weights, cooking, and reading.

Alumni 

  • McKendra Cramer
  • Ayesha Syeda
  • Reilly Chabie
  • Michelle Fernando 
  • William Dalian
  • Jordan Sieja
  • Lance Roehl
  • Arturo Peña
  • Noah Perrin

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