Meet the team!

Principal Investigator

Kristen Eckstrand, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Eckstrand is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.  Their research focuses on the neuropsychiatric underpinnings of trauma and resilience in adolescents, with an emphasis on minoritized communities and vulnerable populations. Their K award is focused on examining the impact of emotional abuse on neural circuitry in sexual minority youth. Dr. Eckstrand’s research has been published in top-tier journals such as JAMA Psychiatry and Biological Psychiatry, and has been recognized by Honorary Membership in the World Psychiatric Association and awards from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Association, and Society for Biological Psychiatry. Dr. Eckstrand has also published four textbooks on the mental and physical health needs of LGBTQ+ communities, including the training of healthcare professionals to provide affirming and responsible care to LGBTQ+ individuals. They are board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist and internationally recognized for their leadership supporting the health of LGBTQ+ communities. Dr. Eckstrand founded the Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ Health, the second LGBTQ-focused program at an academic health center in the country, co-directs the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s LGBTQ Health elective, and speaks nationally on the importance of diversity and identity in health. Dr. Eckstrand’s commitment to diversity has been recognized through awards from the American Medical Association, American Medical Student Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Tennessee Medical Association.

CV: download

Lab Research Coordinator

Ola Owodunni, B.S.

Ola graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate career, Ola was heavily involved in a plethora of groups on campus including sports and diversity committees. Prior to the MEND Lab, Ola was the undergraduate lab manager for the Infant Cognition Lab. The lab looked at how infants perceived the world in terms of how understand causality and agency. Ola is the most interested in how social experiences and minority identities may affect adolescents mental health and development. She hopes to pursue higher education and find her niche.

In her free time, Ola enjoys playing soccer, comedy shows, traveling, and crafts

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Owen Bauer

Owen is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Business Administration. He is working as an undergraduate research assistant on the PANDA study, which will provide him with a better understanding of how social interactions and relationships impact mental health. Outside of school, Owen enjoys hiking, musical theater, game nights, volunteering, and trying new foods.

Lab Mascot

Ebie

Lily Jensen, BPhil

(Research Coordinator 2022-23)

Yasmeen Gauri

(Undergraduate Research Assistant 2022-23)

Past Lab Members