Youth Mental Health Lab

I believe that student-faculty relationships thrive when there is genuine alignment in research interests. This makes it easier for students to pursue the questions that inspire them while receiving enthusiastic, informed mentorship. My research and teaching are increasingly focused on applications of AI to improve well-being, as well as understanding and guiding the impact that AI has on society. My lab also explores ways to improve, disseminate, and evaluate Finding Focus—the EdTech intervention we have developed over the last eight years.

I came to understand the importance of mentorship during graduate school. My advisor, Dr. Jonathan Schooler, deliberately and patiently helped me learn to think like a scientist. He took the time to gauge what I understood and then asked incisive questions that led me to deeper understanding. His mentorship also went far beyond technical training. He embraced my interests and encouraged me to follow them. In the lab, he created a culture of collaboration and transparency where everyone’s perspective was welcomed. And he believed in me, gradually challenging me with increasing independence. To this day, this is the blueprint for the kind of mentor I strive to be.

UTHealth Houston’s School of Public Health does not guarantee tuition remission or a stipend for PhD students. However, we offer a high value-to-money program. Many students receive partial scholarships that help them qualify for in-state tuition, and top applicants may qualify for a full scholarship. Teaching Assistant (TA) and Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions can also be available to help cover tuition and living expenses, though they are not guaranteed by the university upon admission. The availability of GSR positions in my lab varies over time based on active grant funding.

Details about tuition are available here.