Amanda Johnston is a first-year graduate student in the joint Clinical and Biological and Health Psychology PhD program at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Physiology from the University of Wyoming in 2021. Her research focuses on how chronic stress and trauma linked to social inequities may impact cognitive, neural, and psychophysiological functioning. In her free time, Amanda enjoys hiking, bird-watching, and spending time with her cat, Bernie.

Anna Board is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Psychology and English Writing and working toward a Health Humanities Certificate. She lives in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and is involved on campus as a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society, as well as off campus as a youth group teacher at her church, KCCP. Her academic interests include mental health, identity development, journalism writing, and the ways that social and cultural contexts influence psychological well-being. In the future, she is interested in pursuing a master’s degree in clinical therapy and hopes to work with both adolescents and young adults. In her free time, Anna enjoys exploring new hobbies, reading, studying in cafes with friends, listening to music, and wandering around the city!

Isabel Contreras-Naranjo is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Applied Developmental Psychology and minoring in Spanish Language. She was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is involved in other activities such as being a BRIDGES mentor (a first-year program at Pitt) and working with Generation Conscious (an initiative fighting hygiene insecurity on college campuses). Isabel’s academic interests include understanding and studying generational trauma in Latin American communities and other areas impacted by colonialism. In the future, she wishes to pursue a career related to developmental psychology, hopefully in a research setting or as a child/behavioral psychologist. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting, and going to antique shops!

Elena Crespo is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Rehabilitation Science and minoring in Spanish Language. Originally from the city of Reading, Pennsylvania, she works on campus as a student tour guide and is a BRIDGES mentor for students from historically marginalized groups. Her academic interests include human physiology, psychology, disability studies, and women’s health. In the future, she plans on applying to graduate school for Physician Assistant Studies and hopes to make a positive impact on her community as a Physician Assistant and healthcare provider. In her free time, Elena enjoys spending time outdoors, going for walks, baking, listening to true crime podcasts, and painting!

Kateryna Maksymenko is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Neuroscience and completing a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Born in Donetsk, Ukraine, she immigrated to the United States when she was eight years old. She is involved in the Academics Committee of the Frederick Honors College Student Council, TRIO SSS program (federally-funded initiative to support low-income, first-generation students), and the BRIDGES program (first-year program). Kateryna's academic interests include how Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) impact and influence risk of dementia. In the future, Kateryna hopes to become a Neurology Physician Assistant, specifically focusing on dementia, as well as obtain a master's in public health and continue to do research. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new coffee recipes, hiking, trying new hobbies, and traveling! 

Madelyn Steele is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Neuroscience, with minors in Chemistry, Economics, and Creative Writing. She is from Richmond, Virginia, and is involved on campus as a project intern and campaign coordinator with the Pittsburgh chapter of the Pennsylvania Public Interest Research Group (PennPIRG), a student-led organization advocating for environmental and public health issues affecting college students. Her academic interests include neuropsychology, science communication, and women's health, with a particular focus on how social, cultural, and policy contexts influence health treatments and outcomes. She plans to pursue a career that integrates neuroscience and public health to create meaningful societal impact. In her free time, Madelyn enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, writing, and exploring new areas of the city.

Idara Umoh is a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Psychology and minoring in African Studies and Neuroscience, on the pre-medical track. She is passionate about understanding the human mind and improving patient care. She currently lives in Broomall, Pennsylvania, where she volunteers with her church’s children’s ministry, mentoring young learners and fostering a nurturing environment that promotes healthy growth. Her academic interests include neuropsychology, the study of psychopathology, and particularly mental health disparities. She plans to pursue a career focused on reducing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes as a psychiatrist. She is excited to explore opportunities in research, community engagement, and clinical experiences that will help her contribute to a more equitable healthcare system. She also enjoys baking, writing, trying new hairstyles on herself and her friends, and watching movies with her family

Dextrius Williams Jr. is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, double majoring in Neuroscience and Anthropology. Originally from Hamilton, Georgia, he works as an office manager at Shadyside Hospital and previously served as a Student Behavioral Assistant at Western Psychiatric Hospital. He is the Social Action Co-Chair for Pitt’s Black Action Society and Showcase Manager for Ya’Baso, Pitt’s African Dance Team. Passionate about neuroscience research, he focuses on mental health disparities, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and the stress response system. He aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and contribute to the care and prevention of trauma- and stress-related mental disorders. In his free time, he enjoys sewing, designing clothing, dancing, singing, and making people laugh, with dreams of traveling the world.