Graduate Students

  • Photo of Juliet Bockhorst

    Juliet Bockhorst (she/her)

    2ND-YEAR GRADUATE STUDENT

    Before joining the POIS Lab at UofL, I received a B.A. in Neuroscience from Bates College in 2022. I then moved back home to Boston, where I worked at McLean Hospital for three years as a community residence counselor and clinical research coordinator. I am broadly interested in investigating mechanisms of change in psychotherapy and treatment outcomes. I hope to translate that information into improving the efficacy and accessibility of treatment options. 

    Outside of work, I enjoy running, reading, spending time in nature, and rooting for Boston sports teams.

    CV

  • Photo of Rachael Moldow

    Rachael Moldow (she/her)

    2ND-YEAR GRADUATE STUDENT

    Before relocating to the Bluegrass State, I worked as a research assistant at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in New York. I am originally from North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2023 - Go Heels!  I am interested in increasing the accessibility of evidence-based treatment and reducing the research-practice gap, particularly in underrepresented communities.

    Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering, hiking, playing tennis (poorly), and doting on cats. 

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Staff

  • Photo of Valerie Johnstone

    Valerie Johnstone (she/her)

    LAB MANAGER

    I received a B.S. in psychology and Japanese language and culture from Florida State University in 2025. Most recently I worked as a research assistant in the Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic where I conducted research on obsessive-compulsive and trauma symptomology in marginalized populations. I am broadly interested in intervention research in the anxiety and obsessive-compulsive area, and am excited to continue to learn how treatments can be improved and expanded to reach individuals in need.

    In my free time I love to sew, draw, and craft, as well as go hiking and enjoy nature.

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Research Assistants

  • Photo of Jalyn Hadley

    Jalyn Hadley (she/her)

    I am an undergraduate research assistant at the POIS lab. I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology at the University of Louisville, as well as a minor in Counselling and Human Relations. Outside of school, I work as an administrative assistant at an outpatient medical clinic. I am interested in research that focuses on improving the efficacy and dissemination of psychotherapy, especially for patient-centered interventions.

    In my free time, I enjoy painting, baking, Pilates, and spending time with my friends and family.

    CV

  • Photo of Julia Ceresa

    Julia Ceresa (she/her)

    I am an undergraduate research assistant in the POIS lab. I am majoring in psychology and minoring in studio art at the University of Louisville. I also work at UofL’s REACH center as an academic coach and am a studio professional at Paint Spot, a paint-your-own pottery studio in Louisville. I am interested in research surrounding the effectiveness of different therapies as well as the development of new therapies for various psychological conditions.

    In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, practicing yoga, and painting.

    CV

  • Katya Sander (she/her)

    I am a research assistant in the POIS lab. Before returning to my hometown here in the 502, I received a B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University in 2025 while competing on its gymnastics team. During my time there and since graduating, I have mentored youth in both educational and counseling settings. My research interests broadly center on child and adolescent mental health, particularly understanding factors that shape emotional and behavioral functioning and translating research into effective prevention and intervention.

    Outside of work, I enjoy playing volleyball, singing and playing piano, cooking and trying new restaurants, and snuggling my dogs (along with pretty much any I cross paths with!).

    CV

  • Vanessa Orintas (she/her)

    I am an undergraduate research assistant at the POIS lab. I am currently pursuing a B.S in Psychology at the University of Louisville, along with double minors in Sport Administration and Counseling and Human Relations. Outside of my education, I am the Director of Mental Wellness for my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and VP Health and Wellness for an RSO on campus called Mental Health Support for Students. I also work as a Federal Work Study student at the university’s tutoring center: REACH. I am interested in understanding how personalized interventions can be adapted to meet the unique pressures, mental performance stakes, and personal needs of athletes.

    In my free time I enjoy plane watching, trying fun drinks, discovering new music, and rewatching Hamilton

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  • Yusuf Abdi (he/him)

    I am an undergraduate student research assistant at the POIS lab, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Louisville, along with a minor in Criminal Justice. Outside of my studies, I work as a head cashier at The Home Depot. I am particularly interested in research that connects psychological theory with practical, evidence-based interventions that can improve mental health and behavioral outcomes.

    In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, trying different coffee shops, binge-watching movies and TV shows, reading books when I can, traveling, and baking.