Graduate Students

  • Photo of Juliet Bockhorst

    Juliet Bockhorst (she/her)

    1ST-YEAR GRADUATE STUDENT

    I received a BA 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 I am looking forward to exploring my new home in KY!

    CV

  • Photo of Rachael Moldow

    Rachael Moldow (she/her)

    1ST-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 hot yoga, playing board games, and birdwatching.

    CV

Research Assistants

  • 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

  • Headshot of Kierra Garland

    Kierra Garland (she/her)

    I am an undergraduate research assistant at the POIS lab. My major is psychology at the University of Louisville. Outside of the lab, I work at the REACH tutoring center as a front desk assistant in Ekstrom Library. My research interests primarily include developing effective therapeutical methods for clients with treatment-resistant mood and personality disorders, but I am a very curious person and am interested in various other kinds of research as well.

    In my free time, I love drawing, writing creative fiction, and taking care of my pets.

    CV

  • 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

  • Headshot of Anna Novikova

    Anna Novikova (she/her)

    I am a research assistant in the POIS Lab with a background in data science and engineering. I hold a BA in Mathematics from Pomona College and am currently working towards a BS in Psychology from Arizona State University. I am interested in understanding mechanisms of change in therapy and how cognitive-behavioral approaches can be adapted to meet individual needs.

    In my free time, I enjoy cycling, reading, sewing, and finding great sunset spots.

    CV

  • Photo of Olivia Vessels

    Olivia Vessels (she/her)

    I am an undergraduate research assistant in the POIS lab. I am double majoring in psychology and studio art with a concentration in ceramics at the University of Louisville. I also work at UofL’s University Career Center as a Peer Career Advisor and am a child caregiver at the St. Mathews Episcopal Church. My research interests stem from my career goal as an art therapist. I am interested in exploring how different therapeutic approaches work for different groups of people, particularly underserved populations.


    In my free time I scrapbook, make ceramic art, listen to podcasts and audiobooks, play board games, and watch reality game shows!

    CV

  • Photo of Kian Court

    Kian Court (he/him)

    I'm a senior undergraduate research assistant in the POIS lab. I am majoring in psychology and minoring in chemistry at the University of Louisville. In addition to my work with POIS, I am an undergraduate teaching assistant for a chemistry course. I'm primarily interested in studying personality and emotion regulation systems to better understand how individuals relate to the world around them and their challenges.

    In my personal life, I enjoy being physically active, watching movies, listening to music, and reading!

    CV