Team

Maria joined our team in 2021 as our Statistical Data Analysis Manager, bringing a Master of Science degree from Slippery Rock University. With a keen focus on statistical research analysis, Maria excels in complex data manipulation, study database management, and presenting results in diverse formats. Originally from California, a small town in Pennsylvania (not to be confused with the West Coast state!), Maria adds a unique perspective and depth of expertise to our analytical team.. For more information on her research interests and publications, visit her NCBI bibliography.

Brooke joined our team in 2023 as a Research Project Manager, bringing an impressive blend of academic excellence and hands-on research experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Forensic Behavioral Health from the University of South Florida and her master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and the Legal System from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Florida in Public Health and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Deeply committed to research and education, Brooke has contributed to more than 15 research studies and supported countless reviews, publications, and conference presentations. She also plays an active role in instruction and mentorship, assisting with teaching a dozen graduate-level courses and guest lecturing just as many times. Outside of her academic work, Brooke trains in aerial arts and is an avid hiker, having summited over 30 mountains

Joining the team in 2024, Trisha serves as a Research Project Manager, providing strategic leadership across complex, community-engaged mental and behavioral health research initiatives. She holds an MSM in Research Administration and Grants Management from Emmanuel College and brings expertise in building research infrastructure, strengthening compliance and reporting systems, and translating ambitious ideas into fundable, implementable projects. In her role, Trisha leads cross-functional coordination, designs scalable processes, tools, and training, and ensures teams remain aligned, accountable, and mission-driven. Outside of work, she enjoys beach views and great food!

Dr. Bossarte joined USF in 2021 as a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and is the Director and Founder of the Healthy Minds Lab. He earned his PhD from the University of Notre Dame and completed a prestigious Post-Doctoral Fellowship in 2004 with the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Widely recognized as a global authority in suicide prevention, Dr. Bossarte spearheads the Appalachian Mind Health Initiative (AMHI) Study, generously funded by The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). He also serves as Co-Investigator on a Department of Defense (DoD) study, further contributing to cutting-edge research in mental health. Despite his professional acclaim, Dr. Bossarte finds joy in his downtime by spending quality moments with his two rescue dogs and going on adventurous motorcycle tours! For more insights into his research pursuits and publications, please visit his NCBI bibliography. 

Dr. Sondra J. Fogel joined the Healty Minds lab in 2026. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work and a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her PhD in social work from the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, and her MSSW from Columbia University. She has an extensive background in community-engaged efforts with specific training for working with populations most likely to need social services, mental health, or health related treatments. Her research area focuses on 1) promoting mental health well-being among youth and adults, 2) minimizing the impact of engagement with the criminal justice system (broadly defined) for youth and adults, and 3) supporting innovative curriculum enhancements for social workers and behavioral health care workers in diverse settings. She primarily uses qualitative methods to investigate the experiences of community members to support neighborhood driven solutions to complex problems. Dr. Fogel values collaboration and interdisciplinary work with scholars in other fields as well as with community members. She was past Editor-In-Chief for Families in Society, the longest enduring social work journal. Dr. Fogel enjoys the challenge of completing 1000-piece puzzles in her spare time.

Eric became a valued member of the team in 2023, serving as a Clinical Research Associate at the Healthy Minds Lab. Armed with a Master's degree in Psychological Sciences, he is deeply committed to the welfare and support of individuals grappling with depression. Eric's research background spans depressive rumination research, utilizing EEGs and eye-tracking technologies, and encompasses ethical considerations in psychology and public health research. Outside of his professional pursuits, Eric finds joy in exploring the underwater world through snorkeling adventures! Learn more about his research interests and published works here.

Siham became a valuable addition to our team in 2023 as a Research Assistant, focusing on suicide risk and prevention in rural America. Her primary role involves contributing to the Appalachian Mind Health Initiative (AMHI) study, where she excels in participant recruitment, managing suicide risk communications, and serving as a coach on the electronic Cognitive Behavioral Treatment platform utilized in the research. Siham earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida, marking the beginning of her journey in academia. She looks forward to furthering her education in the future. Outside of her professional pursuits, Siham has an intriguing tale to share—she once found herself in a vehicle with the world's most venomous snake, a story that highlights her adventurous spirit and resilience!

Johnathen joined the Healthy Minds Lab in 2025 as a Clinical Research Associate. As a Veteran and a proud Citizen of the Muscogee Nation in Oklahoma, he brings a unique and deeply rooted perspective to his work, guided by a lifelong commitment to addressing health disparities and advancing public service. Johnathen holds an MBA in Health Industry Leadership and has spent years working closely with Native American Tribes, public health entities, and government agencies to reduce healthcare barriers, prevent disease, and promote sustainable rural healthcare systems. His experience positions him to support inclusive and community-driven research across the lab's behavioral health initiatives. Outside of the lab, he’s a devoted pug parent and referees ice hockey, bringing both compassion and discipline that reflects a commitment to structure and fairness.

Amy joined the Team in 2026. As a Clinical Research Associate, she works to maintain patient's anonymity and research integrity. Amy graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2022, with a major in psychology, concentration in neuroscience, and minor in French. She was previously at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, where she dissected whole human brains and identified pathologies. She is deeply passionate about childhood income inequality and building resilience in those that have experienced it. Her previous research has focused on gender differences in the neurological physical manifestations of post-traumatic stress disorder. For fun, Amy plays guitar and is in several bands! She likes to rock climb, swim, and spend as much time outdoors as possible

Kyarelise joined the team in 2025 as an intern and transitioned to a Research Support Assistant in 2026. She is a cum laude graduate of Florida State University, where she earned a B.S. in Psychology with a double major in Criminology. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research on mixed-media intervention styles for first-generation college students, examining growth mindset and its impact on long-term academic achievement. In her role, she brings a valuable interdisciplinary perspective grounded in psychology and criminology, with a strong commitment to supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges. As a fun fact, she once traveled to New York for less than 24 hours just to attend a concert at Madison Square Garden!

Kayla joined the Healthy Minds Lab in 2026 as a Research Support Assistant, where she contributes a strong commitment to advancing health equity for multiply marginalized communities. Grounded in a health equity lens, she supports behavioral health interventions that center participants’ unique strengths and values. Kayla is a graduate of Brown University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and her Master of Public Health. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys rollerblading, playing electric guitar, and exploring new cultures through travel. Most recently, she spent time in Brazil and learned Portuguese!

Quint joined the team in 2025 and is a 2023 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Vanderbilt University. Quint earned dual honors (one in Neuroscience and one from the College of Arts and Science). During undergrad, he completed a standout honors thesis exploring the role of the amygdala in shaping human social networks. Before heading to medical school at USF, he spent his gap year diving into clinical research, assisting with multiple psychiatric and neurologic trials and fueling his passion for understanding the brain and improving mental health care. His fact is, he has a twin sister!

Angela joined the Healthy Minds Lab in 2026 as a Research Assistant while beginning her journey as a first-year medical student at the University of South Florida. She brings a strong foundation in neuroscience and a growing clinical perspective to the team’s work in mental health research. Angela graduated summa cum laude from Florida Atlantic University’s Honors Program in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Behavior. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Angela loves to roller skate!

Negin joined the Healthy Minds Lab in 2026 as a research team member, bringing a strong clinical perspective as a counseling intern and a passion for trauma-informed mental health research. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida, where she also works at the Community Counseling and Research Center providing both virtual and in-person counseling under supervision. Negin holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and contributes to a trauma research team at UCF, with research interests focused on mood disorders and OCD in adult populations. She is eager to strengthen her skills in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing as she prepares for a future PhD in Clinical Psychology. Outside of her academic and clinical work, Negin is a thrill-seeker who loves amusement parks and hopes to travel the world.

Aditi joined the Healthy Minds Lab in 2025 as an undergraduate research assistant. She’s a second-year Honors student at USF, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Health. Aditi supports the team’s work with community partners and brings a deep passion for research and its power to improve public health outcomes. When she’s not diving into data or collaborating on projects, Aditi enjoys crocheting, reading, and embracing her roots; she understands both Tamil and Telugu!

Madelyn joined the Healthy Minds Lab in 2026 as an undergraduate research assistant, bringing strong ambition and a commitment to expanding access to transformative mental health resources. She is currently an undergraduate student at the University of South Florida and earned her Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Cambridge Diploma in high school. Looking ahead, Madelyn plans to pursue a graduate degree in Social Work with the goal of serving vulnerable populations. Outside of academics, she loves to travel and has developed a broad, global perspective from visiting many countries. An interesting fact about her is that she’s attended nine different schools over fourteen years!

Michaela joined the Healthy Minds Lab in 2026 as an undergraduate research assistant. She brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges. Her personal experiences have shaped her strong commitment to understanding and helping others, particularly those affected by depression and anxiety. Michaela graduated high school with Highest Honors and has already demonstrated academic excellence in college, earning a 4.0 GPA and placement on the Dean’s List. Outside of her work, she enjoys baking and is currently working toward mastering the art of making macarons.