Our Team
Principal investigators
elysia poggi davis, phd
Dr. Elysia Poggi Davis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Denver. She received her PhD in Developmental Psychobiology at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota and completed a postdoctoral fellowship as the University of California, Irvine. The multidisciplinary research that is conducted in her lab examines biological and social/behavioral processes in human pregnancy and in fetal, infant, child and adolescent development. This research addresses a major health issue involving the role of early experiences in determining the risk for health and disease across the lifespan. Specifically, her program of research evaluates the way that prenatal exposure to maternal psychosocial stress and stress hormones are incorporated into the developmental program and the influence this has on adaptation to the postnatal world.
Benjamin Hankin, PhD
Dr. Benjamin Hankin is a developmental psychopathologist interested in understanding the etiology, ontogeny, trajectories and patterning of depression over the lifespan, especially in children and adolescents. In particular, he has sought to understand and advance knowledge in three fundamental areas: 1) accurate and appropriate description, structure and classification of depression and co-occurring disorders, 2) etiological vulnerabilities and mechanisms underlying the development of depression and the specificity of these risks for prediction of depression versus co-occurring disorders, and 3) the emergence of sex differences in depression and explanations for why more girls are depressed than boys.
Jennalee R Doom, PhD
Dr. Jenalee Doom is an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Denver. She completed her PhD at the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development and her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the biological and behavioral mechanisms by which prenatal and childhood stressors, such as violence and poverty, influence mental and physical health across the lifespan. She examines the interactions between family risk and protective factors, including nutrition, neighborhood and interpersonal violence, and the quality of social relationships, which is crucial for creating interventions that promote resilience.
Postdoctoral fellows
sarah perzow, phd - Momcare provider
Sarah Perzow is a postdoctoral fellow and MomCare provider for the Care Project. She is a Colorado native and has returned home after completing her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Penn State University and internship at the University of Michigan's University Center for the Child and Family. Dr. Perzow has experience providing clinical care for children, adolescents, and adults facing a variety of life stressors and mental health difficulties, and is passionate about supporting women through pregnancy. In her free time Sarah loves outdoor adventures, cooking, and live music.
lillybelle Deer, phd - research fellow
LillyBelle Deer is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Denver. She is from Honolulu, Hawai’i and completed her Ph.D. in developmental psychology at the University of California, Davis. LillyBelle has experience working with children from infancy through adolescence. Outside of her work, she enjoys hiking, exploring Colorado, and playing with her dogs.
catherine demers, phd - momcare provider
Catherine Demers is a MomCare provider and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Denver. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and completed internship at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Denver. Catherine has experience in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety or reactions to significant life stressors using many evidence-based treatment approaches. In her free time, Catherine really enjoys photography and capturing candid moments of family and friends.
Emily Melnick, phd - research fellow
Emily Melnick is a postdoctoral fellow with the Care Project. She completed her M.P.H. in Public Health Nutrition at The Colorado School of Public Health and her Ph.D. in Health and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Colorado Denver. Emily has experience working with young children in childcare settings to improve dietary and physical activity behaviors, and conducting research focused on maternal and child health. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors with her family and completing crossword puzzles.
Graduate Students
özlü aran, ms - Graduate student, developmental
Özlü is a fifth-year Developmental Psychology doctoral student at the University of Denver. Before joining the Care Project, she completed studies in her home country, Turkey. She has been working with mothers and babies in a research context for 5+ years and enjoys the cultural diversity her work provides her. You may meet her if you have an in-person infant visit at DU. In her free time, Özlü enjoys exploring Colorado, trying new food, making travel plans, and watching independent movies.
Melissa nevarez-brewster, MA - graduate student, developmental
Melissa Nevarez Brewster is a fourth-year Developmental Psychology graduate student at the University of Denver. She completed her BA at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She is interested in learning more about prenatal maternal and infant sleep patterns, as well as the potential effects of prenatal depression on infant health and neurodevelopment. When she is not in the lab, Melissa enjoys baking, hiking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, and cuddling her puppy, Ender.
Ella-Marie HENNESSEY, MA - Graduate student, clinical
Ella Hennessey is a third-year clinical psychology graduate student at the University of Denver. She earned her Master's in Counseling Psychology from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. She is particularly interested in anxiety, stress, and infant cognitive development. In her free time, Ella enjoys pretending she is on the Great British Baking Show, listening to BTS, watching tennis, and exploring Denver.
Kenia Rivera, MA - Graduate Student, Developmental
Kenia Rivera, MA, is a fourth-year developmental psychology doctoral student at the University of Denver. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Her research interest focuses on how stress and early adversities influence mental and physical health through the lifespan. She is particularly interested in examining the biological and behavioral pathways of how stress influences health and development. When she is not in the lab, Kenia enjoys readings, drawing, and taking dance lessons.
Staff
chen su, bs - lab manager
Chen is the lab manager for the Neurodevelopmental Research Program at the University of Denver. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from University of Washington, Seattle. She worked as a therapist for autistic children before joining the Care Project. She’s interested in utilizing longitudinal and novel statistical methods to study the interplay between mental health and physical health. She’s heading off to graduate school in Fall 2024! In her free time, Chen enjoys cooking, weightlifting, and thrifting for everything vintage.
Tessa Benefield, BS - Researcher
Tessa is a Research Assistant for the Care Project at the University of Denver. She received her Bachelor's degree in Family and Child Studies from the University of New Mexico, and worked as a Behavioral Therapist with autistic children after moving to Denver. In the future, Tessa plans to peruse a PhD in Clinical Psychology to pioneer new research with infants and their caregivers. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, hiking with her dog, and spending time in the mountains.
Erin Todd, BS - Researcher
Erin got her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and recently moved to Denver. For the next few years, she plans to explore the world of developmental psychology and eventually wants to apply to PhD programs in clinical psychology to further her knowledge in her research areas of interest: Developmental psychopathology and treatment resistant anxiety in youth and beyond. In her free time, Erin enjoys rock climbing, exploring Colorado, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat, Joey.
Romi DAZZIO, MA - Researcher
Romi received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver. She is interested in investigating the influence of maternal mental health on child development, and plans to seek further study in this area in the future. Outside of the lab, you can find Romi exploring Colorado’s hiking trails, doing yoga, or hunting down the best food spots in the city.
Ali Argo, BA - Researcher
Ali is a Research Assistant for the Care Project at the University of Denver. She received her Bachelor's degree in Communications from UCLA and is now pursuing an MA in International Disaster Psychology here at the University of Denver. In the future, Ali plans to peruse a PsyD in Clinical Psychology to become a clinician while remaining a lifelong learner and researcher. In her free time she enjoys doing yoga, watching live music, cooking, reading and spending time with the people in her life.
Volunteers
Paige Keim - Research assistant
Paige Keim is an undergraduate research assistant for the Care Project at University of Denver. She is currently earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and English, and is interested in clinical psychology as well as how psychology and creative writing intersect. Paige is proud to assist in the Care Project and how the knowledge we are contributing to makes a difference for families. When not in class or the lab, she enjoys being creative, spending time with her dog, Odie, and taking care of her plants.
Keely Wright - RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Keely is an undergraduate research assistant for the Care Project at the University of Denver. She is a third year from Overland Park, KS and is majoring in Biology and Psychology with a minor in Chemistry and a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. She is interested in learning more about the connection between biology and psychology and is excited to assist the Care Project with the collection of this data. Outside of the lab, Keely is a nanny and a barista at the on-campus coffee shop. She also loves to ski, do puzzles, and hang out with her friends.
Caroline Kyser - Research assistant
Caroline Kyser is an undergraduate research assistant for the Care Project at the University of Denver. She is currently earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and is particularly interested in cognitive psychology and its applications in educational settings. Caroline is dedicated to understanding how individuals process information and acquire knowledge, to improve learning outcomes and instructional techniques. Beyond her academic pursuits, Caroline enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it's biking along scenic trails or hiking in the mountains. She is also passionate about discovering unique treasures at local thrift stores.
Andrew nguyen - Research assistant
Andrew is a Research Assistant for the Care Project at the University of Denver. He is currently double majoring in Molecular Biology and Psychology. He plans to study public health after undergrad and hopes to become a physician. In his free time, Andrew enjoys photography, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going on new food adventures.
Joshua Mutter - Research assistant
Joshua Mutter, 3rd. Major: Molecular Biology. He/Him pronouns. I’m interested in emergency medicine/psychology and developmental psychology. I think that the CARE project research is some of the most valuable, and I’m really excited to see the impact it has on the field of psychology, medicine, maternal and mental health. I love to ski in a cow onesie with my friends.
Deena Abdulloeva - Research Assistant
Deena is currently a third-year student at the University of Denver and am majoring in Physiology In Health and Disease with minors in Chemistry and Medical Physics. She look forward to helping others and learning more about the field of Psychology through the Care Project. Outside of classes and volunteer work, she enjoy playing and teaching tennis, weightlifting, and reading.