Annalise is a clinical research associate under Dr. Sheffield at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
I am broadly interested in how we come to understand emotion, and more particularly the various disorders that interrupt this pathway.
Throughout my academic career, I have woven together clinical diagnosis, personality dynamics, and the intricate landscape of disorders of both mood and psychosis. My intellectual pursuits extend to unpacking biases in assessment, as I seek to unravel the subtle influences that shape diagnostic frameworks. The cognitive and affective framework of psychosis holds my attention currently. Here, I aim to contribute to a more profound understanding of the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the onset and maintenance of persecutory delusions. As I navigate this diverse landscape of research, my overarching goal is to add insight on the pathway toward more accurate clinical diagnoses and interventions, whilst leveraging the insights gained from the study of psychosis. This dynamic journey in the field of clinical psychology propels me toward the broader discourse on mental health and connections between research and practical applications for the betterment of individuals and communities alike.
Clinical Diagnosis
Personality
Mood Disorders
Emotion regulation
Keywords
Assessment Biases
Psychosis
Psychopathology
Empathy
Current Research
On Cognition and Affect in Psychosis
At the Social Cognitive Neuroscience (SCN) Lab within the University of Chicago, I focused on reshaping the classification of psychopathy. My research culminated in a comprehensive thesis titled: 'Locating the Crossroads of Psychopathy, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Emotion as it Applies to Incarcerated Women.' Here, I dove into the intricacies of emotional understanding, weaving together the classifications of psychopathy and the complexities of borderline personality disorder, within the unique context of incarcerated women. My hope here was to not only contribute to the academic discourse, but also to foster a more compassionate and informed approach to understanding the psychological landscape of those within the criminal justice system. Inspired by Dr. Decety's guidance, I am committed to both unraveling the intricate complexities of these psychological phenomena as well as addressing the inherent gender biases associated with their diagnosis. I aspire to contribute meaningfully to our evolving picture of the human mind and foster a more inclusive and equitable approach to psychological research.
Past Research
On Psychopathy, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Alexithymia
On Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Psychosis
On High-Need, Low-Resource Populations in Hawai‘i
I currently work under the mentorship of Dr. Julia Sheffield at the Sheffield Lab within Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Broadly, our team aims to elucidate the psychological, cognitive, and neurobiological processes that contribute to psychotic experiences. I am excited to begin work on an RCT study that will investigate the mechanisms of belief updating following psychotherapy. I aspire to contribute meaningfully to our evolving picture of the human mind and foster a more inclusive and equitable approach to psychological research.
As an undergraduate at the University of Hawai‘i, I had the privilege of working on two unique projects. Under Dr. David Cicero, my research endeavors were centered around early onset schizophrenia, as well as the broader spectrum of disorders related to psychosis. Motivated by a deep curiosity about the intersections of mental health and societal outcomes, I dedicated myself to a comprehensive exploration. This journey led to the creation of a detailed literature review titled: 'An Illuminative Exploration of Criminality and Violence in Bipolar Disorder.' This work not only expanded my understanding of mental health complexities, but also inspired a commitment to contributing valuable insights to the interdisciplinary discourse surrounding mental health and its societal implications.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Susana Helm at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, I engaged in an independent project titled: 'Evidence of Elevated Substance Use in High-Need, Low-Resource Populations: A Review of the Publicly Available Literature.' This endeavor was particularly meaningful for me as it grappled directly with populations in my hometown. The project inspired me to pursue topics that resonate with the needs of my community, cultivating a passion for research that holds the potential for direct and purposeful impact on the well-being of those around me.