Understanding the forces that influence the health of diverse, intersectional communities.

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Share your story with us! Our lab is conducting a study on stress, wellbeing, and resilience. Learn more and find out if you're eligible with our brief, eligibility survey! | bit.ly/lavlabstudy
Share your story with us! Our lab is conducting a study on stress, wellbeing, and resilience. Learn more and find out if you're eligible with our brief, eligibility survey! | bit.ly/lavlabstudy
We want to hear from you! Our lab is conducting a study on stress, wellbeing, & resilience. Find out if you’re eligible by completing our brief, 5-minute eligibility survey! bit.ly/lavlabstudy
We want to hear from you! Our lab is conducting a study on stress, wellbeing, & resilience. Find out if you’re eligible by completing our brief, 5-minute eligibility survey! bit.ly/lavlabstudy
Introducing our wonderful lab founder and director, Dr. Ethan Mereish (he/him). Dr. Mereish is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Lavender Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is also an Adju
Introducing our wonderful lab founder and director, Dr. Ethan Mereish (he/him). Dr. Mereish is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Lavender Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at American University and Brown University. He completed his doctoral training at Boston College, a clinical psychology residency at Harvard Medical School, and a postdoctoral research fellowship at Brown University. His NIH-funded research program focuses on understanding the effects of social, psychological, and cultural determinants of health for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and racial/ethnic minorities, as well as factors that promote their resilience. His current work examines the impact of intersectional stress and oppression on substance use and mental health of LGBTQ youth of color. Fun fact: “I like plants!” 🪴
Interested in learning more about the Lavender Lab? Check out this video, which introduces our work and research goals! 🌈 Video animation provided by the amazing Kaz Fantone (he/they)! | @gabble_gabs . . . . #lgbtq #qtbipoc #bipoc #intersectionality #resilience #health #lgbtqresearch #bipocresearch
Wishing a happy birthday to and introducing David J. Hawthorn (he/him)! David received his BS in Human Performance with a concentration in Sports Medicine at Howard University and a MS in Health Promotion Management at American University. David is c
Wishing a happy birthday to and introducing David J. Hawthorn (he/him)! David received his BS in Human Performance with a concentration in Sports Medicine at Howard University and a MS in Health Promotion Management at American University. David is currently a doctoral student in the Department of Behavioral Health in the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland. His current research interests involve mental health and substance use outcomes among individuals with minoritized identities. More specifically, David is interested in studying the impact of substance use on families and children. Prior to this position, David worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Maryland Prevention Research Center. He also worked as a Research Coordinator in the Department of Health Studies for the Lavender Lab at American University. Fun Fact: My favorite dish is seafood gumbo!
Introducing Lucas (he/him)! Lucas is a junior psychology major with a minor in statistics. He is interested in studying factors that contribute to stigma and is currently doing research on identifying individual characteristics/experiences that lead
Introducing Lucas (he/him)! Lucas is a junior psychology major with a minor in statistics. He is interested in studying factors that contribute to stigma and is currently doing research on identifying individual characteristics/experiences that lead to stigma against the LGBTQ+ community. My fun fact is that I have over 100 $2 bills
Introducing Eric (he/him)! Eric is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Economics with interests in developmental and consumer psychology. He is interested in learning more about the role intersectionality plays in mental health and psycholo
Introducing Eric (he/him)! Eric is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Economics with interests in developmental and consumer psychology. He is interested in learning more about the role intersectionality plays in mental health and psychological wellbeing and looks forward to working in the Lavender Lab. Fun fact: I've been playing the piano since I was five.
Introducing Elijah (he/they)! Elijah is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. He is interested in the overlap between psychology and criminology, and how the unique experiences of queer B
Introducing Elijah (he/they)! Elijah is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. He is interested in the overlap between psychology and criminology, and how the unique experiences of queer BIPOC individuals can impact a variety of outcomes. He is more specifically interested in how psychology research can impact change in policy and the criminal justice system. Elijah is very excited to be working in the Lavender Lab! A fun fact about me is that I still have my childhood collection of over 5000 Pokémon cards.
Introducing Jenna Cutri (she/her)! She recently earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychological Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Previously, she graduated with a B.S. in Sociology and a double major in Political Science from
Introducing Jenna Cutri (she/her)! She recently earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychological Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Previously, she graduated with a B.S. in Sociology and a double major in Political Science from Virginia Tech, where she concentrated her coursework on social inequality and cultural issues impacting individuals based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. Her current research interests focus on investigating the impact of health disparities on interpersonal functioning and mental health outcomes for underserved and marginalized populations, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals and racial/ethnic minorities. Additionally, she is interested in understanding social determinants of health and examining under what contexts they may act as protective or risk factors for individuals from minoritized backgrounds. Fun fact: “I used to work for Former President Barack Obama.”
Introducing Tara Sullivan (she/they)! Tara is a recent graduate of Stanford University, having earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Health and Development. Tara is interested in researching how intersectional mino
Introducing Tara Sullivan (she/they)! Tara is a recent graduate of Stanford University, having earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Health and Development. Tara is interested in researching how intersectional minority stress and trauma can influence the development of psychopathology for QTBIPOC populations. In the future, they hope to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and dedicate their career towards using community-based research methods and radical healing frameworks to reduce treatment inequities in psychological health for QTBIPOC communities. Fun fact: “I once lived in a QTBIPOC community house, where I learned to cook for 30+ people every week!
Introducing Jaya Marella (she/her)! She is a junior Social Data Science Major and is interested in studying how society affects queer BIPOC individuals mentally and socially. Fun facts: “ I happen to meet one of the actors from stranger things
Introducing Jaya Marella (she/her)! She is a junior Social Data Science Major and is interested in studying how society affects queer BIPOC individuals mentally and socially. Fun facts: “ I happen to meet one of the actors from stranger things at a hotel in Canada.”
The Lavender Lab stands in solidarity with Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community after the tragedy that took place at Club Q on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. This attack is devastating and we hope that you all are tending to yourselves i
The Lavender Lab stands in solidarity with Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community after the tragedy that took place at Club Q on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. This attack is devastating and we hope that you all are tending to yourselves in ways that are the most helpful for you. Listed are some helpful skills and resources that you can utilize during this challenging and traumatizing time. You are valid and you are valued. #ColoradoSpringsStrong ______________ Skills: - Check in with yourself and your feelings - Connect with your support system - Connect with your community - Practice mindfulness through meditation and grounding techniques - Take deep breaths - Write down how you are feeling in a journal - Engage in self care practices (e.g., go for a walk, listen to your favorite music - Engage in activities to connect you with LGBTQ+ pride and liberation Resources: https://linktr.ee/lvndrlab
Share your story with us! Our lab is conducting a study on stress, wellbeing, and resilience. Learn more and find out if you're eligible with our brief, eligibility survey! | bit.ly/lavlabstudy We want to hear from you! Our lab is conducting a study on stress, wellbeing, & resilience. Find out if you’re eligible by completing our brief, 5-minute eligibility survey! bit.ly/lavlabstudy Introducing our wonderful lab founder and director, Dr. Ethan Mereish (he/him). Dr. Mereish is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Lavender Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is also an Adju
Interested in learning more about the Lavender Lab? Check out this video, which introduces our work and research goals! 🌈 Video animation provided by the amazing Kaz Fantone (he/they)! | @gabble_gabs . . . . #lgbtq #qtbipoc #bipoc #intersectionali
Wishing a happy birthday to and introducing David J. Hawthorn (he/him)! David received his BS in Human Performance with a concentration in Sports Medicine at Howard University and a MS in Health Promotion Management at American University. David is c Introducing Lucas (he/him)! Lucas is a junior psychology major with a minor in statistics. He is interested in studying factors that contribute to stigma and is currently doing research on identifying individual characteristics/experiences that lead Introducing Eric (he/him)! Eric is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Economics with interests in developmental and consumer psychology. He is interested in learning more about the role intersectionality plays in mental health and psycholo Introducing Elijah (he/they)! Elijah is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. He is interested in the overlap between psychology and criminology, and how the unique experiences of queer B Introducing Jenna Cutri (she/her)! She recently earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychological Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Previously, she graduated with a B.S. in Sociology and a double major in Political Science from Introducing Tara Sullivan (she/they)! Tara is a recent graduate of Stanford University, having earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Health and Development. Tara is interested in researching how intersectional mino Introducing Jaya Marella (she/her)! She is a junior Social Data Science Major and is interested in studying how society affects queer BIPOC individuals mentally and socially. Fun facts: “ I happen to meet one of the actors from stranger things The Lavender Lab stands in solidarity with Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community after the tragedy that took place at Club Q on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. This attack is devastating and we hope that you all are tending to yourselves i