Team Members

Dr. Katherine (Kaite) Gotham
Director, SEAHLab; Principal Investigator
Kaite received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan. In the Rowan University Psychology Department, Kaite teaches undergraduate courses and mentors junior researchers across many stages of their training. She also trains health professionals on autism assessment as a co-developer of a commonly used autism diagnostic tool, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). Kaite's professional goal is to translate SEAHLab findings into meaningful ways to promote quality of life in the autistic community. She loves to spend time with her daughters (two human, one canine), and is an avid consumer of fiction, KDrama, and carbs.

Dr. Steven Brunwasser
Principal Investigator
Steve has a PhD in psychology from the University of Michigan. His research focuses on preventing chronic health problems by improving early identification and intervention strategies. At the core of his work are three broad aims: (1) identifying individuals most at risk for burdensome health conditions to guide preventive care efforts; (2) testing models to uncover modifiable risk factors, with a focus on transdiagnostic disease processes; and (3) developing and scaling sustainable, community-informed interventions. Steve also directs the Prevention Science Lab; see www.prevscilab.com for information about his ongoing research projects.

Robyn Himelstein
5th Year Clinical Psychology PhD Student
Robyn graduated from Haverford College where she majored in psychology and minored in neuroscience. During and after college, she worked as a research assistant for Dr. Aaron T. Beck, contributing to research on the cognitive model of schizophrenia. She also served as a Behavioral Health Technician, working one-on-one helping provide therapy to children on the autism spectrum. She is thrilled to be a part of the Social, Emotional, and Affective Health Lab. In her spare time, Robyn enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, and spending time with her family, friends, and golden retriever, Louie.

Alexis Khuu
3rd Year Clinical Psychology PhD Student
Alexis graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and neuroscience. Following graduation, she worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children’s National Hospital. Alexis supported research projects related to executive functioning interventions for autistic adolescents, and barriers and facilitators to timely autism diagnosis. She has a strong interest in characterizing and promoting emotional health in neurodivergent people through use of valid and meaningful outcome measurement tools and interdisciplinary, community-based supports. In her spare time, Alexis enjoys horseback riding, running, and spending time with friends and family!

Sydney Terroso
3rd Year Clinical Psychology PhD Student
Sydney graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After college, she worked as a postgraduate research assistant with Dr. Pamela Ventola at the Yale Child Study Center. Her current research interests include promoting neurodiversity-affirming practices that enhance the quality of life and mental health of autistic adults, with particular attention to identifying treatment targets that support individuals during the transition to adulthood. She is also interested in how autism is experienced as an identity, and how intersecting factors such as disability, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation contribute to compounding discrimination and shape health outcomes. Outside of the lab, Sydney enjoys running (well—jogging!), reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Abby Evans
1st Year Clinical Psychology PhD Student
Abby is thrilled to be part of SEAHLab as a first year Clinical Psychology PhD student. She graduated from Xavier University with a degree in Biology. Alongside her studies at Xavier, Abby studied ASL interpreting/Deaf culture at Cincinnati State. Her research interests focus on the mental health of autistic adults. Specifically, she is interested in the role experiences of invalidation and rejection related to autistic identity play in the development of mental health conditions in adulthood. She is passionate about learning from the lived experiences of autistic adults and participatory research. Outside of the lab, Abby loves all things Taylor Swift, playing softball, watching sports, and raising her two cats.

Derica Su
1st Year Clinical Psychology PhD Student
Derica graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in environmental systems and society. At UCLA, she collaborated with Dr. Catherine Lord and colleagues on a project aimed at developing a measure of loneliness for autistic adults. Following graduation, Derica worked as a research project assistant at the University of Pittsburgh's Autism Center for Excellence led by Dr. Carla Mazefsky. She supported data collection and recruitment for a longitudinal study on mental health and suicide in autistic adults using clinical, physiological and ecological momentary assessment, and neuroimaging methods. Derica is primarily interested in protective factors and preventative mechanisms for mental health in autistic individuals across the lifespan. Outside of the lab, she enjoys staying active, baking, and creating art.

Amy Senanayake
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Amy is a senior undergraduate student at Rowan University. She is pursuing a BA in Psychology with a Concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience, a minor in Sociology, and a Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Social Justice and Social Change. Amy plans on going to graduate school to become a Clinical Psychologist. She is passionate about studying psychopathology and wants to help underrepresented communities. In her free time, Amy loves to hang out with her family and friends, listen to music, and spend time with her bird.

Mykal Caniello
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Mykal is an undergraduate student majoring in psychology with a minor in neuroscience. Along with gaining research experience, their goal is to earn a PhD and become a researcher for neurodevelopmental conditions including autism and ADHD. They're hoping to assist in, and eventually conduct, research about these conditions in marginalized groups such as women, BIPOC, and LQBTQ+ individuals. Outside of lab, Mykal spends a lot of time drawing, baking, listening to music, and spending time with their two cats Soup and Beans.

Rio Baliga
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Rio is a senior at Rowan University. She is a dual major in Psychology and Mathematics (Statistics), and is additionally pursuing an Applied Math minor. Rio joined the SEAHL Lab in August 2023 due to her passion for the prospect of intersectional equity and psychological research. The latter passion is exemplified by her accumulation of seven experiences in research poster sessions within the first three semesters of her college career. Notably, in March, she was selected to present at the Depression on College Campuses Conference at the University of Michigan as a first author. In her leisure time, Rio enjoys engaging in creative activities, including songwriting, teaching herself instruments, and writing poetry. She also prides herself on being best friends with her grandma, whom she call Bapama, and on being quite popular among big dogs.

Dr. Gloria Han
External Team Member: Vanderbilt University, Assistant Professor
Read more about Gloria here: https://www.vumc.org/anesthesiology/person/gloria-han-phd

Dr. Jessica Schwartzman
External Team Member: USC/CHLA, Assistant Professor
Read more about Jessica here: https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/jessica-m-schwartzman/

Zachary Williams
External Team Member: UCLA, Resident Physician (Psychiatry)
Read more about Zack here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zachary-Williams-6.


























