R. Elizabeth Capps, PhD: I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University within the Clinical Psychology program and the Moll Institute. I completed my MA in Psychology at Appalachian State University, my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Ohio University, my predoctoral internship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and my postdoctoral research fellowship at Children’s National Hospital. My research interests broadly focus on improving functional outcomes for adolescents with ADHD. As such, my research involves: (1) identifying meaningful and malleable factors associated with academic and social functioning among youth with ADHD and (2) developing, implementing, and evaluating school-based interventions that target these factors to enhance outcomes. In my research, I specifically focus on school mental health and school-based intervention to increase access to effective services for youth and their families. Importantly, my research involves partnering with schools to understand needs and the intervention context to ensure interventions are acceptable, feasible, and sustainable in real-world practice. Throughout my work, I’ve spent years partnering with schools as an avenue for increasing access to evidence-based care in rural, suburban, and urban schools. In my free time, I enjoy running, spending time outside, and cooking.

Grace Bartholomae, BS: I am a first-year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program here at CWRU on the child and family track. I earned my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology and a minor in Sociology at Loyola University of New Orleans in May 2024. After graduating, I became a Clinical Research Coordinator at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC in the ADHD and Learning Differences program. I am passionate about researching group-based interventions for youth with ADHD that can be implemented in school and community settings, focusing on promoting positive social functioning, motivation, self-esteem, and school engagement. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exercising, scrapbooking, doing jigsaw puzzles, and working on stand-up comedy.

Syreeta Ferguson: I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at Case Western Reserve University pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and Cognitive Science, with minors in Nutrition Lifestyle Medicine, and Business Management. During the summer, I work as a counselor for the ADHD Summer Treatment Program at Cleveland Clinic, where I work with children diagnosed with ADHD as well as children who are at risk for related comorbid disorders, such as Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. In the program, we use a behavioral point system and positive reinforcement strategies to reduce negative behaviors and encourage positive behaviors. This experience has sparked my interest in research focused on improving treatment and intervention outcomes for children with ADHD, particularly in social and educational settings. Last November, I presented a research poster at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting examining gender differences in ADHD symptom presentation and microstructural variation in gray and white matter. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, doing crafts such as dot painting, and running a small business where I bake, sell, and cater gourmet treats.

Gabrielle Bourassa: I am a third year undergraduate student pursuing a BA in Biology and Psychology with a minor in Spanish. Before joining the STAR Lab, I worked as a research assistant for the Diabetes Inspired Culinary Education Program, which provided nutritional education and cooking lessons to youth with Type 1 Diabetes. My research interests focus on how children with diverse learning needs engage with education and health information. I am especially interested in making knowledge accessible and meaningful so that all kids can feel supported and excited to learn. In my free time, I enjoy baking, reading a good murder mystery book, and spending time with friends and family.

Eric Hong: I am a second year undergraduate student pursuing a B.S in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. In the past, I have worked as a summer intern at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where I was introduced to the Kid’s Mental Health Foundation and developed an interest in adolescent mental health and how different biological, social, and environmental factors shape wellbeing. Outside of my studies, I enjoy skiing, reading sci-fi novels, and playing minesweeper.

Hannah Farber: I am a second-year undergraduate student studying biology with a minor in childhood studies on the premedical track. I work as a camp counselor at a summer camp for children with a wide range of disabilities, predominantly Autism and ADHD. I am incredibly interested in researching methods to better support children with ADHD in educational settings as I believe that all children deserve to feel supported and confident in their unique abilities and skill sets. Outside of my studies, I enjoy skiing, playing with my dog, and reading romance novels.

Carolyn Zhu, Undergraduate Research Assistant: Carolyn graduated  with a BA in Psychology from CWRU in 2026. She is currently completing her post-baccalaureate training as a Clinical Team Assistant at MaineHealth Primary Care – Saco.