Dr. Patricia A. Frazier
Dr. Frazier is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor, a Distinguished University Teaching Professor, and leads the Stress and Trauma Lab. To learn more about Dr. Frazier’s work, click here to read her faculty profile.
Current Courses
- Psychology of Stress and Trauma
- Counseling Psychology Process and Outcome Research
- Directed Research
Graduate Students
Kayla Huber
Started Fall 2018
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Kayla studied neuroscience and economics at Lake Forest College and became the first person in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree in 2016. Prior to entering the program, Kayla spent two years as a research assistant at DePaul University’s Center for Community Research. Kayla is interested in investigating gender-based harassment and violence, particularly harassment that occurs in public spaces.
Jan-Louw Kotze
Started Fall 2019
Jan-Louw was born and raised in South Africa. He received his BA in Psychology, BS in Exercise Scienceand MS in Behavioral and Brain Sciences from the University of South Alabama where he was on the track and field team. His research interests currently revolve around the prevention of sexual violence. Working out, bike riding, and YouTube encompass much of his free time.
Yuchen Liu
Started Fall 2020
Yuchen was born and grew up in China. She received her BS in psychology at the University of Minnesota. Prior to entering this program, she spent one year as a research assistant in the ARMOR project at the University of Minnesota. Her current research interests include what interventions can reduce college students’ stress levels and the burnout of healthcare workers.
Alicia Selvey-Bouyack
Started Fall 2021
Alicia was born and raised in NW Ohio. She received her B.A. in Psychology at Bowling Green State University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Dayton. After graduation, Alicia worked as an adolescent therapist in Toledo, OH for two years. Her broad research interests include interpersonal trauma, including childhood maltreatment and revictimization, and related outcomes. In her spare time, Alicia likes to read, birdwatch, spend time with her partner, and play with her two dogs. She also fosters dogs and acts as a volunteer office manager for No Dog Left Behind, a local animal rescue organization.
Stephanie Valle
Started Fall 2022
Stephanie was born and raised in Chicago and received her B.A. in Psychology at Carleton College. After graduating, she spent five years working as a research coordinator in the Addictive, Compulsive, and Impulsive Disorders Lab at the University of Chicago. Stephanie is interested in investigating culturally related stressors such as discrimination, bicultural stress, and intergenerational trauma. In her spare time she likes to read, spend time with friends, and go to concerts.
Leyla Karimzadeh
Started Fall 2023
Leyla is from Georgia and graduated from Georgia State University with a B.S. in psychology. After graduating, she spent over two years working as a clinical research coordinator for the COMPASS study at the VA. She is interested in understanding risk and resilience factors that influence individuals experiencing stress and trauma. She is also interested in how socio-environmental factors play a role in the development of substance use as a coping mechanism. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, eating, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Jake Schachter
Started Fall 2023
Jake is from Houston, Texas and graduated from Augsburg University with a BA in clinical psychology. He is interested in developing mindfulness-based interventions and evaluating programs at the VA. Outside of school he likes to play sports, spend time outdoors, and go to concerts.
Research Assistants
For a complete list of alumni and dissertation topics, please see this link.
Emily Mischel Abramowski (PhD 2022). Staff Psychologist, Minneapolis VA
Riley Palmer (PhD 2022). Staff Psychologist, Health Partners
McKenzie Kaubrys (PhD 2022). Staff Psychologist, Bedford VA
Addie Merians (PhD 2021). Postdoctoral Research Fellow, National Center for PTSD
Majel Baker (PhD 2020). Assistant Professor, St. Johns University
Viann Nguyen-Feng (PhD 2019). Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota Duluth
AnnaMarie Vu (PhD 2018). Faculty, Tufts University School of Medicine
Jacob Paulsen (PhD 2018). Neuropsychological Assessment, San Diego BrainWorks; Adjunct Faculty, San Diego City College
Kelli Howard (PhD 2016). Psychologist/Veteran Liaison, University of St. Thomas
Liza Meredith (PhD 2016). Faculty, University of Minnesota Department of Psychology
Sheila Frankfurt (PhD 2015). Staff Researcher/Psychologist, VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research in Returning War Veterans at the Doris Miller VA Health Center in Waco, TX
Christiaan Greer (PhD 2015). Psychologist and Consultant in Private Practice
Samuel Hintz (PhD 2013). Psychologist, Sanford Health
Reiko Hirai (PhD 2013). Psychologist, University of Minnesota Boynton Healthcare
Nora Keenan (PhD 2013). Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University
Sandra Shallcross (PhD 2013). Psychologist and Wellness Consultant
Samantha Anders (PhD 2012). Adjunct Professor in Counseling Psychology, University of Minnesota
Sulani Perera (PhD 2012). Senior Psychologist, Manhattan Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Clinical Researcher, Interim Director, PTSD Clinic, Manhattan VA/New York University