Betty Sao-Hou Lai, PhD 

Dr. Lai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology, with a specialization in children and families, from the University of Miami. She completed her clinical internship in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. She began her academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Public Health at Georgia State University. 

Dr. Lai's research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Her work has been recognized with an Early Career Award from Division 56, the Trauma Division of the American Psychological Association, an Early Career Award from the American Psychological Association for Outstanding Contributions to Benefit Children, Youth, and Families, and the Diane J. Willis Early Career Award from the American Psychological Foundation/Division 37. In 2017, Dr. Lai received the Excellence in Instruction Award for Outstanding Achievement in Instruction from the School of Public Health at Georgia State University.

Barbora Hoskova, MA

Barbora (she/her) is a 6th year doctoral student in Dr. Lai's lab. She earned her BA in Psychology and Anthropology from Tufts University. Her research interests are centered around the effects of sociocultural and contextual factors on coping, resilience, and post-traumatic functioning in children. In particular, she is interested in the role that cultural, family, and health factors play in children's post-traumatic functioning. Barbora is also interested in mixed-methods research, and in contributing to the development of culturally sensitive interventions, especially ones focused on prevention. 

Evan Realbuto, MS

Evan is a 1st-year doctoral student in Dr. Lai’s lab. He earned a BA in Psychology from College of the Holy Cross and an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Rochester.

Evan is interested in studying risk and protective factors that influence psychological outcomes among individuals experiencing traumatic grief. He is also interested in examining interventions and therapeutic approaches that promote resilience and recovery among those navigating traumatic grief. Outside of work and school, he enjoys training for and competing in Ironmans, skiing, hiking, walking his dog, and drinking coffee.

David Kim

David is a 2nd year undergraduate student in Dr. Lai's lab. He is pursuing a BA in Political Science and hopes to pursue a graduate degree after graduation. 

David's research interests centers around adolescent psychological and social development following traumatic events, including natural disasters. He is particularly intersted in understanding how experiences of trauma can influence adolescents' emotional well-being, development, and relationships. Outside school, David enjoys watching movies, reading books, and going on runs.