Graduate Students

Kyra Citron, MA (she/her)

Kyra is a second year student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Hofstra University. Prior to joining Lab CARES, she spent four years as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Eating Disorder Research Program at Stanford University School of Medicine. She managed a variety of large-scale Randomized Control Trials focused on the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and Avoidant Restrictive Food-Intake Disorder in youth. She graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Psychology and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies. As an undergraduate, she was a member of the Eating Disorder Research Lab. At Duke, she helped develop and research Duke’s first peer-to-peer support text-based support line. She graduated with distinction in Psychology in 2020, writing her thesis on the experience and definition of gender euphoria in transgender adults. Kyra’s research interest include the intersection of identity development in the treatment of mental illness. She is especially interested in eating disorder prevention and treatment in underserved populations, especially LGBTQ+ youth.

Tanvi Pawar, MA (she/her)

Tanvi is a second year student in the clinical psychology PhD program at Hofstra University. Before embarking on her graduate studies, Tanvi earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women's University in India. Following which she devoted two years to the Ananya Birla Foundation laboratory, where she conducted significant research on mental health issues affecting women in rural Maharashtra. The lab’s work in this area has contributed to a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by this population. In addition to her research, Tanvi practiced as a psychologist for a year with DefEating Disorders, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns. Her research will broadly focus on racial/ethnic minorities, body image, and eating related concerns.

Angelique, MA (she/her)

Angelique is a first year student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Hofstra University. She graduated with high honors from NYU and then completed her master’s degree at Columbia University. Prior to beginning the program at Hofstra, Angelique worked as a research associate at the Yale Child Study Center and the lab manager of the Child Outpatient Psychiatry Division at Montefiore. At Yale, she worked on projects examining the long term risk of youth irritability on later suicide-related outcomes. At Montefiore, Angelique worked on a project assessing how DBT might be adapted for adolescents of diverse backgrounds. Angelique’s primary research interest is in examining cultural risk and protective factors for suicide during emerging adulthood. She is also interested in improving suicide risk assessments for emerging adults with acute medical illness and/or chronic conditions.

Undergraduate Students

Victoria Kapassakis (she/her)

Victoria is a third-year undergraduate student in the Psychology department at Hofstra University. She intends to pursue a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests are Obsessive-Compulsive and related Disorders and the neurological mechanisms behind these disorders, and the correlation between OCD and eating disorders.

Noelle Macina

Noelle Macina is a junior undergraduate student in the Psychology Department at Hofstra University. She wants to pursue her education further by attending graduate school and obtaining a degree in clinical psychology. She is interested in trauma and PTSD counseling while also looking into the relationships between trauma and eating disorders.

Sarah Purschke

Sarah Purschke is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Hofstra University, with an expected graduation in 2025. She has been recognized on the Student-Athlete Dean’s List for multiple semesters, demonstrating her commitment to both academics and athletics. Sarah has completed Crisis Counseling Training, equipping her with essential skills in mental health support and crisis intervention. She serves as a Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line, providing emotional support to individuals facing mental health challenges. Additionally, her work with WAFAA International highlights her dedication to social services, advocacy, and community outreach. Sarah is also a research assistant for an ongoing project that focuses on diversity, further expanding her expertise in psychological research and its applications to social issues. With wanting to continue her education and experience in psychological research after graduation, Sarah is extremely excited to be part of such an important and knowledgeable space in the lab. She values the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while expanding her understanding of psychological principles in real-world applications. Being surrounded by experienced mentors and fellow researchers inspires her to deepen her skills and make a lasting impact in the field.