Dr. Leonard is a Clinical Psychologist who has been with the University of Michigan - Dearborn since 2008. Dr. Leonard's research focuses on how intimate relationships and couples dynamics influence physical and psychological health. Dr. Leonard's work has examined the etiology and maintenance of chronic health problems (such as chronic pain , cardiovascular risk, and long-haul COVID) within a relationship context. This includes how psychosocial processes, such as race/ethnicity or SES,  impact and are impacted by physical health. More recently Dr. Leonard and her team have started to study the impact of technology and couples dynamics.  

Outside of the university Dr.  Leonard enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  She also enjoys cheering on her son's hockey team and walking/hiking her 2 year old doberman, Odin. 

Email: mtleon@umich.edu

Christen Abraham has been a passionate member of Dr. Leonard’s research lab since 2019. A proud alumna of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, she graduated with high distinction, earning a B.A. in Psychology, a B.S. in Biology, and a minor in Sociology. She then pursued an MBA in Health Systems Leadership, sharpening her focus on applying research to improve healthcare delivery. Christen contributed to several impactful projects in the ICH Lab, exploring stress, trauma, dyadic coping, and AI-based interventions. She was closely involved in every stage of the research process—from study design and data analysis to manuscript development. Presenting the lab’s findings at conferences sparked her passion for research communication and strengthened her ability to translate complex data into meaningful, real-world insights. Her clinical interests center on clinical health psychology and integrative health care, with a focus on expanding access for underserved populations. In Christen’s free time, she loves staying active, experimenting with new cooking recipes, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Brianna Mejia-Hans has been a dedicated member of Dr. Leonard’s research team since 2023. She graduated with high distinction from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Biological Sciences, and she is currently pursuing her M.S. in Clinical Health Psychology at the same institution. Her research interests include clinical health psychology, romantic relationships, family dynamics, and substance use. In the lab, Brianna plays an active role in all stages of the research process, from the literature review until the final publication. The ICH has given her the opportunity to collaborate with fellow researchers and present at conferences. Outside the lab, Brianna serves as a peer mentor for mental health and a Behavioral Sciences student ambassador. When she isn't at work or school, Brianna loves staying active, spending time at the beach, and being with her family and friends.

Joelle holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Oakland University, where she developed a strong foundation in both animal and human behavior research. She is currently pursuing her masters degree in Clinical Health Psychology and has been a member of the ICH Lab since 2024. Her research and clinical interests center on relational behavior, health/biopsychology, and the influence of socioemotional factors on interpersonal dynamics. Joelle has worked as a psychometrist since 2024, furthering her clinical experience. Outside of work, she enjoys weightlifting, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Aamina Rehman is a Psychology major with a Women's and Gender Studies and Comparative Literature minor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, soon to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts with High Distinction and a certificate in Comparative Literature. She joined the ICH Lab in 2023, driven by a deep interest in how health and human relationships intersect. She has made meaningful contributions to projects investigating cultural family dynamics, long COVID, and is currently leading data collection for a  research project on artificial intelligence in romantic communication, for which she was awarded a research grant. Her responsibilities span project design, data collection and analysis, and manuscript writing. Outside of research, she enjoys baking and spending  time with friends and family.

Zeena Whayeb has been a member of the ICH Lab since 2023 and has contributed to research on long-haul COVID, attributions, coping, and relationship satisfaction. Zeena's primary research interests center around close relationships, culture, and morality. In Fall 2025, she will be starting her Ph.D. in social psychology. Outside her academic work, Zeena enjoys hiking, exploring new cities, and boxing. 

Victoria graduated from Oakland University in 2022, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Departmental Honors in Psychology. She is currently attending the Clinical Health Psychology masters program at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. Her clinical and research interests focus on primary care psychology and the integration of psychological practices into OBGYN medical care.  Most of Victoria's free time is spent baking sourdough, rock climbing, running, and paddle boarding.