Meet Dr. Margherio and hear the "why" behind her work in the video above.
Sam Margherio, PhD (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Science in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech. She completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Ohio University in 2023 after completing her APA-accredited clinical psychology internship at the Charleston Consortium/Medical University of South Carolina. Prior to pursuing her PhD, Dr. Margherio completed her master's in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in forensics at Sam Houston State University, followed by a research assistantship at the Western Psychiatric Hospital. Dr. Margherio's research in school-based interventions, ADHD, and substance use has received funding from an NIAAA NRSA, the Psi Chi National Honor Society, and the American Psychological Foundation. She received the 2021 CHADD Young Research Scientist Award and has received awards and nominations for her mentorship and teaching.
Dr. Margherio was raised in a small, rural town, lending to her passion for promoting equitable mental health practices in underserved communities. She enjoys spending time with her (massive) family, hiking, kayaking, running, and spending time with her partner, son, and dog.
For a complete list of Dr. Margherio's scholarly works, see her ResearchGate profile.
Michelle is the Community Liaison and Clinic Coordinator for the Child Study Center. Michelle is interested in community engaged research and working with traditionally underrepresented families to examine emotion regulation in adolescents. Michelle joined this lab because there are so many opportunities to connect with the community and families. Michelle plans on applying to grad school this admissions cycle. Michelle loves to cook and binge watch bad reality TV shows.
Graduate Students
Nick Dunn (he/him) is a graduate student in the Clinical Science Program at Virginia Tech. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors in Psychology. Before joining the Teen Lab, Nick worked for two years at the Center for ADHD at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as a Clinical Research Coordinator. His current research interests involve examining the role of self-regulation in peer relationships and substance use outcomes in teens with ADHD as well as exploring how masking and stigmatization may relate to these outcomes across adolescence and into early adulthood. Outside of the lab, Nick enjoys exercising, hiking, and trying new restaurants or coffee shops. He also loves to bake sweet treats.
Amanda Steinberg (she/her) is a graduate student in the Clinical Science doctoral program at Virginia Tech. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) in 2021. Before joining the Teen lab, Amanda worked as a Research Coordinator for the ADHD and Learning Differences Program at Children’s National in Washington, DC. Her current research interests involve examining risk/resilience factors of adolescents with ADHD, and its implications for improving the quality and impact of community-based interventions. In her free time, she enjoys taking on miscellaneous art projects, trying new recipes, and going on hikes.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Olivia (she/her) is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Human Development with a minor in Adaptive Brain and Behavior. After graduation, she would like to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to better preper her for her future career aspirations. Outside of the lab, Olivia loves to read!
Gabby is a junior studying for a dual degree in psychology and criminology with a minor in adaptive brain and behavior. She plans to get her master's in either criminal psychology or personality psychology to pursue a job relating to behavioral analysis. Outside of the lab, she enjoys golfing and going to the gym, as wella s reading Greek philosophy.
Madisyn (she/her) is an undergraduate student from Caroline County, VA majoring in Psychology and Early Childhood Development and Education with minors in Adaptive Brain and Behavior and Disabilities Studies. She intends to pursue an Ed.S in School Psychology to become and School Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor. In her free time, Madisyn enjoys reading, singing, and spending time with animals and friends.
Sophia (she/her) is an undergraduate student studying psychology and clinical and behavioral neuroscience at Virginia Tech. She intends to pursue neuropsychology in graduate school, with the goal of obtaining a Ph.D and researching substance use disorders. Before university, Sophia grew up in the suburbs of Boston and Nashville, and now resides near Tampa, Florida. Outside of the lab, she loves spending time with friends, writing, and listening to music.
Madison (She/Her) is an undergraduate student from Abingdon, Virginia, double majoring in Psychology and Sociology. After graduation, she plans to obtain her master’s degree in either developmental psychology or clinical psychology to better prepare for her future professional endeavors. Outside of the lab, she is also a clarinet player in the Marching Virginians!
Dr. Margherio will not be reviewing graduate student applications for Fall 2026.
Undergraduate research assistants are being recruited on a rolling basis. To apply, please send your curriculum vita or resume, a copy of your transcript, and a brief statement of interest to Dr. Margherio at smargherio@vt.edu.
