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.
Elijah (he/him) is the Lab Manager for the Teen Lab. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelors in Psychology and minor in Disability Studies. Elijah is interested in contextualizing the risk and resilience factors that shape heterogeneous outcomes among individuals with ADHD to inform the development of culturally responsive interventions that better engage those underserved by existing psychosocial treatments, particularly individuals from marginalized, underrepresented, and underserved populations. He hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and plans to apply to graduate school this cycle. Outside the lab, Elijah loves to adventuring, cafe hopping, and watching women's soccer!
Graduate Students
Nick Dunn (he/him) is a 3rd year 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 3rd year 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.
Andrew (he/him) is a 2nd year graduate student in the Clinical Science doctoral program at Virginia Tech. He graduated from the University of South Carolina (USC) in 2024. Before joining the Teen lab, Andrew worked as a project coordinator for USC's Arnold Healthy Kids Initiative. His current research interests include understanding mechanisms relating ADHD to early adolescent substance use and community based interventions. In his free time, Andrew likes to run, read, and cook.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Sophia Kelly
Sophia (she/her) is an undergraduate student pursuing dual degrees in psychology and cognitive and behavioral neuroscience at Virginia Tech. Additionally, she is committed to an accelerated masters program in neuroscience at VT. Her research interests include substance use disorders, addiction, and mental health. Sophia grew up in the suburbs of Boston, yet has spent time in Tennessee, Florida, and Alabama. Outside of the lab, she loves spending time with friends, writing, community service, and listening to music.
Madisyn Paris
Madisyn (she/her) is an undergraduate student from Caroline County, VA studying Psychology and Early Childhood Development and Education with a minor in Adaptive Brain and Behavior. She intends to pursue a MSW to become a Clinical Social Worker. She is interested in research in community programs that promote adolescent health. In her free time, Madisyn enjoys reading and spending time with animals and friends.
Alexis Hart
Alexis (she/her) is an undergraduate student from Downingtown, Pennsylvania majoring in Psychology as well as Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience at VT. Her research interests include mental health treatments and underlying mechanisms, and she is passionate about giving back to the community of Blacksburg through the Teen Lab’s programs. Her goals after graduating include completing a PhD in Clinical Psychology and pursuing a career in academia or private practice therapy. In her free time, Alexis enjoys reading, hiking, and watching her favorite shows in her free time.
Valentina Gomez
Ella Li
Ella (she/her) is an undergraduate student from Harrisonburg, Virginia majoring in Psychology with minors in Spanish and Adaptive Brain and Behavior. Her goals after graduating include pursuing a Masters in Social Work, and a career in Clinical Social Work. She is interested in research about mental health and adolescent health. Outside of the lab she spends her time playing tennis, piano, hiking, and traveling.
Mila Santsaver-Jones
Mila (she/her) is an undergraduate student from Blacksburg VA, majoring in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Adaptive Brain and Behavior. She intends to pursue a career in pediatric occupational therapy after graduating from Virginia Tech. Her research interests include the relationship between social media, substance use and mental health. Outside of the lab, she enjoys traveling, playing guitar, and spending time with friends.
Mason Hughes
Laboratory Alumni
Ariana Hill (Undergraduate RA)
Gabby Finan (Undergraduate RA)
Madison Morgan (Undergraduate RA)
Olivia Cox (Undergraduate RA)
Tre Ridgway-Davis (Community Liason)
Michelle Le (Community Liason) - Graduate Student at Virginia Tech
Dr. Margherio will not be reviewing graduate student applications for Fall 2027.
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.
