MEET THE TEAM
Carlie D. Trott, PhD (She/Her)
Carlie D. Trott, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cincinnati where she heads the Collaborative Sustainability lab. Trott’s climate justice research agenda aims to bring visibility to, and work against the inequitable impacts of climate change, socially and geographically. As a social-community psychologist, community-engaged researcher, and action-oriented scholar, Trott’s work draws upon theories within and beyond psychology (e.g., social movement, ecological, and feminist theories), employs publicly-engaged and action-oriented research methods, and often integrates the arts and sciences to center the voices and actions of those most affected by environmental injustice and the climate crisis. Dr. Trott teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in social and community psychology and advises students in the Community and Organizational Research for Action (CORA) doctoral program. For more info, see Dr. Trott's research website.
DOCTORAL STUDENTS
Stephanie Lam, MA (She/They)
Stephanie Lam, M.A. is a Community Psychology doctoral student in Community and Organizational Research for Action (CORA) program at the University of Cincinnati. She values interdiciplinary, decolonial, and feminist processes in the work she does and always tries to bring forth her authentic self. As a community psychologist, she truly believes prevention is key. Stephanie’s larger research interest is couched in “exploring the intersection of social issues to create preventive solution with local community members”. As a community psychologist, she also strives to be a methodologist because she believes all issues are interconnected. Stephanie is excited to collaborate on projects that involve people of various backgrounds of knowledge and intersectionalities to work towards positive transformative change that will account for a collective well-being. Stephanie acknowledges that her journey into academia would not be possible without the past influences from mentors of various age groups.
Catelyn Smeyne, M.Ed. is a Community Psychology doctoral student in the Community and Organizational Research for Action Program at the University of Cincinnati. Her work centers on improving the experiences of youth placed in the foster care system, specifically through the use of community-engaged and action-oriented research methods. She strives to build on community strengths to afford youth in foster care with the environment and opportunities they need to thrive.
Jacquana Smith (She/Hers)
Jacquana Smith, MPH is a Psychology Doctoral Student in Community and Organizational Research for Action program at the University of Cincinnati. She has a Masters degree in Public Health and is interested in how our physical and social environments shape our identity and behaviors, further influencing our psychological and physiological health. She utilizes social and community psychology approaches to understand the influence place have on belonging, motivation, and wellbeing.
MASTER'S STUDENTS
Jessica Roncker (She/Hers)
is a graduate student in Community Psychology. Her current research focuses on climate justice organizing and climate adaptation planning at the neighborhood level. Other research interests include the psychology of communication, moral foundations theory, social cohesion, and the social psychology of political difference.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Delaney Malloy (She/Her/Hers)
is a second year Environmental Studies major and Biology Minor. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, she has always had a passion for the environment and what affects it. She works as a Sustainability Advocate for the University of Cincinnati doing work like planning a community sustainable garden, holding various film discussions and lectures, and working as a mechanic to fix/rent out bikes to students on campus at the UC Bike Kitchen. She is also a fellow with the Post Landfill Action Network, petitioning and researching how to stop the spread of plastics and petrochemicals on campus and within the Ohio River Valley. Her work in the lab revolves around youth climate justice and equity. When not doing sustainability work, she greatly enjoys yoga, reading, and finding new coffee shops with friends.
Katherine Huelskamp
Katherine Huelskamp is a second-year undergraduate student currently pursuing her B.S. in Psychology. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Katie is planning to attend graduate school to get her Doctorate and do social psychological research. She is interested in social change and justice and hopes to make a difference through her work in the future. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hiking.
Shaunelle Casey (She/They)
This is “Casey.” Casey is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati where she currently does post-grad research around Climate Change. She is also a research coordinator for a government study called RETAIN. In the future, she aims to pursue a Ph.D. in neuropsychology.
Casey is passionate about using science and research to enhance the lives of other minorities like herself by centering her work around intersectionality and ensuring there is adequate representation in the field of neuropsychology. When she is not working she is likely practicing yoga, running, reading, or enjoying the outdoors.
Anna Johns (she/her/hers)
Anna is a fourth year undergraduate student studying psychology and criminal justice. With a background in community health and engagement work, Anna is interested in the ways that climate injustice can affect vulnerable populations. She loves qualitative research and the lab’s focus on valuing people's voices and identities. In her free time, Anna enjoys climbing and cooking dinners with her friends.
Kiara Berry (she/hers/they/them)
Kiara is a 3rd-year Applied Media Communications student at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash Campus. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio community work and ethical city development have always been her interest and she believes in a “helping individuals help themselves” approach. Her current research and creative projects explore the intersection of race, environment, and socioeconomics. She plans to continue a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Environmental Analysis and Policy.
Emily Neuhofs (she/her/hers)
Emily Neuhofs is a third-year psychology student with a certificate in bioethics. She is very interested in helping people and helping people better understand the world around them. Emily enjoys hanging out with friends and working out.
Emma Campbell (she/her)
is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s Digital Media Collaborative program. Currently in the lab, she helps code qualitative data on the Climate Safe Neighborhoods partnership, and is looking forward to studying environmental sociology in the future. Having always found peace in nature, she’s passionate about research that protects the earth for future generations and builds equitable environments for all who live in them. In her free moments, she loves bouldering, dancing, traveling, and getting cozy with a cup of tea and an interesting book.
Cara Dreher (she/her)
is a fourth-year psychology student at University of Cincinnati, also studying substance use counseling. Originally from Columbus, she has fallen in love with the city of Cincinnati, and it's become her home! Cara is very passionate about helping people, particularly vulnerable populations, and she's glad to be a part of the lab's focus on social justice. In her free time, Cara loves to volunteer as a crisis counselor, hike, cook, and explore the city with her family.
Abby Nicholls (she/her)
is a 4th year Psychology major at the University of Cincinnati. In 2019, she transferred from the University of Michigan with the hopes that Cincinnati would be a better fit for her undergrad. Now, she has grown to love the school and the city. She aspires to further her education in psychology beyond baccalaureate. She has used her voice through stand-up comedy to take stances on politics and society within the community. Abigail was born in Traverse City, Michigan and during her free time she enjoys roller skating, snow boarding, painting, hiking, and camping.
LAB ALUMNI
Hayden Courtney (He/Him/His)
is an avid reader, art-buff, general board game enthusiast, and student. Having a background in social psychology and philosophy, he moved back to his hometown of Cincinnati to study Community Psychology at UC. He found that work in other fields just didn’t allow for real hands-on collaborative change to better communities, but Community Psychology was an avenue for such change. His work at UC focused on collaborating with immigrant communities and labor organizers in order to create intersectional solidarity and systematic change for (and with) workers. His main research interests are: labor, economics, immigration, intersectional social movements, and solidarity. Hayden moved on from UC to pursue his doctorate in Sociology at Syracuse University.
Leyla Ashraf
Leyla Ashraf graduated from UC with a Master's in Applied Psychology. While at UC, she was studying to be a community psychologist. She started at UC in 2015 and received her Bachelors of Arts and Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2019. Leyla's interests include working with the people around her to try and make the world a better place for future generations.
Cali Brandt
Cali graduated from UC with a Master's in Applied Psychology, with a focus on Community Psychology. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Between earning her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, she spent a year working for AmeriCorps on a project evaluating the impact of art therapy for the homeless veteran population. Cali's interests include working towards community-building through local non-profits.
Christine Shi
Christine Shi earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UC and went on to join the doctoral program in Community and Organizational Research for Action (CORA). Christine's interests include how culture, psychology, spirituality, and systems affect the individual and community. She loves being a part of growing, collaborative spaces, and she enjoys spending time with family and sharing stories over food.
Maria Rockett
Maria earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Cincinnati, and previously earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. After being involved in the Collaborative Sustainability Lab, she went on to pursue doctoral studies in sociology at the University of Kentucky. Maria is passionate about combining environmental education and community empowerment experiences in order to carry out participatory action research geared towards environmental justice. Maria previously presented research regarding the Flint Water Crisis and building multicultural capacity in environmental organizations. Maria's interests also include community mapping as a tool for creating sustainable change towards environmental equity. While in the lab, Maria assisted in utilizing community water-resource mapping as an organizational technique in Jacmel, Haiti. Outside of the lab, Maria enjoys getting lost; Whether it's in the forest, a good book, or on her yoga mat.