Our Team

Dr. Melissa Ertl (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology in the Department of Psychology at University of Minnesota. She has taught undergraduate and master’s psychology students since 2014 and has been practicing as a clinician since 2016.   She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish from University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed her doctoral education at University at Albany-State University of New York.  She has a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology as well as a certificate in Health Disparities in Public Health.  Her doctoral internship was at Pace University’s Counseling Center in Manhattan, and she completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute.  Her areas of research and professional expertise are in delineating and addressing health disparities and promoting health equity among marginalized populations, including Latinx young adults, immigrants, college students, LGBTQIA+ individuals, familial caregivers, and individuals with disabilities.  Her particular research focus is on the intersections of mental health, substance use, and HIV risk and how experiences of discrimination and oppression can negatively impact health. 

Kayleigh Fenton (she/her) is a research specialist at the University of Minnesota who is deeply committed to advancing health equity by addressing the psychological barriers that contribute to mental health disparities among marginalized populations. Graduating from George Mason University, she developed a strong foundation in interdisciplinary research, focusing on the intersections of mental health, substance use, and social determinants of health. Her professional journey includes experience as an NIH Amgen Fellow, a research lead on a comprehensive fNIRs study examining stress and empathy in clinical settings, and work in the TIDL lab at George Mason University. These experiences have informed her interest in equity-oriented prevention intervention efforts and exploring the impact of systemic, social, and emotional barriers to care on health outcomes. With a background in both clinical settings and art, Kayleigh blends creativity with a rigorous approach to understanding and mitigating health disparities. Looking ahead, she aims to pursue a doctoral degree in counseling or clinical psychology, engaging in community-based research that promotes holistic health and well-being among diverse and historically marginalized populations.

Amelia Blankenau is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Counseling Psychology and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. Amelia received her B.A. in Psychology from Occidental College with a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. Her research interests include transracial adoption, health equity, social determinants of health, colorblind racism, racial socialization, discrimination, and environmental and reproductive justice. She is particularly interested in the experiences and well-being of transracial, transnational adoptees raised in white families and individuals with multiple marginalized identities. This fall, she is a teaching assistant for PSY 8503 Interviewing and Intervention. This year, Amelia is working in primary care mental health integration at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. She is also volunteering with the Center for Victims of Torture at the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic’s Asylum Clinic where she conducts psychological trauma assessments for asylum seekers. Amelia is a lead mentor for the Next Gen Psych Scholars Program and a mentor for the Tri-Psych Diversity in Psychology Support mentorship program. In her free time, Amelia enjoys going to concerts, watching reality tv, and spending time with loved ones.

Liz Szanton is a first-year PhD student in Counseling psychology. Liz graduated from Haverford College in 2022 with a B.S. in psychology, a minor in sociology, and a concentration in gender and sexuality studies. Prior to joining the STRIPE Lab, Liz researched children’s intersectional social prototypes, mentored by Dr. Ryan Lei, and examined prosocial behavior and motivated identity narratives, mentored by Dr. Liane Young. Her research interests include identity meaning-making, internalized stigma, and health disparities. She is particularly interested in sexual and gender minority (SGM) mental health, and how risk and resilience factors may be experienced differently based on a person’s complex social position. Through future coursework and practica, Liz looks forward to learning about acceptance-based therapies and gender-affirming healthcare. Outside the lab, Liz enjoys biking around the lakes, reading contemporary fiction, and making comics.

LeShay Andrewin is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in psychology with a minor in family violence prevention. After graduation, they plan to apply to graduate programs in counseling psychology or social work, aiming to become a child therapist or social worker. Their research interests focus on health disparities in marginalized communities, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, and how traumatic experiences during adolescence shape adulthood. In their free time, they enjoy reading, building Legos, and cooking.
 

Sara Jeremiason is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Family Violence Prevention. After graduation, she hopes to apply to counseling psychology or social work graduate programs, and she wants to become a counseling psychologist or social worker. Her research interests are related to social determinants of health and health disparities within marginalized communities, as well as understanding the impacts of adverse childhood experiences on health and well-being. In her free time, Sara likes to cook, knit, read, and spend time outdoors hiking or camping.

Mariam Onafowokan is a fourth-year undergraduate student at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in Psychology with minors in Public Health and Integrative Neuroscience. Her research interests are related to health promotion and prevention as well as focusing on health disparities and health equity. She currently works as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the ABCD Study. After her undergraduate degree, she plans to apply for graduate programs in public health. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going on walks around our beautiful lakes, reading, crocheting, solving word search and watching films/movies.

Audrey Ronan is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities pursuing a major in Psychology, with minors in Health Services Management and Spanish Studies. Her research interests relate to health promotion and disease prevention with special attention to health equity. Her previous experiences in psychology research were focused on the educational and health outcomes of children. Post-graduation, she hopes to contribute to the improvement of health service efficiency and accessibility through an administrative role within the field. In her free time, Audrey enjoys spending time with family, cooking, musical theatre, and sudoku.

Shilpa Maria Thomas is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in Psychology and Applied Economics. After graduation, she hopes to work primarily in clinical psychology and has various career aspirations such as being a clinical or counseling psychologist, social worker, or mental health nurse. Her research interests relate to her career aspirations, with a major focus on psychological disorders, such as mood disorders, eating disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and substance abuse, and how they affect various aspects of life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching shows, going to the gym, and trying new foods.

Tong Wu is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in psychology with a second major in media and information (and considering public health as a minor). After graduation, she hopes to apply to social psychology or counseling psychology graduate programs. Her research interests are related to mental health and health disparities in new media and communication as well as exploring and comparing global health disparities and inequities. She is also interested in health promotion. In her free time, she enjoys playing puzzles and Legos, watching TV shows and musicals, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Meri Bosnic earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Justice from the University of Minnesota in May 2024. Following her graduation, she chose to take a year off before applying to graduate school, with plans to submit applications for the 2025 academic year. During this time, she is seeking opportunities to work as a lab assistant and other areas of psychology, focusing on areas related to clinical and forensic psychology. In the future, Meri aims to pursue a master's degree in clinical/forensic psychology, with a particular interest in women's mental health and stress and trauma. 
 

Melanie Rodriguez-Mejia is part of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 2024 graduating class. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology and has completed coursework pertaining to the Pre-Med track. Post-graduation, she is actively working as a Dialysis Technician while also building up her application for medical school. Melanie plans to become a physician who specializes in OB/GYN (while still allowing room for more specialty exploration) and a healthcare provider that is an active advocate for women’s rights. Her research interests are related to women’s health, health promotion, health prevention, health disparities among marginalized populations, applications of intersectionality, and mental health. In her free time, Melanie loves to read, spend time trying new food around Minneapolis, hang out with friends, and relax with her pets.

Selena Xiao graduated in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. After graduation, she decided to take a one-year gap before applying to graduate school, with plans to submit applications in fall/winter 2024. She is currently working as a Behavioral Technician at an inpatient eating disorder clinic, where she supports children and teenagers on their recovery journey. Additionally, she is exploring opportunities to work as a lab assistant, particularly in areas related to psychopathology. Looking ahead, she is interested in pursuing a master's program in clinical/counseling psychology, with a focus on working with children and adolescents in the area of psychopathology. She has a strong interest in the effects of adverse health outcomes on minority populations, particularly Asian populations and women. Her mental health interests include Autism spectrum disorder and eating disorders.