Current research projects vary and generally focus on LGBTQ health disparities in
cancer, program development for psychological services at the Georgia Cancer Center,
and psychological trauma and cancer. Further research opportunities may be available
examining wellness in academic medicine.
Catherine “Katie” Davis, PhD
R34 MH126043-01A1, "Physical Activity to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk in Serious Mental
Illness: PARCS Study." 2022-25. This project in collaboration with PI Dr. Besenyi at Kansas State U. is piloting
a park-based physical activity intervention led by certified peer specialists with
mental health peers at a community mental health center, Serenity Behavioral Health
System. If successful, the intervention could be scaled up to mental health peer-support
programs nationwide.
"Glycemic Excursion Minimization (GEM) to outshine health disparities." 2023. The innovative Glucose Excursion Minimization (GEM) intervention
(systematic glucose feedback on reducing carbohydrate intake and increased physical
activity) improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but evidence is limited
to older, mostly White adults. The study will tailor the GEM intervention to young
Black adults with T2D, and then pilot the feasibility, acceptability, and initial
efficacy of the GEM intervention among young adults (mostly minority) with T2D.
Co-investigator and Mentor, “Building Resilient Infrastructure to Diminish Disparity
and Grow Equity (BRIDDGE) for Child Mental Health (BRIDDGE for Child Mental Health),”
PI Dr. Chris Drescher as Dr. Hannah Joseph is currently a postdoctoral fellow. Grant
currently under review at The Commonwealth Fund.
Christopher Drescher, PhD
Member of the LBGTQ Research Team with Dr. Stepleman (see below). My primary project
in this areas focuses on the impact of various forms of dysregulation on transgender
and gender diverse patients from the Equality Clinic of Augusta, our student run, free clinic for LGBTQ individuals.
Clinician and supervisor, “Serving Underserved Populations in Rural Setting: Targeting
Treatment and Adolescent Resilience Together (SUPRSTART).” This project brings evidence-based
mental health services to seven rural, underserved Georgia counties by training therapists
in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and telehealth provision.
Dr. Candace Best is also a collaborator on this project. Primary investigator is Dr.
Ashwini Tiwari. SAMSHA is funding the project.
Co-investigator, “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy vs. Supportive Psychotherapy with
Cystic Fibrosis Patients.” This project evaluates the effectiveness of 6 weeks of
telehealth-delivered manualized Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with CF program
vs 6 weeks of supportive psychotherapy, for patients living with cystic fibrosis who
are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. The Boomer Esiason Foundation
is funding this project.
Primary investigator and Mentor, “Building Resilient Infrastructure to Diminish Disparity
and Grow Equity (BRIDDGE) for Child Mental Health (BRIDDGE for Child Mental Health),”
in collaboration with Drs. Davis (see above) and Dr. Hannah Joseph (project lead,
postdoctoral fellow and former intern), as well as Dr. Christina Bancroft and other
collaborators in Pediatrics. Grant currently under review at The Commonwealth Fund.
Co-investigator, “The relationship among medical student stress, burnout, and workplace
factors.” Primary Investigator is Dr. Marcel D’Eon.
Amy House, PhD
Examining psychological flexibility and mindfulness processes as mediators of change
in psychotherapy using a repeated measures design for clients in ACT and DBT groups.
Specifically:
Psychological flexibility as a mediator of change in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
group treatment for recovery from substance abuse.
Processes of change in an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group for Stage 2 DBT
participants. Data collection is ongoing.
Examining psychological flexibility and mindfulness processes as mediators of change
in DBT skills group participants. Data collection is starting.
Lara Stepleman, PhD
LGBTQ Research Team Description: Project availability varies but current projects include planning and
implementation of studies related to: 1) LGBTQ health disparities, including the
first community health needs assessment in our region of 400+ individuals and 2) another
examining behavioral health screenings of patients treated at the Equality Clinic
of Augusta, our student run, free clinic for LGBTQ individuals. Several additional
projects related to policies for transgender patients in inpatient psychiatric settings,
the relationship between gender transitioning and sexual identity, and emotion regulation
and suicidality are also planned. In additional to Dr. Stepleman, Drs. Christopher
Drescher, Tracy Casanova, and Jessica Britt also provide mentorship on the LGBTQ projects.
Holly Tabernik, PhD
Tabernik’s research interests are primarily related to forensic evaluations, treatment
in inpatient settings, and substance induced psychosis. Specific interests and areas
of past research include: malingering, settled insanity, measuring adaptive deficits
in inpatient settings, and the psychometrics of Forensic Assessment Measures. The
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has state-wide
databases tracking factors related to competency restoration, violence risk, and length
of hospitalization, which interns can use to conduct research studies.
