People

Principal Investigator

Valerie A Earnshaw, PhD

My interest in social psychological research was sparked when I was an undergraduate at the Pennsylvania State University and had the opportunity to work with Drs. Sarah Gervais and Terri Vescio as a research assistant on projects related to prejudice, power, and objectification. This work inspired me to earn a PhD in social psychology at the University of Connecticut under the mentorship of Dr. Diane Quinn. During this time, I pursued coursework and research opportunities to understand of how stigma impacts individuals. I also earned graduate certificates in health psychology and quantitative research methods. Through this training, I obtained a theoretical background in stigma and health processes, as well as methodological and statistical skills with which to study stigma and health.

I developed a foundation in HIV science via pre- and postdoctoral training. I completed predoctoral training via the NIMH Social Processes of HIV/AIDS Training Program at the University of Connecticut (T32MH074387) under the mentorship of Dr. Seth Kalichman. I then pursued postdoctoral training via the NIMH Interdisciplinary HIV Prevention Training Program at Yale University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (T32MH020031) under the mentorship of Dr. Jeannette Ickovics. I spent two years as an Instructor at Harvard Medical School and Associate Scientific Researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital, where I received early career training in child- and family-centered outcomes research (K12HS022986) under the mentorship of Dr. Laura Bogart. I then moved to the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware, where I received additional training in substance use disorder research and intervention science (K01DA042881) under the mentorship of Dr. John Kelly.

I am currently an Associate Professor in Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware. My research aims to understand and intervene in associations between stigma and health inequities throughout the lifespan. Much of my work is with people living with chronic illnesses, including substance use disorders, HIV, and mental illness. I also co-chair the Changing Perceptions and Stigma committee of Delaware’s Behavioral Health Consortium.

Dr. Valerie Earnshaw’s Curriculum VitaeSave

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Lab Members

James Wallace

James Wallace is a current undergraduate student at the University of Delaware, pursuing studies in Health Behavior Science and Public Health. James joined this lab in hopes of learning more about health inequities present in our society, stigma associated with substance abuse, and acquiring essential research skills. Additionally, James is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Society and is an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where he is a part of the Health and Safety Committee. After pursuing his degree, he plans on finding a job in Public Health, and potentially returning to school in an Epidemiology graduate program. In his free time, James enjoys spending time outdoors with friends

E. Carly Hill

Carly is a Research Associate II with the Stigma & Health Inequities Lab and the Center for Research in Education and Social Policy (CRESP) at the University of Delaware. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a major in Health Sciences and a minor in Medical Social Services. When not doing research, Carly enjoys live music shows, cooking and reading.

Past Lab Members

Natalie Brousseau

Natalie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Human Development Family Science program with a research focus on adolescent development, specifically how adolescent substance use relates to family relations in different socioeconomic statuses. She has a B.S. in Cognitive Science and a minor in Psychology from University of Delaware. Her position in Dr. Earnshaw’s Stigma and Health Inequities Lab is as a Graduate Research Assistant, a role in which she plans to learn more about stigma associated with chronic disease. Current research projects are focused on positive parenting and its moderating effect on adolescent substance use and socioeconomic status, stigma and barriers to care for patients with HIV, and longitudinal substance abuse data collection.

Ashley Roberts

Ashley is a current undergraduate at the University of Delaware, completing her Bachelor of Science in Health Behavior Science with a Psychology Minor. Looking forward to a career in Health and Sexual Education and promotion, she hopes to gain experience through the Earnshaw Stigma lab to better understand the intricacies of stigma, addiction, and chronic illness. Ashley is also a Certified Peer Educator and is involved in the academic and volunteer organizations Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, and Lambda Theta Alpha. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteer work, beach days, and movies.

Mollie Marine

Mollie is an undergraduate student at the University of Delaware where she is currently pursuing degrees in Human Services and Women and Gender Studies. While working at the Earnshaw Lab, Mollie wants to gain more insight to how detrimental stigma can be to one’s health and lead to severe health inequalities in regards to minority or undeserved populations. She hopes to take what she has learned at the lab and apply it to a career in domestic violence advocacy. When not working Mollie loves to walk her dog, go to Longwood Gardens to take pictures, and convince her friends to buy her food.

Saray Lopez

Saray is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Relations Administration, and a minor in Organizational and Community Leadership. Saray joined this lab in hopes of learning more about stigma associated with substance abuse. Aside from working with Dr. Earnshaw as a research assistant, Saray is the Community Service Chair for HOLA the Latinx/Hispanic programming board, the Vice-President for the Human Resources Student Chapter, and a Blue Hen Ambassador. After pursuing her degree, she plans on finding a job and later returning for graduate school. In her free time she likes to be outdoors, and spend time with family and friends.

Kristina Holsapple

Kristina is a current undergraduate student at the University of Delaware, pursuing studies in computer science and human relations. As a member of Dr. Earnshaw’s Stigma and Health Inequities Lab, Kristina hopes to not only understand the impacts of stigma on those experiencing substance abuse, but also how to hold herself and others accountable for counteracting stigma with fair and respectful perspectives. Additionally, Kristina enjoys her time as a Blue Hen Ambassador and member of UD’s community service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, and member of the Harrington Theatre Arts Company lighting staff. Kristina hopes to pursue a career exploring how people interact with and are affected by technological developments.

Alissa Leung

Alissa is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Delaware. She is a public policy major and a public health and anthropology minor. While working at the Stigma Lab, she hopes to expand her understanding of stigma as it relates to people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and/or substance use disorders. When she’s not in the lab, Alissa enjoys geeking over The Gilmore Girls, attending concerts, and amassing a CD collection.

Julie Bender

Julie is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Delaware. She is a Cognitive Science major with a specialization in Speech and Language Pathology and has minors in Psychology, Disability Studies, and Human Development & Family Studies. She hopes to go on to obtain a Master’s Degree and eventually work in schools as a Speech and Language Pathologist. At the University of Delaware, she is currently involved in the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association, the American Sign Language Club, and the University of Delaware Alternative Break Program. She also works as an Office Assistant at the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures and as a Research Assistant for the Stigma and Health Inequities Lab. By working for this lab, she hopes to gain valuable knowledge that will be useful when helping her clients in the future. In her free time, Julie loves to travel, volunteer, and spend time with her friends and family.

Colin Courter

Colin is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Delaware, majoring in Mass Communications and Political Science. With a strong interest in political justice and social issues, he spent much of his high school and college careers volunteering for political candidates that he felt he shared views with. A passionate musician, Colin has been playing drums and guitar for over 15 years, and playing numerous shows with other musicians. Currently a research assistant in the Earnshaw Stigma Lab, Colin hopes to gain a better understanding of how stigmas affect the day to day lives of individuals who may be marginalized, stereotyped, or objectified in any way. He aims to work with music in the future, and hopes to one day open a recording studio focusing on local artists.


Sarah Dickerson Sarah Dickerson

Sarah is currently a Senior at the University of Delaware with a major in Health Behavior Science and a minor in Public Health. After college, she plans to take a gap year to look at different graduate programs. She is currently completing an internship for her major with Dr. Earnshaw’s lab and is looking to gaining research skills that will help her in her future endeavors as well as understand the relationship between stigma and health inequities. In her free time, Sarah enjoys being with her friends, cooking, exercising and watching movies.

Kayla Sullivan

Kayla is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Delaware pursing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Cognitive Science. She has a concentration in Speech and Language Pathology and a minor in Disability Studies. She plans to attend Graduate School to earn her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology, and practice in a clinical or school setting. At the University of Delaware, Kayla is the fundraising director of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association, a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and involved with project sunshine. She is currently working as a Research Assistant at the Stigma and Health Inequities Lab and is hoping to gain further research experience and explore the relationship between stigma and health inequities. In her free time, Kayla likes spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking and reading.

Katie Tarantowicz

Katie is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Cognitive Science at the University of Delaware. She has a concentration in Speech and Language Pathology, and minors in Disability Studies and Psychology. She plans to attend Graduate School in order to earn a Master’s Degree in her field. In the future, she aspires to work as a Speech Language Pathologist in a school setting. She is presently working for Dr. Earnshaw as a Research Assistant for her Stigma and Health Inequities Lab to gain experience in research practices and broaden her knowledge of how stigma corresponds to health inequities. She is involved in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association, and the American Sign Language club. In her free time, she likes to volunteer, sketch, and play the piano.

Jacque Buck

Jacque is an undergraduate student from the University of Delaware pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Clinical Services concentration and minors in Sociology and Medical Social Services. In previous semesters, she has interned at the Newark Senior Center, primarily with the ‘Meeting of Minds’ group for seniors with early memory loss. She is currently working as a research assistant to Dr. Valerie Earnshaw in her Stigma and Health Inequities Lab to gain experience in research methods and understanding of how stigma correlates with health outcomes. Other areas of interest include mental health, public health, geriatric care, and navigating health care systems to connect patients and families to proper resources. In the future, Jacque hopes to continue research and attend graduate school abroad. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys volunteering, writing, and singing classic rock at the top of her lungs.

jesse-chen-180x180Jesse Chen

Jesse is a graduate from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology with experience in researching stereotypes, implicit and explicit biases, and racial biases. He is currently working on his Education Specialist degree in School Psychology at the University of Delaware and works as a graduate assistant to Dr. Valerie Earnshaw. He is interested in providing the resources needed and developing ways for children to get the most out of their learning experience in the education system. Along with his past research, he also hopes to develop different preventative interventions to stop racial and cultural based bullying in schools. Outside of his academics and work, he enjoys reading, playing video games, and cooking.

Stephen McLaren

Stephen McLaren is a senior at the University of Delaware, majoring in Health Behavior Science with a Minor in Medical Social Services. Stephen’s interests include the mental health continuum, and discovering ways that healthcare providers can provide better outcomes to their patients. Stephen is pursuing a career in health coaching, and possibly therapy/counseling in the future after going back to school for his Master’s degree. Stephen enjoys watching movies and tv, playing video games, and spending time with his cat, Socks.

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David Menino

David is a recent Bachelor of Science in Psychology graduate from Brown University with experience in sexual health and substance abuse education, HIV testing and risk reduction counseling, community outreach, and research.  He is passionate about improving the health outcomes of disadvantaged populations by increasing access to, and quality of, information, services, support, and care.  Given his experiences working closely with individuals whose lives have been affected by poverty, homelessness, addiction, and communicable diseases, he has developed a keen interest in understanding social factors related to the distribution/prevalence of these diseases (e.g. addiction, HIV/STIs, and Hepatitis C) and how to best provide and/or design services that effectively improve the health and treatment outcomes of these individuals.  In his free time, David enjoys endurance running, practicing Tae Kwon Do, and cooking.

Overall, David intends on culminating these experiences by pursuing a career in either medicine or research, or a combination thereof.

He can be reached at:  david.menino@childrens.harvard.edu

Taylor Ryan

Taylor is a graduate student at the University of Delaware pursuing her Master’s Degree in Human Services Leadership. As an undergraduate, she was a Human Services major with a Disabilities Studies Minor and Public Health Minor. Her research interests focus on stigma and how it relates to health inequities for those living with mental illness. In addition, Taylor studied abroad in South Africa volunteering in an orphanage in Pretoria and completed a 400-hour internship with the Mental Health Association in Delaware. She also spent two and a half years working with Professor Steve Eidelman and Nancy Weiss as an undergraduate assistant at their non-profit, The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities (NLCDD). At NLCDD she gained experience in policy and advocacy in the disabilities field. Taylor has been a research assistant for The Starting at Home Project collecting data around toxic stress in low-income families. She is currently researching mental health and stigma to investigate how social support might act as a mediator for help-seeking among those living with mental illness. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her puppy, running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jamie Scharoff

Jamie is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Delaware pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Human Services with a Clinical Services concentration. She plans to take a gap year to increase her clinical experience working with children and then hopes to attend Graduate School to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Jamie wants to gain important research skills in Dr. Earnshaw’s Lab that will help her succeed as she continues pursuing higher education. She is a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority and in her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and volunteering.

Cayla Scheintaub

Cayla is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Delaware. She is a Cognitive Science major with a specialization in Speech and Language Pathology and has minors in Disability Studies and Psychology. She plans to pursue a Master’s Degree to become a Speech Language Pathologist, working in a school, clinic or hospital. Cayla is a member of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association, The Sinai Scholar Society and Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority. She hopes to gain knowledge about research methods and how stigma is linked to health inequities by participating in lab. In her free time, she likes to travel, hike and go to concerts.

Lia Valenzuela

Lia is an undergraduate student at the University of Delaware pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Behavior Science with an interest in a Medical Diagnostics Minor. After graduation, she plans to complete a two-year master’s physician assistant program. She is currently working as a Research Assistant for Dr. Valerie Earnshaw in her Stigma and Health Inequities Lab and hopes to learn skills that can be applied to other research opportunities in the future. In her free time, she likes to listen to classic rock and watch Netflix.