Lafavor Lab

Taylor Coats

3^rd Year | PhD Program | Gainesville, VA and NYC

Email | coat7153@pacificu.edu

Faculty Lab/Mentor | Theresa Lafavor

Research Focus | Resilience, stress, and trauma in adolescents and young adults/Intervention refinement and mixed methods

Undergraduate Institution | James Madison University

Why I chose Pacific | Pacific University is a collaborative, supportive environment with extremely passionate faculty members. There is an abundance of opportunity to tailor your experience here. It was also clear to me that students in this program are eager to learn and grow together. The PhD program is housed within the College of Health Professions, so interdisciplinary work is common and encouraged. Not to mention, Portland, OR is a super cool city with tons of amazing nature close by.

Favorite PhD course | Applied Clinical Psych I/II and Advanced Statistics. These two courses challenged me to think as both a clinician and a researcher, while equipping me with crucial skills necessary to become a psychologist. Applied Clinical Psych I and II added to my understanding of psychopathology and highlighted the important nuances that cultural factors play in our understanding of diagnosis and mental health interventions. Advanced Statistics instilled in me the confidence to pursue my own projects. Both of the faculty members that teach these courses are engaging and warm. 

Hobbies | I enjoy spending time with my friends, hiking and camping, live music, cooking, and trying new breweries.

Billie Carter

3rd Year | PhD Program | Spring Creek, NV

Email | godd3255@pacificu.edu

Faculty/Lab Mentor | Dr. Theresa Lafavor

Undergraduate Institution | University of Nevada, Reno

Research Focus | Pediatric psychology, well-being, self-efficacy, intersection of mental and physical health in adolescents, specifically anxiety and chronic illness (past experience with type 1 diabetes).

Why I chose Pacific | One of the reasons I chose Pacific was the welcoming and collaborative atmosphere of the program, faculty, and students. Just from my experience at Interview Day I could easily picture myself as a part of the program. Another benefit, as someone who wants to specialize in pediatric psychology (child health psychology), was the option of the health emphasis track in the program. Lastly, I knew Dr. LaFavor would be a wonderful match as my mentor with our overlapping research interests.

Favorite PsyD course | The Applied Clinical Psychology I & II courses have been my favorite. The first course went in-depth on psychotherapy intake interviews and the second course is focused more heavily on individual mental health disorders (symptoms, treatments, research, etc.). These courses have made me excited to get started seeing clients in my practicum placement next year!

Hobbies | In my free time, I love reading, painting, snuggling my three Boston Terrier pups, binging Netflix shows, being outdoors (mainly in the summer months), and trying to keep my plants alive.

Michelle Ruvalcaba

3^rd Year | PhD Program | Garden Grove, CA

Email | michelle.ruvalcaba@pacificu.edu

Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Theresa Lafavor

Research Focus | Risk factors for increased internalizing and externalizing behaviors for children in the foster care system.

Undergraduate Institution | California State University, Dominguez Hills

Why I chose Pacific | Pacific’s small cohort and program size has allowed my training to be tailored to my research focus. The Portland metro area has also introduced me to a diverse population of children in neuropsychological assessments.

Favorite PhD course | Advanced Stats II - I have always enjoyed statistics and this class was a good mix of challenging and engaging. 

Hobbies | I enjoy a variety of arts and crafts such as sewing, cross-stitching, and embroidery. I also enjoy cooking, baking, and hanging out with my adorable cat Milton.