People
Samantha A. Chalker, PhD
Samantha A. Chalker, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist, a mental health services researcher, and the director of the Recovery-Oriented Suicide Prevention (ROSP) Research Lab. She specializes in suicide prevention. She is particularly interested in brief intervention development and evaluation, peer-led services, suicide safety/risk assessments, and training providers in suicide risk management. Her research focuses on integrating recovery-oriented research and practice and strengths-based approaches to intervene in suicide risk, specifically for Veterans and those experiencing serious mental illness. With a focus on improving access to care, Dr. Chalker aims to expand her work to digital interventions and expand suicide prevention training access. Clinically, Dr. Chalker's specialties and interests are in delivering therapeutic suicide safety/risk assessment, management, and interventions as well as in modalities related to dialectical behavior therapy, compassion and mindfulness-based interventions, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She focuses her clinical work and research on underserved populations and those experiencing increased suicide risk, psychosis, and symptoms of bipolar disorder. Outside of work, Sam enjoys taking her dog to all the wonderful San Diego dog beaches, gardening, and learning to speak German.
Chris Shriver, MA
Bio coming soon!
Jayden Soukoulis
Jayden is an undergraduate student at the University of San Diego, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Since joining the ROSP lab in January 2023, she has made significant contributions to the growth and development of our projects. In addition to this lab, she has helped do data abstraction on the CAMS suicide treatment lab for Dr. Depp at the VA. She is committed to pursuing a career in clinical psychology with an interest in researching severe mental illnesses. She is particularly interested in discovering interventions for suicide that are aided by behavioral changes, such as diet and exercise. Outside of her academic and research pursuits, Jayden is a Division 1 rower at her university and enjoys working out, doing activities outdoors and baking!
Jillian A. Carter, B.S.
Jillian (she/her) is UC San Diego graduate, earning a B.S. in Clinical Psychology magna cum laude in conjunction with participation in UCSD’s Psychology Honors cohort. Throughout her time in undergrad, Jillian participated in numerous research assistantships via the UCSD/VA partnership, including a cannabinoid and PTSD randomized control trial (Dr. Mallory J.E. Loflin, PhD) and a pilot study of “Caring Cards” for suicide prevention (Dr. Blaire C. Ehret, PhD). Jillian maintains a professional and academic interest in the intersection of eating disorder pathology and suicidal behavior, and has been with the ROSP Lab since April of 2023. Outside of her volunteer research activity, Jillian works full-time for a telehealth treatment program for eating disorders, Equip Health. Jillian will be applying to psychology doctoral programs for Fall 2025 and hopes to use her PhD to expand access to evidence-based care for historically marginalized groups.
Ya-Kuan (Kuan) Wang
Kuan is a senior at the University of California, San Diego. She double majors in psychology and business-economics. She’s interested in different types of evidence-based psychotherapies for mental health disorders, the concept of wellbeing and effective ways to enhance mental wellbeing. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, exploring nature, going to the beach, music, and trying out different Asian foods.
Cadance LeGrand
Cadance is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Biology. She is interested in learning about various psychological disorders and how to expand scientific literature to help those who face mental health challenges. In the future, Cadance aims to work with vulnerable populations to provide support and advocacy for those who are underserved. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction, crocheting clothes for her cat, trying new foods, and going to the beach.
Ankitha Ganesan
Ankitha is a first-year undergraduate student majoring in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Human Developmental Science. She has a keen interest in understanding abnormal behaviors, with a particular focus on developmental disorders, criminal behavior and serious mental illnesses. She is also a passionate mental health advocate and volunteers for a crisis text line. In her free time she loves reading, going to the beach and traveling.
Jiajie “Lucy” Chen
Jiajie is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego. She has a broad interest in the field of clinical psychology, and would like to commit to pursuing a career in the field. She is passionate about exploring effective treatments and interventions to improve the well-being of individuals with mild or severe mental illnesses.
Brenna Miller
Brenna is a third-year Business Psychology student at the University of California, San Diego. She has a keen interest in neuroscience, the complexities of human behavior, and the role of psychology in social interactions. Upon completing her bachelor's degree, Brenna plans to further develop her skill set before pursuing an MBA. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, taking her dog on long walks, and exploring San Diego.
Collaborators
Colin Depp, Ph.D.,
Elizabeth Twamley, Ph.D.
Marianne Goodman, M.D.
Matt Chinman, Ph.D.
Samm Hurst, Ph.D.
Shahrokh Golshan, Ph.D.
Dave Jobes, Ph.D.
Angie Waliski, Ph.D.
Douglas Downing
Lab Alumni
Samantha L. Hemingway, PhD