raise lab

Dr. Nate von der Embse is a professor of school psychology at the University of South Florida and chair of the National Association of School Psychologists Government and Professional Relations Workgroup (NASP GPR). Nate utilizes a social justice framework to examine the intersection of education policy and school mental health. His research improves educational decision-making by identifying the influence of external policies and contextual drivers while developing novel solutions to improve the selection and use of preventative school mental health assessments and interventions. The research program includes:

(1) An examination of external accountability policies on student and teacher emotional wellbeing, and instructional practices;
(2) The development of efficient decision-making tools including universal screening and progress monitoring measures;
(3) The creation of decision-making models including teacher training in assessment use and data interpretation, multi-informant decision-making algorithms, and discrete event simulations.
 
Nate completed his educational specialist degree in school psychology from Miami (OH) University and a school-based internship in the Hamilton City School District. He then received his Ph.D. from the school psychology program at Michigan State University with a specialization in educational policy analysis. He completed an APA/APPIC pre-doctoral internship at Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health in Omaha, NE. In his role with NASP GPR, Nate has presented to state school psychological associations, conducted advocacy trainings, and collaborated with state and federal elected officials on legislation. He has served as principal investigator, senior study personnel, co-principal investigator, and project evaluator on funded research from the Institute for Educational Sciences, Scattergood Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the Society for the Study of School Psychology. He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of School Psychology. Nate lives in Tampa with his wife Meghan, son Quintin, and daughter Ava. Nate enjoys traveling, college basketball, micro breweries, and sarcasm

Dr. Latimer is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). His educational journey began at the University of Wisconsin: Eau-Claire by earning a Bachelor of Science (B.A.) in Psychology with an emphasis in special education. After that, Dr. Latimer completed his graduate training in the School Psychology program at the University of South Florida (USF). He then spent time working a school psychologist intern within Pinellas County Schools in St. Petersburg, Florida. He currently serves as the postdoctoral research fellow on Project MIDAS, which is a federally funded research grant that focuses on the development and validation a multi-informant decisional assessment system to integrate and use multiple sources of data for accurate and efficient identification of social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) concerns. Dr. Latimer’s roles and responsibilities include supervision of graduate students, leading submission of grants to foundations and agencies, providing technical assistance to school district partners, and developing resources for training and dissemination. Dr. Latimer’s research interests focus on integrating multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), educational leadership and system change when addressing students’ social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.

What excites you about working in this lab?

The RAISE Lab is a wonderful environment full hard-working people and innovative ideas. For this school year, I am very excited to see not only the progress across multiple grant-related activities but the progress of all lab members.

What are three interests or activities you enjoy in your free time?

Whenever I have free time, I usually (1) hang out by the pool, (2) spend some time reading or (3) try out a new restaurant

Dr. Shum is a Florida Licensed Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). After she earned her PhD in School Psychology she worked as Project Coordinator for a National multi-site IES grant for two years, while practicing in a local private practice in Tampa, FL. She is currently serving as Project Director for Project SMARTS, a multi-million grant awarded by SAMHSA to Dr. von der Embse, Dr. Carver, and Dr. Gryglewicz. She also manages project SAFETY, a collaboration with Hillsborough County Public Schools, to enhance school safety. Dr. Shum's research interests include providing school-based mental health services including screening, intervention, and post-vention at various levels, ranging from individual to district. She's also passionate about school safety and suicide prevention research. As a first generation immigrant and college student, Dr. Shum is also committed to infusing social justice in her research and practice. Dr. Shum is excited about her work in this lab due to opportunities to interact and supervise graduate and undergraduate students, and serving the school communities in areas that align with her research interests. In her free time, Kai loves reading, playing video games, and food (eating and cooking)!

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?

Time-Travel - there's never enough time!

What is your favorite green thing?

My cat Mia's eyes

Dorie Ross is a third-year doctoral student from Evanston, Illinois. Dorie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her professional background included working in a therapeutic day school for students diagnosed with internalizing disorders. Her research interests are in finding ways to help elementary and middle school students at-risk for anxiety and depression in addition to developing screening and progress monitoring tools for tracking mental health outcomes in students.

Dorie is completing her Thesis work in relation to ongoing projects within the RAISE lab, including assessment of threats to school safety. Through this work, she is examining levels of community violence in relation to school related threats. Dorie is excited to participate in the RAISE lab because of the variety of research projects available to be involved in. In her free time she enjoys yoga, baking, and trying new restaurants.

What is your happiest memory?

Getting to spend five months studying abroad in London, and traveling around the UK and Europe.

What is your favorite animal and why?

My favorite animal(s) are West Highland terriers, and Highland cows.

Gabrielle is a fourth-year doctoral student from Trinidad and Tobago, and project lead for the Early Childhood subgroup operating within the RAISE Lab. She attended the University of Delaware where she received her BA in Psychology with minors in Women Studies and Human Development and Family Services. After graduating in 2018 she spent her gap year working with the Trinidad and Tobago Children's Authority. Gabrielle's research interests broadly include teacher wellbeing, culturally responsive interventions, school-community partnerships and positive psychology. In her spare time she enjoys writing (she wrote and self-published a book on Amazon!), exercising and reading. Gabby is excited about her work in this lab due to the skills and confidence that she is building which will help her later career. In her free time, Gabby enjoys reading, writing and running.

If you could have one superpower, what would you pick?

Teleportation

What is your favorite animal and why?

Cats because they're independent

Daijah is a second-year graduate student in the USF school psychology program, and is project lead for the DES Cost Modeling subgroup operating within the RAISE Lab. Daijah is originally from Wesley Chapel, FL, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University. She also completed her M.A. in School Psychology at the University of South Florida.

Daijah enjoys working in this lab due to the plethora of opportunities to explore her various research interests from systems level changes, early childhood, and teaching opportunities. Daijah also appreciates that she has the flexibility to support other subgroups in the lab when she has time as well. In her free time, Daijah enjoys nature walks, yoga, and spending time with Family & Friends.

What is your happiest memory?

My happiest memory is from my recent masters graduation, I was surrounded by family and friends and celebrated such an awesome accomplishment. I remember how amazing it felt to have all my loved ones in one room, to have so many people travel just to see me and show their support truly felt me feel so happy.

In your opinion, what is the best song ever written?

In my opinion one of the best songs ever written is called "Love yourz" by J. Cole, its essentially about how there is beauty in the struggles of life and how there is no life thats better than yours just accepting that everyone has there life tribulations but comparison won't change anything, emphasizing the importance of finding happiness outside of money & cherishing family and support systems.

Jessica Andrews is a third-year doctoral student, originally from the UK. She earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire in England, and a master's degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Nottingham in England. Jessica's prior professional experience includes provision of evidence-based treatment interventions for youth with anxiety and mood disorders, who are on the autism spectrum, in an intensive treatment setting. Jessica enjoys her work in the RAISE lab due to the many opportunities to participate in a variety of unique tasks and research. In her free time she enjoys spending time outside in the FL sunshine, and being with friends and family.

What is your favorite animal and why?

I'm a fan of all animals, but my favorite has to be dogs because they are the most awesome companions, and I have two - Chester and Charlie.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would love to do a trip around the world and learn about as many different places and people as possible.

Austin is a third-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program. He completed a B.A. in Theology at Southern Adventist University in 2011, and an M.S. in Counseling-School Counseling in 2014. Since beginning the School Psychology program at the University of South Florida, Austin has also obtained an M.A. in School Psychology. Prior to joining the School Psychology program at USF, Austin spent several years serving students as a School Counselor in a local Florida school district. Austin enjoys his work in the RAISE lab due to being able to work directly with school leaders, provide direct services, and see evidence of our work effecting change. In his free time, Austin enjoys watching Lighting Hockey (Go Bolts!), road cycling, kayaking.

What would be the title of your autobiography?

It makes sense if you don't think about it! An Unauthorized Autobiography

In your opinion, what is the best song ever written?

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

Caroline Mierzwa is a second-year doctoral student in the University of South Florida School Psychology Program. She is from Big Sur, CA. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences with a double minor in Education and Applied Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and most recently worked as a bilingual Behavioral Interventionist and as a Project Coordinator on a research project focusing on enhancing social-emotional skills in a small group counseling setting for at-risk students at the Tier 2 level. Her current research interests include school climate and school connectedness as it relates to threat assessment, social-emotional learning and ways to implement it in the school setting while considering ecological factors, behavioral interventions, and multi-tiered systems of support. Projects Caroline has worked on in relation to the RAISE lab activities include her current thesis: Comparing the Effects of the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines Training Workshop: Online vs. In-Person, and presentations at the NASP Convention: School Climate and School Connectedness in Relation to Threat Assessment (this examined local district threat assessment, school climate, and school connectedness data).

What is your happiest memory?

Happiest most recent memory: surprise gifting my parents a puppy this summer!

What is the best compliment you have received?

My cousin continuously reminds me that she wants to raise her daughter to be just like me.

Tom is a second-year doctoral student in the University of South Florida’s school psychology program. Tom's main duties in the RAISE lab are focused on the MIDAS subgroup. He is from Downers Grove, Illinois. Tom earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology from Lewis University in 2020, and his masters degree in School Psychology at the University of South Florida. After graduating, he volunteered as a research assistant at the Culture and Evidence-Based Practice lab at DePaul University and worked as a Behavioral Health Associate at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health. His research interests include school-based mental health interventions and universal screening measures. During his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and going to the beach.

What is your favorite animal and why?

My favorite animal is a dog because they are friendly and always do a great job cheering me up when I feel down.

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?

It would have to be flying. I love to travel and being able to fly anywhere and whenever I would like would make traveling much more convenient.

Caleb is a first-year graduate student in the School Psychology program. He attended the University of South Florida to complete his Bachelor's degree in Psychology, graduating in December 2022. Caleb participated in the RAISE lab during his undergraduate studies and is now excited to begin work as a graduate research assistant. Caleb is looking forward to opportunities to gain experience in a variety of professional settings, and to work with people who can provide knowledge and multiple relevant scenarios. In his free time, Caleb enjoys playing sports, going on long walks while listening to R&B, and game nights with extended family in the area.

What is something you did that you are proud of?

I am proud of being someone that my three younger sisters can look up to.

If you could have one superpower, what would you pick?

I would choose teleportation because it would make everything so much easier. I could sleep in longer and take a vacation anywhere at any time, even for five minutes.

Ashley Dreiss is a third-year doctoral student from NYC. She received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies from New York University in 2016. She later received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology Research Methods from Fordham University in 2018. Ashley is most excited by the working in the RAISE lab due to the many opportunities there are to be involved with different projects! She adds that from grant writing to social skills to threat assessments, RAISE lab really spans the spectrum of research interests. In her free time, Ashley enjoys Karaoke, cooking new recipes, & Yoga.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to Cuba. I would visit family members and see where my mom grew up!

What is your favorite animal and why?

My favorite animal is an elephant because they are adorable, and have incredible memories!

Gary is a third-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program at USF. Gary completed an undergraduate degree in Special Education and English (Grades 7-12) at Niagara University in 2007. He also completed a graduate degree in School Psychology in 2012, and a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2020, both at Niagara University. Gary is excited to participate in the RAISE lab for the opportunity to learn and grow with others who are interested in school psychology. In his free time, Gary enjoys concerts, hockey, and research.

What is your happiest memory?

Marrying my wife.

In your opinion, what is the best song ever written?

Imagine by John Lennon

Rachel is a third-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program. Rachel obtained her BA in Psychology (minoring in Spanish and Counseling) from SUNY Buffalo, in 2017. Rachel completed graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she obtained an MS in Educational Psychology, and EdS in School Psychology, graduating in 2020. Rachel is excited about her work in the RAISE lab due and opportunities to collaborate with school districts to implement preventative systems. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the beach, and gastronomy.

If you could have one superpower, what would you pick?

My superpower would be teleportation, so I could travel and visit my family more often.

What would be the title of your autobiography?

You have to Maslow before you can Bloom

Samin is a second-year graduate student in the USF school psychology program. She also attended the University of South Florida for her undergraduate and majored in psychology. Samin's research related to the RAISE lab includes examining diverse parent and caregiver perceptions of an early childhood risk identification course.Samin enjoys participating in the RAISE lab because of the versatility of the projects, the sense of community and bond this lab has, the didactics it provides. She particularly loves that members can target their experiences in the lab to their future career goals (e.g. grant writing). In her free time, Samin enjoys playing piano, going to the beach, fostering kittens.

In your opinion, what is the best song ever written?

The best song ever written is everglow by coldplay.

What is something you did that you are proud of?

Something I did that Im proud of is playing a 3 minute piano song with my eyes closed.

Brandon is a second year graduate student in the School Psychology program at USF. Brandon graduated from Florida State University in 2019 with a BS in Psychology. He is excited about the work in this lab because of the ability to work closely with like-minded individuals, to impact the lives of students and children in a beneficial way. In his free time, Brandon enjoys working out, swimming, and playing video games.

What is your favorite animal and why?

A cat. Cats are lovely and amazing creatures, there is no higher praise from a cat when they sit on your lap and start purring!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Iceland, for the amazing scenery and cold weather.

Megan is a first year graduate student in the School Psychology Program at USF. She graduated from Rollins College in 2019 with a BA in Psychology. Megan is excited about the work in this lab because of the prevention-oriented projects that will improve systems to better serve all children. In her free time, Megan enjoys playing soccer, going to concerts, and traveling with family and friends.

What is you favorite green thing?

Acadia National Park.

What is your favorite animal and why?

My favorite animal is my dog, Blue!

Jasmine is attending the University of South Florida and is in the fourth year of a Biomedical Sciences undergraduate degree. Jasmine loves working in the RAISE lab because she has always wanted to do research in psychology, and has found the best group of people researching such important concepts in the field. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys watching way too much TV, going on walks with her mom, and anything to do with arts and crafts.

What is something you did that you are proud of?

Something that I did that I am proud of is complete my DAT (entrance exam for dental school) and receive a score of a 21.

What is your favorite green thing?

My favorite green thing is matcha.