Pooja Agarwal
Ph.D. in P&BS 
Class of 2011

In April 2025, I published a book for educators, titled Smart Teaching Stronger Learning: Practical Tips from 10 Cognitive Scientists. A substantial portion of the book is based on research conducted at WashU by alumni from the Psychological & Brain Sciences Department. More information is available at https://amzn.to/4hETucQ and https://retrievalpractice.org/smart-teaching, including a listing of the authors. For more information about the book, the authors, and online events, subscribe for my newsletter at retrievalpractice.org/subscribe.

Amanda Arbuckle
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2021

I'm a Predoctoral student concentrating in Adult Development and Aging through the Department of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Anna Bankston
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2023

I was working as a post-baccularate research assistant for two years but started as a Clinical Psychology PhD student at the University of Connecticut this past fall.

Lola Barish
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2025

In graduate school, pursuing a masters in speech language pathology

Jennifer Beatty-Wright (maiden name- Jennifer Beatty)
Ph.D. in P&BS 
Class of 2025

I began my tenure-track assistant professor position in psychology and child development at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I began the position in September 2025.

Recent Awards

Distinguished Speaker, Western Psychological Association Commencement Speaker, Spring 2025, Wash U Beacon Mentor Award (Cal Poly)  College of Liberal Arts Scholarship Support (Cal Poly)

Emorie Beck
Ph.D. in P&BS 
Class of 2020

I was promoted from Assistant to Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis

Recent Awards

I received four awards and a large grant.   Awards:  Early Achievement Award, European Association of Personality Psychology Research Innovation Award, University of California, Davis SAGE Early Career Trajectory Award, Society of Personality and Social Psychology Rising Star Award, Association for Psychological Science  Grants:  I received my first R01 as PI from the National Institute on Aging

Joanne Bell
Ph.D. in P&BS 
Class of 1983

I did a post doc fellowship in neurpsychopharmacology at Duke University Medical Center.  This was followed by a Assit Med Res Prof.  Thereafter I joined the pharmaceutical industry as Dir of CNS Clinical Research as Glaxo/GSK, several biotech companies to Sr Dir.  This was interspersed with Head positions, Exec Med Dir at small/med Pharma companies to launch treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. I am currently supporting AD patient advocacy service and independent consulting. 

Paul Bigg, DMD
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2014

I am the director of special care dentistry at A. T. Still University, Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health. There are several components to my career: 1. I teach dental students about psychological principles of behavior management as well as how to treat those with a variety of disabilities such as Autism and Down Syndrome; 2. I treat those with and without disabilities as a practicing general dentist; 3. I treat those with severe disabilities in the operating room under general anesthesia at Barnes Jewish Hospital in a joint program between ATSU MOSDOH, Affinia Healthcare, Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes Jewish Hospital; and 4 I am involved with research and service across the region and nation to better those with a variety of disabilities.

Recent Awards

No awards during this time block.  However, previous to 4/1/25, I was awarded a 1/4 ride scholarship to dental school at CWRU SODM and was recognized with a scholarship for my excellent volunteer work at SLCH about a decade ago.

Sarah Buday
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2002

I've been made Director of Pain Psychology services at the WashU Pain Management Center.

Meghan Byrne
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2014

I accepted a job offer as a full-time Assistant Professor on the Tenure Track in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS). I will be a Core Member of the Brain Health Institute (BHI) and a member of Center for Advanced Human Brain Imaging Research (CAHBIR) which is a component of BHI. RWJMS, and BHI are part of Rutgers Health (RH) of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. I will be starting my position in Summer 2027.

Recent Awards

National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, 1 K99 MH137258-01A1, NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00), Multi-modal multi-task assessment of biobehavioral processes associated with binge-type eating in high-risk youth, 04/01/2025-03/31/2030. Principal Investigator: Meghan E. Byrne  07/2025 Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE), National Institutes of Health  (NIH) Office of Intramural Training & Education  09/2025 Seymour S. Kety Memorial Fellowship Training Award for Excellence in Clinical Research, National Institute of Mental Health  01/2026 Alies Muskin Career Development Leadership Program (CDLP) Research Track Awardee, Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Jabari Chiphe
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2024

I continued my studies as an MBA at WashU Olin.

Khadejha Craig
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2024

Yes. I work for Catholic Charities working as a Member Advisor. I mentor individuals or couples in helping them meet goals, make positive life changes, budget their finances, and help them become self sufficient. 

John Michael Davis
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1969

Retired 2010

Recent Awards

Kenneth Grahame Memorial Trophy for Simply Messing about in Boats, Emeritus 

Zainab Delawalla 
Ph.D. in P&BS
Class of 2010

I am an associate teaching professor at Emory University and the director of the Emory Psychological Center. 

Mary Derbish
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2005

Currently working as a trauma therapist in a private practice.

Andy DeSoto
Ph.D. in P&BS
Class of 2015

I now head the Metascience, Translation, and Workforce Development Section in the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences at the U.S. National Science Foundation. In this role, I supervise a team of PhD program officers who direct grant programs in areas ranging from science and technology studies, to ethical conduct of research, to science of science. Of interest to the Psychological & Brain Sciences Department, social psychology is temporarily in my jurisdiction, too.

David Dietrich
B.A.  1972
Ph.D. 1979

I continue in the private practice of psychoanalysis and a training & supervising analyst at the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute.

Elizabeth Drake
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2016

Promoted from Assistant Treatment Leader to Treatment Leader of Third Way Center: Pontiac  House, a residential mental health facility for adolescents with trauma.
 

Carolyn Dufault
Ph.D. in P&BS
Class of 2009

Promoted to Associate Dean, Education Digital Transformation and Data Strategy, and Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine & Geriatrics,  Washington University School of Medicine

Eric Failes 
Ph.D. in P&BS
Class of 2020

Promoted to Sr Data Engineering Manager

Rose Fogelman
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1984

I retired from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in 2021 after 32 years of service.

Tyler Frank
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2015

I had a career change after undergrad. I was premed and while working in neuroscience labs (neurology and neurosurgery departments) at the WashU School of Medicine, I discovered my passion for public health and research. I will be graduating this year with a PhD in Public Health Sciences from the (new) WashU School of Public Health.

Renee Fuller
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2024

I started medical school at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in August 2025.

Melanie Goldring
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2017

Over the past year, I was promoted to Executive Director of American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad (AYUDA), after nearly a decade serving in progressively senior leadership roles within the organization. In this role, I provide strategic oversight of programming, fundraising, volunteer training, and partnerships in the Dominican Republic, while leading long-term sustainability and growth planning with the Board. I continue to serve as Manager of Organizational Capacity and Strategy at the DREAM Project, where I support strategic planning, cross-sector partnerships, grant development, and organizational systems strengthening for education programs reaching 7,000+ children and youth.

Jennie Greenstein
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2019

I completed my PhD in School Psychology at the University of California Berkeley. I am now working as a postdoctoral psychology fellow at Sutter Health's Kalmanovitz Child Development Center in San Francisco. 

Tracy Roe Haffner
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1992

I’ve stayed in brand management and general management for the cpg industry   I believe that my training in psychology from WashU combined with marketing training as an Olin MBA helped me to lead a small woman owned business to sustainable growth over the past decade.   Also WILT was an amazing leadership training experience for me in 1988.  And career services and alumni network were so helpful in my early professional growth.

Recent Awards 

My company is nominated and likely to receive the good housekeeping beauty award in April   

Maddie Hammer
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2024

Got into Social Psych PhD program

Sunny Hong
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1999

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Virginia.  I have been in private practice for 10 years.

Tabitha Isner 
B.A. in PNP
Class of 2003

I am now the Founder of Atlas for Democracy, a non-profit focused on civic engagement.

Recent Awards

Democratic Nominee for Alabama State Senate 

Noelle James
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2008

I am in neuroscience with a specialty in behavioral genetics. I got my PhD from the University of Illinois and am currently at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

Eric Judson
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2020

I started as an Account Executive at Area 23.

Veronica Lee
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2024

Yes, I am now a first-year PhD student studying Educational Psychology at WashU. 

Linda (Rudorfer) Lefton
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1976

Retired

Laurel Levinsohn
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2022

Medical student since August 2024

Cheri Levinson
Ph.D. in P&BS
Class of 2008

I am a Full Professor at University of Louisville- promoted two years ago. 

Marla Lichterman Friedman
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1988

Yes. Working as an LCSW in an agency that provides psychotherapy for older adults.

Jane Lin
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2002

I have a different role, but same project. I work on a LEGO Foundation project called Active Playful Learning. Last year I was part of the University of Virginia admin team, but this year I am the coordinator for the classroom observation system for all sites (UCI, SMU, Uchicagi, UVA, BU), and also work on the data team housed at UVA. 

Robbie Mazer
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2025

Attending WashU Law

Megan McDonnell Ellis
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2002

I stopped working for Takeda Pharmaceuticals in 2020 due to their move to Boston and COVID, and I am now back in school at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health pursuing my Masters in Health Science in Health Economics and Outcomes Research under the Health Policy and Management department.

Peter Millar
Ph.D. in P&BS
Class of 2020

Up for promotion to Assistant Professor in Neurology at WUSM in 2026

Recent Awards

Comparing epigenetic, proteomic, and MRI aging clocks in sporadic and autosomal-dominant Alzheimer disease (PI: PR Millar) National Institute on Aging Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award 1-K01-AG090753-01, 08/15/2025–05/31/2030 This study will rigorously compare three state-of-the-art models of biological aging across multiple modalities, including DNA methylation, proteomics, and MRI, and will test the novel hypothesis that these measures capture complementary signals of biological aging in relation to Alzheimer disease (AD) progression and resilience. These hypotheses will be tested in both typical sporadic late-onset AD and autosomal dominant AD, a familial, early-onset form of AD, which allows for the evaluation of accelerated biological aging with minimal age-related confounds. Successful completion of the project will address whether multimodal measures of biological age hold translational utility as complementary biomarkers in AD staging or precision medicine estimates of resilience, while also providing the candidate with invaluable opportunities for training in novel, complementary research and professional skill sets.

J. Philip Miller 
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1965

Continue to be doing research at WashU School of Medicine in Geriatric Psychiatry, Effects of social disadvantage on the development of mental health risk factors in the first years of life and development of vaccines to potential pandemic challenges among others.

Stefanie Miller (Potts) 
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2007

I'm  in my third year as Associate Director of College Counseling at Tarbut V'Torah in Irvine, CA.

Sebastian Monge
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2025

I began working abroad in Japan at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science.   I am currently an incoming Neuroscience PhD Student at The Mayo Clinic. 

Latrionna Moore
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2015

My majors were psychological and brain sciences, and organization and human resources management. My primary foci upon graduating were HR and management. Since 2024, I have been a full-time therapist. I received my MSW in 2023, and began working in the mental health field part-time. I am now a LCSW at a private practice and overseeing social media and marketing efforts for my employer.

Michelle Moore
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2009

Psychometrist – Neurology Washington University School of Medicine Memory Diagnostic Center 

Devante Morgan
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2018

I've been working in the Human Resources space since graduating in 2018.

Sharon Murdoch
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1990

I have a very eclectic career history.  I work as a substitute teacher--I am a fully certified teacher, but choose to not work full time.  I also work as an Assistant Barn Manager, Horseback Riding Instructor, and run Summer Camp at 2 different barns.  In addition, I handle all online registrations for another summer camp.

Maia Nagle Abeles
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2021

 I started working at [re+active] therapy and wellness in Los Angeles, CA (https://www.reactivept.com/) as a psychotherapist!

Robin Neuhaus
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2016

In the past year, earned a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from New York University and co-founded the Nested Institute for Families, a nonprofit research institute that studies the mental health and well-being of parents, children, and early childhood educators.  - Leading several national studies on caregiver mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including a study focused on non-birthing caregivers (partners who did not give birth, such as fathers, adoptive parents, and LGBTQ+ caregivers).  - Conducting the Small Moments Study, a national project with early childhood educators that explores how everyday interactions between teachers and young children shape classroom climate and educator well-being.  - Building a research collaboration with Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in New York City to better understand burnout among early childhood educators and identify practical ways to support them. 

Recent Awards 

Grants awarded in the past year from the Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood and Brady Education Foundation for our research projects. 

Phoebe Novack
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2013

I am a Senior Category Insights Manager at Impossible Foods.

Recent Awards

Datassentials Sales Leader Award, February 2026

James Onken
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1980

Retired as President of Research Enterprise Analytics. 

Miriam (Rivera) Parfitt
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1993

I am working as a counsellor in the UK.

Arden Pedraja
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2024

I was accepted into medical school and will be leaving my job to attend in July. 

Gavin Rackoff
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2017

I graduated with my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from The Pennsylvania State University in August 2025. I am now a Postdoctoral Associate in the Center for Behavioral Science Research at Boston University. 

Michelle Read
B.A. and MA in P&BS
Class of 2005

After 13 years at Google, this past year I launched Degrees of Freedom Marketing (www.dofmarketing.com). It's a brand consultancy empowering leaders to build new skills and create a brand strategy that drives stronger customer connections. Leveraging my neuropsychology background, I developed signature "playshops" that move beyond 2D strategy slides to 3D experiences. These sessions help teams replace traditional marketing guesswork with behavioral science. By engaging teams in mental, emotional and physical challenges , I help leaders make strategic decisions that are more innovative, memorable and fun (all because of the underlying neuroscience)!

Recent Awards

Best Brand Consultant in Ann Arbor, Digital Reference, March 2026

Sara Reardon
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2004

I went on to physical therapy school at WashU School of Medicine and have a doctorate degree in physical therapy and board certification in women's health. 

Recent Awards

National Bestselling book- Floored: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage 

Ted  Rich
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1977

Retired. I was a corporate trainer for an international Organizational Psychology Consulting company.

Ryan Ricks
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2024

I attended and graduated from a masters of social work graduate program and have started full time work as both a crisis counselor and therapist. 

Mindy Rosengarten
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2018

I am a PhD student studying developmental psychology. 

Recent Awards

AERA/NSF dissertation grant 

Mark Ruggiero
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1999

Retired after 25 years as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service.

Perry Sailor
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1978

I retired from the University of Colorado Boulder in June, after nearly 27 years there.

Tara Samson
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2023

I started clinical psych PhD at City University of New York at Queens College in August 2025

Yoni Sarason
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2007

I joined Assurant as director of digital and AI transformation, where I am helping upskill employees on AI.

Lori Shapiro-Meyer
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1994

Following my time at Wash U, I received a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. My career has been in the human resource function leveraging the skill and will of the workforce to make the world a better place. A focus has been hiring and nurturing the development of global talent, A big part of the role is around  building community and culture that rewards aspiration, engagement, skill and agility in a complex business environment. Restructuring and realigning organizations to maximize efficiency and impact in a complex global environment has been an increasing element in organizational success in recent years.   For the past 10 years I have worked for Siemens Medical Solutions partnering with global talent who make, sell and service MRI and Ultrasound machines as well as laboratory diagnostic instruments to help diagnosis various disease states.  My psychology degree from Wash U provided a solid foundation for my career.

Recent Awards

I have received internal company reward and recognition awards for partnership with the business during a multi year organizational transformation.

Rachael Spalding
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2013

Staff Psychologist at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (Milwaukee, WI) Assistant Professor at Medical College of Wisconsin

Joshua Statland
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2012

I pivoted from grants management at NYU Law to healthcare investment banking at Santander after completing my MBA at NYU Stern in 2025.

Cally Stewart
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2008

A year and a half ago I left my job as an occupational therapist in chronic pain management, and went full-time into my private practice in clinical hypnotherapy for stress, anxiety, and habit change.

Marta Stojanovic
Ph.D. in P&BS
Class of 2022

I started a tenure-track position at University of Kentucky where I am now an Assistant Professor in Department of Psychology.

Michelle StPaul
M.A. Clinical Psychology
Class of 2015

I pivoted from investigator (PI) track to research operations. Currently serve as operations, administration and financial lead of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Aging and Serious Illness (CASI) Reserach.

Payton Trimark
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2020

Current medical student at Northwestern University, completing a 1-year research fellowship at the University of Wisconsin - Madison dermatology department.

Recent Awards

American Hair Research Society mentorship award University of Wisconsin Dermatology clinical research fellowship

LaDonna Utley
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2024

 In addition to remaining at my full-time job at WashU Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, I have started my own business Bella Spark Books.  I've published two children's books in a planned series, and launched the Bella Spark Community Initiative.  I'm working with students of all ages to inspire confidence, kindness and generally being good humans.  I'm actively engaging with students in schools, libraries, hospitals and veterans through my Confidence, Comfort & Strength kits.  I've taken on speaking engagements, community partnerships and still somehow finding time to write.

Seth Wilensky
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2020

Seth will be completing his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Miami University in August 2026 following the conclusion of his predoctoral internship at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. Seth with be returning to the Cincinnati VA to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in Interprofessional Team-Based Care & Health Psychology.

Kendra Williams
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2025

I am still at my same job, but I am also getting my master's degree.

Jessalyn M Wininger 
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2016

I currently own my own private practice in St. Peter's MO and was accepted to Pacifica University to begin my Ph.D. in Mythology with an emphasis on Depth Psychology in the fall of 2026.

Amanda (Aj) Wright
Ph.D. in P&BS
Class of 2023

In August, I will finish my postdoc at the University of Zurich and start a position as an Assistant Professor in the psychology department at Texas A&M

Recent Awards

Rising Star Award, Association for Psychological Science (APS) Emerging Scholar Award, Association for Research in Personality (ARP)

Nicole Wylie
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 2005

Was promoted to VP Digital at my existing company. I oversee the team who focuses on our consumer facing brand ParkWhiz.

Recent Awards 

Women Impact Award - this award recognizes the parking professional dedicated to advancing women in leadership, fostering inclusion organization wide, and demonstrating commitment to diversity and employee development.

Gail Zugerman
B.A. in P&BS
Class of 1975

Pivoted from having a market research consultancy to bring a podcaster - seven years ago.