Lab Director

Nicole E. Lorenzo, PhD

Director, PATHS Lab

Assistant Professor, American University

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Nicole E. Lorenzo is the director of the PATHS Lab and an Assistant Professor at American University. She received a PhD in Clinical Science in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Florida International University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland. Dr. Lorenzo is a licensed clinical psychologist.

As a developmental psychopathologist, Dr. Lorenzo’s research focuses on the transactional processes involved in parent-child interactions, examining how these processes develop and the impact of factors like temperament and parent mental health. This developmental work informs her intervention work which seeks to understand how we can refine and individualize treatment targets to develop early intervention programs that are accessible and scalable for families and providers, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. Of utmost importance, Dr. Lorenzo’s program of work is carried out using a health equity lens, by focusing on and including participants from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Dr. Lorenzo’s work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health.

 Outside of her professional work, Dr. Lorenzo enjoys nature and the outdoors. You can often find her traveling, scuba diving, and hiking.


Graduate Students

Prospective PhD Students

Dr. Lorenzo will be accepting a graduate student into the PATHS Lab in the 2026 application cycle to start in the fall of 2027. For more information visit: 

Greighson Rowe

Graduate Student

Greighson is a fifth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at American University. She received BAs in Psychology and Latin American & Iberian Cultural Studies from Hood College in 2022. Her research interests include cross cultural psychology and prevention measures against psychological distress in ethnic minorities and migrant populations.

Isaac Morales

Graduate Student

Isaac is a fourth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at American University. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2019 with a double major in Cognitive Science and Philosophy. Isaac’s primary research interests center on connecting underserved communities to evidence-based practices and understanding how ecological factors, such as resource access, can inform mental health treatment. In his free time, Isaac enjoys cooking, gardening, and wrestling.

Allison Tietz

Graduate Student

Allison is a fourth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at American University. She graduated in 2021 from the University of California, San Diego with a major in Cognitive Science, specializing in Neuroscience, and a minor in Computer Science and Engineering. Allison’s research interests involve identifying cognitive factors in youth that can inform mental health strengths and risks, with the end goal of better individualizing treatments. 



Alejandra Lizette Tovar-Argueta

Graduate Student

Alejandra is a first-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at American University. She graduated from University of Maryland College Park in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and studio art. Alejandra’s primary research interests are in early childhood emotional socialization and identity formation. In her free time, she enjoys reading, buying and listening to records, and making art. 


Research Team

Justine Gregg

Lab Manager

Justine is a second-year graduate student in the master’s program at AU. She graduated from Texas Christian University in 2025 majoring in Psychology and English. Her research interests focus on methods to best support marginalized individuals and their family members. Additionally, she is interested in early developmental risk factors and ADHD in adolescents.

Luna Parra

Research Assistant

Luna is a first-year graduate student in American University’s MA Psychology: Clinical Science program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2024 and worked as a registered behavior technician after graduating. She is interested in research that explores the development of mental disorders in youths from marginalized populations. Her hobbies include arts and crafts, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. 

Noorhan Abu Khalaf

Research Assistant

Noorhan is a first-year graduate student in the master’s in psychology program at American University, on the clinical science track. She got her bachelor’s in public health at East Carolina University in 2023, and her master’s degree in public health from Brown University in 2025. Her research interests focus on the impact of trauma on child neuropsychological development, particularly among underserved and conflict-affected populations.

Dylan Kilkenny

Research Assistant

Dylan is a senior undergraduate student studying Psychology and Justice, Law, and Criminology! She is passionate about supporting underserved and marginalized communities, including individuals with special needs. In her free time, she likes to listen to music and play her favorite cozy games!

Nina Donohue de Rezende

Research Assistant

Nina is a senior undergraduate student, double-majoring in Psychology and Data Science. her interests lie in child psychology and healthy family development. In her free time, she enjoys baking for her small business and inventing new recipes.

Aneya Prakash

Research Assistant

Aneya Prakash is a senior, majoring in psychology with a minor in marketing. Her interest lie within child development and helping children with development or language delays. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, trying new foods, and watching sports.

Jadie Bonilla

Research Assistant

Jadie is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience, with a strong interest in neuroplasticity and child development. Outside academics, she enjoys traveling, photography, and film.

Former Lab Members

Carlos Rodriguez
Allison Lipkin
Natalia Cervantes
Maria Victoria Suarez Molina
Leigh Cummings
Eva Goldhagen
Luis Garcia Abundis
Lindsay Lao
Sophia Wick
Miranda Tompkins
Kayleh Brown
Gilberto Aviles Figueroa 
Tasmin Owens
Mauro Iurman
Nia Moore