What We Do

Our research focuses on examining the intersection between psychology, law, and trauma, particularly for underserved populations. This includes evaluating the effectiveness and appropriateness of psychological and forensic assessment and intervention methods in mental health, child welfare, and criminal justice settings, as well as working with mental health and criminal justice professionals to create trauma-informed policy and implement evidence-based, trauma-informed practices. In addition to these implementation science initiatives, we are also interested in contributing to best practices in the teaching and training of emerging psychology and law professionals. 

The lab is housed in the Purdue University Northwest Psychology Department and is directed by Dr. Amanda Zelechoski. 

 Who We Are

Director

Amanda D. Zelechoski, J.D., Ph.D., ABPP

Dr. Amanda Zelechoski is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist and attorney, specializing in trauma. She is a Professor of Psychology and the Director of Clinical Training at Purdue University Northwest, where she conducts research on the impact of childhood trauma at the intersection of psychology, law, and public policy.

She is board certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, has worked clinically with adults, children, and families, and provides training and consultation to numerous mental health, legal, education, and child welfare agencies.

Dr. Zelechoski is currently the principal investigator or co-investigator on several trauma-informed capacity-building and implementation projects for child-serving systems (e.g., juvenile justice, pediatric primary care, outpatient mental health, and K-12 education), supported by over $5M in grant funding.

She was also the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Pandemic Parenting and has hosted and produced several science translation and dissemination-focused podcast series, including Roadmap to Resilience and Roadmap for Change.

Current Members

Graduate Students

  • Emma Cenzon

  • Shin Loubriel

  • Rachel Taylor

Post-Bacs

  • Elizabeth Clark

  • Zoe Fischer

  • George Reillo

Undergraduate Students

  • Carla Ayers

  • Gabriela Herrera

  • Aiden Leverick

  • Simona Stantcheva

  • Emma Turner

Lab Alumni

Graduate Students

Undergraduate Students