Terri Messman, Ph.D.

Lab Director

Dr. Messman is interested in how interpersonal violence impacts the capacity for self-regulation. Recent research has focused on the role of mindfulness and self-compassion in relation to psychological outcomes associated with child maltreatment and sexual violence.

Nicole LaPlena, B.A.

Graduate Student

Nicole is interested in the impact of child maltreatment in adulthood. Her research aims to identify the relation between child maltreatment and mindfulness, as well as whether mindfulness is a resiliency factor for survivors of child maltreatment.

Selime Salim,

M.A.

Graduate Student

Selime is interested in risk factors for sexual violence among women, as well as factors that impact psychological adjustment following victimization. She is interested in examining the experiences of bisexual women, specifically, and how minority stressors impact risk for and recovery from victimization.  

Prachi Bhuptani, M.A.

Predoctoral Intern

Brown University School of Medicine

Prachi is interested in the experience of female survivors of sexual assault, particularly the role of shame in recovery. Her research aims to identify how shame may affect survivors when they receive negative reactions to disclosure of rape. 

Seth Wilensky, 

B.A.

Lab Manager

Graduate Student

Seth is currently developing the topic for his Master's Thesis. He is interested in the role of masculinity in the recovery of men who experienced sexual abuse or assault throughout the lifespan.