Meet the ASPIRE Research Team

Kathleen Smith (she/her) is a first year doctoral student in the marriage and family therapy program, from Newport News, Virginia! She serves as an engagement coordinator for ASPIRE. Her research interests include cultural adaptations for LGBTQ+ populations and theory development.

Sam is a PhD student in Human Development with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy and a graduate research assistant for the ASPIRE team. He has clinical and research experience and interest on the topics of LGBTQ+ experiences within psychotherapy, human sexuality, adult romantic attachment, and microaggressions. Sam intends to continue to conduct research to improve clinical training standards to promote informed and affirming services for the LGBTQ+ community. 

 Shalini Srinivasan, (pronouns: she/her) is a doctoral student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Virginia Tech. As a relational therapist and researcher, she believes that our contexts and surroundings play a significant role in shaping our perspectives and experiences across our lifespan. She is passionate about community-engaged research and is working to adapt and implement neuro-affirming relationship education and sexual wellness programs for youth. With an educational background in counseling and mental health, she is a scholar-practitioner in the making. 

Duan-Ching Wu (she/her) is a first year doctoral student in VT’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. Duan-Ching is from Taiwan. She is a graduate researcher for ASPIRE, and her research interests include intimate partner violence and emotionally focused therapy. 

 My name is Gwen Roman. I am a senior undergraduate researcher on ASPIRE. I am majoring in childhood pre education and minoring in adaptive brain and behavior and disability studies. I am additionally an undergraduate researcher in the Relationships in Context Laboratory with Dr. Tekisha Rice. In the future, I would like to become a licensed mental health professional who works with children and their families.  

 Chloe (she/her) is a senior human development student, with a minor in disability studies. Chloe is from Blacksburg, Virginia. Her research interests include LGBTQ mental health, systemic interventions, and movement and mental health. 

Rebecca Gregory 

(she/her) is an undergraduate senior in human development! Rebecca is from Stafford, Virginia. She serves as ASPIRE’S Newport Healthcare Research Group Liaison and Administrative Assistant. Her research interests are eating disorder behavior, trauma, and attachment. 

Weiting Li is a Master student in Computer Science of Virginia Tech. My main study focus is software development, web development, and AI applications. I am the main developer of this website.