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Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Fellows

Meet the Fellows

  • Lakia Kearson, PhD

    Lakia Kearson, PhD

    Kearson

    I was born and raised in Miami and therefore will always be a Florida girl at heart.  I completed my doctoral program in Pennsylvania at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  During this time, I have found that I am typically the only person in the room who looks forward to the winter and who become excited when it begins to snow.  I also have a close-knit relationship with my family.  My brother and sister are my closest friends.  I have the cutest Cockapoo named Atlas who welcomes me home every day.  I love all things Disney and Marvel.  I used to tell others that I watched kid-friendly movies because I have always worked with children.  As I have gotten older, I have realized that it was just an excuse and that I really just enjoy watching kid-friendly movies.  Aladdin is one of my all-time favorites.  Professionally, I have always enjoyed working with the pediatric population, more specifically adolescents.  I spent a number of years working as a school psychologist prior to pursuing my doctoral degree.  My dissertation research focused on executive functioning and social-emotional behaviors associated with traumatic brain injuries.  I am looking forward o my next phase of life as a neuropsychology clinical fellow.  A motto that is important to me is “Dream Until your Dreams Come True.” 

  • Bethany Schwandt, PhD

    Bethany Schwandt, PhD

    Schwandt

    I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at North Dakota State University.  There, I worked in multiple research labs exploring infant cognitive development and differences in pupil dilation and emotion dysregulation among victimized children.  I continued clinical work for a few years in a psychiatric residential treatment facility for youth before returning to graduate school.  I completed my graduate training at Ball State University in Indiana where I earned a PhD in School Psychology with a specialty cognate in pediatric neuropsychology.  I completed two years in a pediatric neuropsychology practicum at Indiana University School of Medicine where I worked general pediatric neuropsychology outpatient, rehab, and worked on several research projects involving sickle cell disease, brain tumors, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  I completed an advanced counseling practicum at Ball Memorial Hospital Cancer Center working with patients and families with varying stages of cancer.  Most recently, I finished my doctoral internship in health service psychology at Fraser Child and Family Center in Minnesota, a clinical pediatric specialty clinic specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders.  In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, biking, reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. 

  • Alicia Travis

    Alicia Travis

    Travis

    I was born and raised in the small town of Graham, Washington. Without moving far away from home, I attended Pacific Lutheran University for undergraduate education, majoring in biology and psychology. While working as a behavioral therapist, I developed a passion for working with children within the psychology field which drove me to pursue further education. I completed a master’s degree at Northcentral University with an emphasis in health psychology and ventured to Pacific University in Portland, Oregon to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology. During my doctoral studies, I fell in love with pediatric neuropsychology and furthermore discovered an enthusiastic interest in the pediatric oncology and hematology population for both clinical and research focus. Moving away from the PNW for the first time, I completed a doctoral internship in pediatric neuropsychology at Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates, TN. I am beyond excited to relocate to Memphis and join the St. Jude community for fellowship. I look forward to refining my clinical skills and expanding my research interests at one of the most well-respected and world-renowned children’s hospitals. Outside of training, I enjoy hiking with my dog, snowboarding, weightlifting, checking out the live music scene, and cooking.

 
 
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