Gender and Sexuality Studies

Biography

Jack Hanson, B.M. is a researcher and aspiring clinical psychologist interested in developing anti-suicide and trauma-focused interventions, particularly among LGBTQ+ people. Their research seeks to combine culturally-competent care and evidence-based practices to improve mental well-being. Having studied at New York University and Columbia University, Jack has researched person perception, stereotyping, and bias under Dr. Jon Freeman as well as obsessive-compulsive and related disorders under Dr. Fugen Neziroglu. Currently, Jack works as a 988 Lifeline Counselor, providing support to those in crisis. They plan to improve mechanisms in treatment models, aiming to help people achieve greater mental health outcomes. Dr. Erica Szkody (she/they) is Research Assistant Professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. Their research focuses on developing, analyzing, implementing, and disseminating interventions that aim to improve interpersonal support networks across communities. Specifically, Dr. Szkody has researched, applied, and improved evidence-based treatments to underserved and marginalized communities. They have authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and have presented at premier conferences, integrating empirical treatments with cultural competency. Their work has been supported by competitive grants, such as the 2023 Visionary Grant from the American Psychological Association to improve mental health in rural communities.