Staff & Research Assistants

Emily has glasses and is smiling outside.

Emily Brabec (she/her)

Email: ebrabec@wisc.edu

Emily recently joined the ASSIST Lab as a Research Specialist in September 2026. She oversees the Pathways Study, which examines the transition from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) to suicidal ideation in adolescents. She completed her M.A. in Psychological Science at The Catholic University of America in 2026 and earned her B.A. in English from Wheaton College (IL) in 2023. She is passionate about understanding how suicidal thoughts and behaviors develop and improving suicide risk assessment and intervention, as well as exploring the psychology of human trust in AI. Her previous research experience includes working in the Suicide Prevention Lab at Catholic University, where she served as lead research coordinator for a clinic-based outcomes study, and as a research fellow at the U.S. Army Research Institute. In her free time, Emily enjoys swing dancing, planning her next international trip, and writing for her book-focused Substack.
Minkyung is wearing a light gray suit with has shoulder length hair.

Minkyung Yim (she/her)

Email: myim4@wisc.edu

Minkyung Yim (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Fellow (Fulbright Program) who joined the ASSIST Lab in September 2026. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Korea. She received her B.A. in German Language and Literature and Psychology (double major), M.A. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, and Ph.D. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, all from Korea University. She completed her clinical training at Kyung Hee University Hospital and then worked as a clinical psychologist at the Smile Center in Incheon, a national center providing comprehensive trauma care and support for crime victims. Prior to joining the ASSIST Lab, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Korea University and taught a range of undergraduate and graduate psychology courses at several universities in Korea. Minkyung’s research focuses on non-suicidal self-injury and suicide, especially the social and interpersonal context of NSSI and suicide, and just-in-time interventions. She hopes to contribute to public mental health improvement and suicide prevention through her research and clinical work. Outside of work, Minkyung enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks, and watching F1 on weekends.

Jake has short, dark brown hair and is smiling wearing a black suit

Jacob Sinai (he/him)

Jacob Sinai is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he is pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy. He joined the ASSIST Lab in 2024, where he contributes to ongoing research focused on advancing mental health treatment and support systems. Jacob is passionate about understanding the human mind and behavior through both scientific inquiry and philosophical reflection.

Looking ahead, Jacob plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with the goal of becoming a licensed therapist. He is particularly interested in working with adolescents and young adults, and hopes to integrate evidence-based therapeutic practices with a compassionate, individualized approach to care.

Outside of his academic and research pursuits, Jacob—who also goes by Jake—enjoys a wide range of hobbies. He loves experimenting in the kitchen by cooking new and creative dishes, and finds playing the piano to be a relaxing and expressive outlet. Jake also values spending time in nature, whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the outdoors, and he cherishes quality time with friends.

Iman has medium-length black hair and is smiling outside wearing a light blue shirt

Iman Hafeez (she/her)

Iman joined the lab in Spring 2025 and is currently an undergraduate student double-majoring in Psychology and Legal Studies. She plans to purse law school in the future, with a focus on policy support in the mental health sector. She is especially passionate about understanding factors such as social connection and their connection to mental health, with an emphasis on minoritized communities. She’s also interested in at-risk prison populations, particularly in relation to mental health, and developing policy-embedded interventions. In her spare time, she loves roller skating, making jewelry and doing henna.

Jenna has long black hair and is smiling wearing a purple and white sweater

Jenna Chapman (she/her)

Jenna joined the lab in Spring 2025 and is currently a senior studying psych. After graduating from UW–Madison, Jenna plans to pursue a doctoral degree (PsyD). Outside of the lab, Jenna enjoys spending time with friends and family, ice skating, listening to music, and more!

 
Carl has short black hair, smiling and wearing a light green shirt and a black jacket

Carl Chen (he/him)

Carl joined ASSIST in Spring 2025. He will be starting his second year at UW this fall, where he will continue his major in Psychology. After undergrad, he hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and pursue a mix of therapy practice and scientific research. In his spare time, he enjoys watching movies and TV shows, and always has a pair of earbuds in for his Spotify playlists.

Julia is sitting on steps and is wearing a white shirt with jeans, smiling.

Julia Harrington (she/her)

Julia joined the ASSIST Lab in Spring 2026 and is a senior double-majoring in Psychology and Legal Studies with a certificate in Criminal Justice. She is interested in mental health and incarceration and hopes to involve herself in the forensic psychology field and prison reform. In Julia’s free time, she enjoys doing nails, listening to music, and cooking/baking. 

Ryan is holding a koala and smiling.

Ryan Tessmer (he/him)

Ryan joined the ASSIST Lab in Spring 2026. He is currently a senior studying Psychology with aspirations to undertake a Masters in Mental Health Counseling as he wants to get involved in licensed therapy. He is interested in how people grapple with psychopathological patterns of thoughts such as depression and suicidal ideation, and how therapeutic interventions can be utilized in conjunction with personal protective factors to manage these symptoms. In his free time, Ryan enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with family, friends, and his cat Bear.

Tess is smiling and wearing a floral dress.

Elizabeth (Tess) Bottoms (she/her)

Tess is a junior double-majoring in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies, and joined the ASSIST Lab Spring 2026. She is particularly interested in the intersection of incarceration, law, and mental health, and hopes to better understand the psychological experiences of incarcerated individuals and the role of mental health in the criminal justice system. After completing her undergraduate studies, Tess plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She hopes to combine scientific research with clinical practice to improve mental health support for underserved and justice-involved populations. In her free time, Tess enjoys running, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family. 

Katelyn is wearing a green turtleneck with long, wave hair.

Katelyn Van Lanen (she/her)

Katelyn is a recent UW–Madison transfer student and joined the ASSIST Lab this Fall 2026! She is a Psychology major interested in graduate-level education after she completes her Bachelors degree. Katelyn loves learning everything new, so she is still narrowing down her interests! In her free time, she often draws, crochets, and hangs out with family and friends.

A portrait of Rec Well Wellness Coach Lauren outside.

Lauren Lee (she/her)

Lauren joined the ASSIST Lab this Fall 2026, and is a junior studying Psychology and Social Welfare. She loves learning how to better support others with their well-being, and mental health advocacy. Lauren hopes to help people in a clinical or counseling setting after her undergraduate and graduate years. In her pockets of free time, Lauren has fun ice skating, baking, trying new restaurants, and going on adventures!