Director

Dave Jobes was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and he went to college at the University of Colorado (where he met his wife Colleen). He went to graduate school at American University where he worked with Dr. Lanny Berman and developed his passion for suicide prevention and research. After completing his clinical internship at the Washington DC VA Medical Center, Dave went to Catholic University in 1987 where he first worked as a staff psychologist in the CUA Counseling Center. He ultimately migrated over to the Psychology faculty full time in 1992 and became a full professor in 2002. Dave has been immersed in suicide prevention work since graduate school and recently completed his 33rd year at CUA. Dave and Colleen have been married over 30 years and they have two sons—Connor who is a first year law student and Georgetown University and Dillon who is a first year graduate student in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan. A life-long martial artist, Dave has “retired” to kick-boxing and enjoys spending time with his family including Mickie (an overly loved Boston Terrier) and Reilly (a cat who thinks he is dog and terrorizes small to mid-size animals in the neighborhood).

Assistant Director

Dr. Jennifer Crumlish, Assistant Director of the Suicide Prevention Lab, was born and raised in New York City near Greenwich Village in the 1960’s and 1970’s which sparked her curiosity in human behavior given the colorful individuals who filled the neighborhood.  Her major in history at Georgetown University enabled her to spend her junior year at the University of Kent at Canterbury where she spent as much time as possible traveling and eating her way through Europe. During her senior year she took an introductory psychology course because it fit well into her schedule only to discover that that should have been her major all along.  Volunteering at the D.C. Hotline and training volunteers in handling suicidal callers became the first step on her way to graduate school in psychology.   Dr. Crumlish received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at The Catholic University of America in 1996. Her research work has been in mood spectrum disorders with a focus on bipolar disorder in the Biological Psychiatry Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health, in schizophrenia at Johns Hopkins University.  Dr. Crumlish’s current interests in suicide research include individuals in the military, veterans, and senior citizens.  When she’s not busy being a psychologist, Dr. Crumlish enjoys traveling, trying out new restaurants and playing tennis.

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Phoebe grew up in Maryland horse country and earned her BA in psychology from Dickinson College. After college, she spent a decade conducting psychological health research at Walter Reed and the Defense Centers of Excellence, along the way earning her MPH from USUHS. Phoebe developed a strong interest in improving mental health services through research and evaluation and recently completed her PhD in clinical psychology at American University, where her research focused on cost-inclusive analysis of suicide prevention approaches. In her spare time, Phoebe enjoys spending lots of time outside with her family and bulldog, trying out new restaurants, and traveling to places new and old.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

Josh earned his B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Florida. He then went on to earn his M.A. in Psychological Science at The Catholic University of America. He has spent most of his life growing up in a large military community in Navarre, Florida and found his interest in psychology in high school. Josh decided to combine his passion for psychology with the influence of growing up in a military community into the pursuit of becoming a military psychologist or working with the VA. His research interests include military issues such as PTSD, trauma and anxiety, and suicidality. When he has down time, Josh enjoys the opportunity to relax and binge-watch shows or spend time with his friends.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

Mary earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2018 with a minor in Human Development. There she became involved in research studying the effectiveness and efficacy of psychotherapy and developed a preliminary interest in suicide prevention. After graduation, she begin a two-year research assistant position at the National Institute of Mental Health studying the implementation of suicide risk screening in medical settings. As a doctoral student at CUA, she is looking forward to conducting research on interventions for youth and young adults at risk for suicide utilizing the CAMS framework. In her free time, she likes to read, play video games and spend time with her family and friends

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

Ethan is a 2020 graduate of the MA Psychological Science Program at Catholic University, where he guided the lab's Fairfax Project. Ethan has presented research at national and international conferences, including on samples of college students, active duty military, and those with severe mental illness. His research interests include examining the intersection of emotion regulation and suicidal risk. Ethan’s previous research experience includes work from the Stress & Emotion Research Lab and the Clinical Psychology Research Lab, both at American University. Additionally, Ethan supported the Dept. of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office and US Marine Corps through his work at Insight Policy Research/Westat. He is a former Obama Administration White House intern, an avid nonfiction reader, and enjoys cooking. On the weekend, you can find him hiking in rural Virginia.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

JP earned his BA in Psychology and Spanish from Catholic University in 2018, where he was first exposed to the CAMS framework in the SPL. He spent 2 years with the Cognitive Neuroimaging Lab at Georgetown University where he conducted fMRI research related to Alzheimer's disease biomarkers and HIV-associated dementia under Dr. Xiong Jiang. Shortly into the pandemic, he dove headfirst into military research as a COVID-19 vaccine trial clinical research coordinator at Fort Belvoir. He is interested in the role of chaplains and interpersonal relations in suicide prevention. When he's not studying you can find him playing day-long board games with his wife and friends, reading Brandon Sanderson novels, and pondering the meaning behind the latest Sufjan Stevens album.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

Marian earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Florida (USF) in 2020. Eager to gain research experience, Marian volunteered at the Alliance and Suicide Prevention Lab, where she discovered her interest in suicide prevention work and went on to develop a culturally competent suicide prevention resource. Interested in large-scale prevention efforts, Marian evaluated an automated text-messaging crisis intervention as part of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline's #BeThe1To campaign. As a doctoral student in the SPL, Marian is focused on advancing our theoretical understanding of suicide and the effectiveness of available treatments (e.g., CAMS).

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

Evan grew up in South Florida and received a B.S. in Psychology from Florida State University in 2020. Evan discovered her interest in suicide prevention research while working as an office assistant in the outpatient FSU Psychology Clinic and as a research assistant in Dr. Thomas Joiner's Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors. Following graduation, and in hopes of gaining experience with additional populations, Evan worked concurrently as a clinical research coordinator focusing on innovative bipolar disorder treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital and as a volunteer in the Nock lab at Harvard University. As a doctoral student at CUA, Evan is excited to be involved in many CAMS-related projects and to conduct research to further refine and enhance suicide risk assessment approaches. In her free time, Evan enjoys reading, spending time on the beach, and petting every dog she passes.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

David is a native of northern Virginia and earned his Bachelor's degree in Politics from the University of Virginia and Master's degree in Psychology from Harvard University. Uncovering what leads to meaningful transformation has been at the center of his interests. How societies transform collectively led him to grapple with the legislative process as a community organizer in Charlottesville and Seattle and as a legislative aide at the Virginia General Assembly. Then uncovering how individuals transform personally led him to research well-being as a post-bacc research assistant with Dr. Todd Kashdan at George Mason University and research suicide prevention in his Master's work. Outside the lab, David enjoys tasting his way through DC's Best of Yelp, aspires to be an above average public speaker, and daydreams about seeing all four tennis Grand Slams live.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

Jess grew up in northern Kentucky and received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 2018. She began studying suicidal thoughts and behaviors while working as a post-baccalaureate fellow at the NIMH on the study, “the Neurobiology of Suicide.” She completed a master’s in psychology at Louisiana State University in 2023 while working in the Mitigation of Suicide Behavior Lab. Her master's thesis explored constructs of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, examining the relationship between interpersonal hopelessness and suicidal ideation in college students using ambulatory assessment. Jess is interested in examining risk factors for suicide, utilizing technological approaches to study the etiology of suicide, and the assessment and treatment of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In her free time, Jess enjoys doing arts and craft projects and trying every new flavor of sparkling water.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

Francesca (Frenchy), hailing from New Jersey, holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Bachelor's degree in Psychological Science from Colgate University. Prior to CUA, she worked at the Child Mind Institute and Northwestern Family C.A.R.E. lab, where she contributed to community-based studies and the implementation of evidence-based interventions. She also works as a mental health coach on the IntelliCare+ skills app, which targets depression and anxiety in both rural and urban health care settings. Francesca's research interests revolve around understanding adolescent suicidality, identifying risk and protective factors, and leveraging technology for assessments and interventions. On the weekends, she enjoys productive procrastination, searching for DC’s best bagel, and thrifting for vintage finds. 

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

Weseley Isaiah Chambers earned his master's in Psychological Science at the Catholic University of America (CUA) and his bachelor's in Psychology at the University of Central Florida. His research investigates Mind-Body therapeutics—primarily Clinical Hypnosis—in developing novel suicide safety planning interventions. He also studies how Identity and Body Regard/Disregard influence suicidality. Beyond academia, Isaiah is a classically trained singer who performs in his church choir, enjoys spending time with friends, and participates in improv theater.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student

Anna completed her B.A in Psychology at the University of British Columbia in Canada, and her master’s in clinical psychology at Leiden University in The Netherlands. Her interest in suicide theory and prevention began during her time in Dr. David Klonsky's suicide research lab at UBC, where she was involved in research on the three-step-theory, suicide prediction, and the ideation-to-action framework. During her master’s she wrote her thesis on the potential for sleep interventions to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviours and worked on an ecological momentary study examining temporal factors related to suicidality. Anna also has experience in paediatric OCD through her previous role was working as the research coordinator for the British Columbia Provincial OCD program. As a doctoral student at CUA, Anna is excited to bring her knowledge of different research methods and her theoretical background of suicide to the lab.

Master of Arts in Psychological Science Student

Margaret grew up in Germantown, Maryland and earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland in 2023. She is currently a first-year master’s student at The Catholic University of America. She has also worked for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as a Crisis Hotline Counselor since 2021. Margaret’s research interests include suicidality, mental health within the prison system, and family dynamics. Margaret enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and going on walks.

Master of Arts in Psychological Science Student

Hailing from the cornfields of Illinois, Emily is a first year master's student at the Catholic University of America. She earned his Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Psychology from Wheaton College in 2023. Emily has previously worked in the Sexuality and Gender Institute, conducting research on mental health trends in the LGBTQ military veteran community. Her current research interests include suicidality and mental health in religious youth. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, traveling, and searching for the next best iced vanilla latte. 

Master of Arts in Psychological Science Student

Margeaux grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Washington State University Pullman with a B.S. in Psychology. Her research interests involve better understanding and treating suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and emerging adults. She is also passionate about mental health policy pertaining to this population. In her free time, you’ll likely find her outside enjoying nature, traveling, or playing with her furry pets.

Master of Arts in Psychological Science Student

Jackson is originally from New Orleans, LA but has spent the past 7 years living in Texas. After earning a B.A. in Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio in 2021, he worked as a research assistant at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in both violence prevention research as well as youth depression and suicide research. His research interests include suicide prevention and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among LGBTQIA+ populations. He also loves to play guitar and chat about all different kinds of music.

Undergraduate Student

Kate is a senior undergraduate student from Syracuse, New York, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Brain Sciences with a minor in Biology. She worked this past summer at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse as a Cardiac Care Technician and hopes to build a career as a Physicians Assistant in the future. Kate is interested in the connections between physical and mental health and holistic medicine. She enjoys cooking, service in her community, as well as relaxing with a good book or hiking in the woods.

Undergraduate Student

Taylor is a senior undergraduate student from Middletown, Delaware, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Brain Sciences. After graduation, she plans to work in law enforcement or in an intelligence-related field. Last school year, she interned with the Metropolitan Police Department as an investigative intern with the detectives unit working on hit and runs. When she isn't working on schoolwork, she can be found working out, reading, or trying out new cafes with her friends. 

Undergraduate Student

Anna is a Junior undergraduate student from Arlington, Virginia, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with minors in Philosophy and Theology. She enjoys working with individuals with developmental disabilities and plans to study Special Education after her time at CUA. Whenever she isn't in class she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, doing service, running, and reading good books!

Undergraduate Student

Mia is a sophomore undergraduate student from Kensington MD. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Early Childhood Education and Spanish for Healthcare. Mia is very passionate about suicide prevention and hopes to work as a psychotherapist in the future, helping clients to find hope and joy again. She currently works at Children’s National Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital on the maternity floor, specifically working with infants. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family, playing the guitar, and trying out new places in the city!

Undergraduate Student

Angel is a junior undergraduate student from Washington, New Jersey pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Minors in Theology and Religious Studies and Health, Society, and Policy. After graduation, Angel plans to continue her education in psychology with hopes of becoming a psychologist. Outside of school, she enjoys reading a good book, trying to find the best hole-in-the-wall spots in the DC area, and walking along the Metropolitan Branch Trail!

Undergraduate Student

Kate Shamberger is a Senior at Catholic University, majoring in Psychology and Brain Sciences with a minor in Biology. She is originally from Saratoga Springs, New York. Kate currently works at Children’s National Hospital, in DC, as a Patient Care Technician. She also serves the local community as an EMT of Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department. She plans to pursue a career in healthcare, as a Physician Assistant. Kate is interested in the prevalence of mental health within primary healthcare settings and the role that clinicians can play in suicide prevention. Kate enjoys cooking, hiking and spending time with her dog back home in New York.

Undergraduate Student

Elayna is an undergraduate student from Scottsdale, Arizona, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Brain Sciences and the Intelligence Studies Certificate. She enjoys her personal training job and spending time line and country swing dancing.

Research Associate

Sina, originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, holds a BA and MA in International Relations from Brigham Young University. She began her career as a Congressional staffer before spending 15 years living and working abroad with the U.S. State Department, UNICEF, and UNFPA. In 2022, she pursued an MSW at Catholic University, where her research with Dr. Melissa Grady on adolescents with problematic sexual behaviors sparked her interest in clinical research. Now a Social Work PhD student, Sina's research focuses on the role of educational environments in contributing to or mitigating suicidality and feels privileged to be conducting research utilizing the CAMS framework. She is also a full-time psychotherapist working with adolescents and young adults. On the weekends, you can find Sina relaxing with her husband, three kids, and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Research Associate

Abby grew up in Centennial, Colorado, before moving to Washington, D.C., where she received a BA in Psychology from Catholic University of America. Abby was an undergraduate research assistant in the Suicide Prevention Lab for two years before graduating in May 2024. She currently works as a Professional Research Assistant at the University of Colorado's Neuroscience of Behavior Health and Wellness Research Group, and will be continuing her work at the SPL from Colorado! In her spare time, Abby enjoys skiing, cooking, and mastering the power of the 20 Minute Power Nap! 

Research Associate

Melvin grew up in Miami, FL where his parents settled after migrating from Nicaragua. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, in which he served ten years as a field radio operator/joint fires observer and has done one deployment to the middle-east. He earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Miami Dade College and completed his Master of Arts in Psychological Science at The Catholic University of America in 2024. His research interests include suicidality and PTSD in military personnel and veterans. In his free time, he enjoys playing competitive volleyball, traveling, and eating great-tasting food.