Who we are.The Child and Family Wellness Lab is directed by Dr. Jenny Weil Malatras, a clinical psychologist with specialization in pediatric psychology. Our research involves the collaboration of undergraduate research assistants at Union College and aims to help inform our understanding and enhance outcomes for children and families in our neighboring community and beyond.
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Our Research Team
Jenny Weil Malatras, Ph.D.
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Dr. Malatras is a clinical psychologist and the director of the Child and Family Wellness Lab at Union College in Schenectady, New York, where she is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology. Dr. Malatras studies family and parenting factors that contribute to child, adolescent and emerging adult emotion regulation, psychological adjustment, and physical health and is interested in the evaluation and dissemination of evidence-based interventions for children and families.
Dr. Malatras earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University at Albany, State University of New York, where she has served as a clinical assistant professor and associate director of the Child and Family Therapy Clinic at UAlbany's Psychological Services Center. Dr. Malatras completed an APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/ Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with specialization in pediatric psychology. She completed her undergraduate education at Cornell University with a major in human development. Dr. Malatras is an author of Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology, 9th ed., a text on clinical disorders in childhood and adolescence, is a contributing writer for Psychology Today, and is an author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles. |
Undergraduate collaborators
Ella Tycz
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My name is Ella Tycz, and I am a sophomore psychology major with a minor in sociology from Brunswick, Maine. I am thrilled to be a part of Professor Malatras’ lab to gain clinical experience and exposure as I am really interested in pediatric psychology. Outside of this lab, I am involved in a variety of activities on and off-campus. These include the Varsity Crew team, Tour guiding, the Planning and Priorities Committee, the Covid Advisory Board, Women’s Union, Sociology Club, and volunteering at the Crossroads Center for Children. I am grateful for this opportunity to join the lab and focus my interests as I look forward to what my next steps in psychology may be!
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Eastwood Yeboah
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My name is Eastwood Yeboah, and I’m a sophomore here at Union College, double-majoring in psychology and Africana studies from Montgomery County, Maryland. This is my first experience working in a laboratory setting, and I am very excited and passionate about the work we will engage in. I hope to use this experience as a research assistant in the Child and Family Wellness Lab to gain insight into my intended career path of a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. On campus, I am actively involved with the Kenney Community Center, Black Student Union, and also serve on the E-Board for Student Forum as the VP of Academic Affairs. I also currently work as a Prevention Specialist Intern at New Choices Recovery Center, a substance abuse treatment facility that is helping allow my research to have real-world and practical applications.
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STUDENT
Research Assistant
Past Students and Alumni
Sherry Cao
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My name is Sherry Cao. I am an international student from China. I am a senior Neuroscience Major who has a pronounced passion for counseling, clinical, and developmental psychology. Previously, I have taken different courses related to clinical neuroscience and clinical disorders at Union. I’ve volunteered in Kenney Community Center and provided academic tutoring to intellectually disabled children. Additionally, I interned as a psychology teacher in a middle school back in China, to help students with emotion and anxiety regulation. I have also interned in a counseling center and enhanced my knowledge through my counseling mentor. After graduation, I aimed to apply to the clinical psychology master programs and acquire a license in clinical mental health counseling. Currently, I’m enrolled in practicum with Prof. Bizer’s lab, and I’m looking forward to working with Professor Malatras.
Update! After graduating from Union College, Sherry took an exciting job opportunity as an ABA Therapist at the New England Center for Children! |