RESEARCH
Amelia is a graduate-level lead researcher and she has previously been a cognitive and neuropsychology research assistant over the last five years. Amelia's research experience involves a range of etiologies related to dynamic brain-behavior relationships and systemic factors on individuals functioning. Her extensive clinical training has assisted in understanding how to better assist patients and families with scholarly work. Amelia looks forward to continuing honing her research skills such as writing for publications, running studies, and analyzing data to address the questions of how and why to further understand the needs of patients.
DISSERTATION
“Transgenerational Effects of Trauma Through Epigenetic Mechanisms”
-A comprehensive literature review of trauma-exposed individuals, throughout the lifespan, who develop PTSD, and how chronic stress and cortisol levels may affect gene expression to later generations.
-Neuroscience evidence is provided with the exploration of resilience and hope of future outcomes using gene therapy.
-Passed proposal on November 6, 2019
Successfully defended on March 30, 2020 (Passed)
-Committee: Loren A. Martin, Ph.D. (Neuroscientist) & Samuel M. Girguis, PsyD (Trauma Expert)
In this dissertation, Amelia discussed how trauma exposure in the individual impacts the genome without changes to their DNA sequence. She identified how major historical adverse events like the Holocaust, 9/11, and the Dutch Famine as well as a discussion on consequences of COVID-19 stress responses could alter one’s gene expression inherited across three or more generations. Amelia accumulated knowledge about the role of stress responses, developmental heritability, and transgenerational effects of trauma throughout the lifespan. Amelia brought forth an understanding of disease vulnerability using neuroscience evidence, and positive psychology’s theoretical perspectives to propose alternative solutions (gene therapy) by considering the gene-environment interplay (nature & nurture). As a result, clinicians and individuals gain knowledge about how vulnerabilities of PTSD are gateways to promote resilience and improve stress coping.
HOWARD, A. AND GIRGUIS, S. (SUBMITTED 2020).
Incorporating Creative Art Therapies into Evidenced-Based Intervention for Child and Adolescent Trauma: Evidence From Neuroscience Comprehensive literature review shedding light on the benefits of expressive mediums that are submitted for journal review.
ROBERTS, N., HOWARD, A., AND MARTIN, L. (SUBMITTED 2020).
The Effects of Parental Age On Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptom Severity Among Simplex Families. Quantitative study and meta-analysis exploring parent rating scales correlated with parental age and ASD that is submitted for journal review.
HOWARD, A., GIRGUIS, S, AND MARTIN, L (SUBMITTED 2020).
Transgenerational Effects of Trauma Through Epigenetic Mechanisms: A Hopeful Perspective on Stress Vulnerability and Resilience. A comprehensive literature review exploring key transgenerational effects of trauma leading to PTSD susceptibility as well as other negative physical and behavioral outcomes, submitted for journal review.
HOWARD, A. (2017).
Cannabinoid legalization unintentionally impacts pediatric neurodevelopment. ANST Listserv Feature Series: Research Roundup. Non-peer reviewed article written and researched for the 2017 American Psychological Association ANST Blog., Division 40: The Society for Clinical Neuropsychology.
POSTER & PAPER PRESENTATIONS
This array of research experiences shaped and ultimately propelled my passion to continue research exploration of brain dysfunctions and responses. My empirical interests have shifted from curiosity in the lab to leading projects utilizing my ability to express applicable research gaps with alternative solutions.
HOWARD, A., GIRGUIS, S, AND MARTIN, L (2020 & 2021).
Transgenerational Effects of Trauma Through Epigenetic Mechanisms: A Hopeful Perspective on Stress Vulnerability and Resilience. Poster accepted at the APA Div 40 KnowNeurpsychology didactic series, virtual twitter online. Poster presented at the APA 2021 Convention with Div 40, virtually.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
CHOC Children's Hospital
Lead relevant literature review on art therapy leading to co-developing new art therapy group aimed for children with eating disorders
Used Evidenced-Based practices to present on the efficacy of expressive art therapy and interventions for paraprofessionals
