Trainees

Nicole Asa received her MPH and PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Washington. Her research examines policy and built environment approaches to reducing firearm-related harm, alongside a broader interest in epidemiologic methods.

Lexie is broadly interested in how the built and social environments are associated with youth firearm injury. Lexie’s current research examines the protective role of social support in relation to youths' firearm beliefs and behaviors. Lexie is a strong advocate for mixed methods and community-engaged research methodologies and strives to incorporate both into her work.

Naomi Cruz received her BA from Columbia University and her PhD from the Rutgers School of Public Health. Her research interests center on the intersection of firearms and suicide prevention, with a particular focus on health disparities, self-injurious behaviors, health services utilization, and the translation of evidence into policy and practice.

Les’s research examines how neighborhood environments and social relationships shape gun violence risk, alongside the lasting physical and mental health effects of gun violence exposure. 

Catherine's research interests include community firearm violence exposure and mental health.

Brielle’s research interests include firearm violence exposure, youth firearm carrying, youth violence, and the association between homicide and coping mechanisms.

Violett's research interests focus on applying a prevention science framework to firearm violence and suicide prevention. She is particularly interested in identifying modifiable social and psychological risk and protective factors that can inform the development of evidence-based approaches to reducing suicide risk and improving mental health outcomes.