Emily Mellen

Emily Mellen is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at Harvard University, specifically within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. She is affiliated with the Biopsychosocial Effects of Stigma (BEST) Lab, where her research primarily focuses on the intersection of stigma and sexual violence. Mellen's work aims to deepen the understanding of sexual violence stigma through innovative measurement approaches and to connect these insights to individual health outcomes.12

She graduated from Middlebury College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Prior to her current studies, she worked as a research assistant at McLean Hospital, engaging in interdisciplinary research related to Alzheimer's Disease, psychotic disorders, trauma, and dissociative disorders. Mellen has a particular interest in the effects of interpersonal trauma, especially concerning sexual violence.12

Currently, she is also a practicum student at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress (CATSD), where she provides evidence-based treatments to trauma survivors.1 Mellen adopts a translational approach in her research, considering neurobiological, cognitive, social, and structural factors.1

In addition to her academic pursuits, Mellen values collaboration with research assistants and emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in her work.1