KATHY BERENSON
Associate Research Scientist
Ph.D. New York University, 2001
M.A. New York University, 1995
B.A. Macalester College, 1990
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I study social-cognitive processes in interpersonal problems and psychopathology. I have worked in Geraldine Downey's Social Relations Lab since 2004, and also in Eshkol Rafaeli's Affect and Relationships Lab since 2006. My work in these labs has largely involved developing and conducting the Barnard/Columbia Personality Study. This study uses social-cognitive experimental tasks and experience-sampling diaries to identify situationally-cued thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in personality disorders and depression. I am a native New Yorker with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from New York University (2001).

KARIN COIFMAN
Post-Doctoral Research Scientist
Ph.D. Columbia University, 2008
M.A. Teachers College, Columbia University, 2005
B.A. Yale University, 1996
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Karin's research focuses on how emotion regulation relates to long-term adjustment during acute and chronic stress (e.g. bereavement, chronic illness). In particular, her work examines emotion response behaviors, such as facial expressions and autonomic responses within the context of the stressor and how these behaviors can signal the development of pathology or, alternatively, more resilient outcomes. Her dissertation research examined the capacity for context-sensitive emotion responding following the loss of loved one.

NINA LEVENTHAL
Post-Doctorate Fellow
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, The New School, 2008
B.A., Psychology, Colby College, 1996
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Nina's research focus has primarily been in mood disorders (their course and treatment) and her dissertation examined perfectionism, depression, and attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment. In addition, she has extensive individual and group psychotherapy experience in CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic orientations with a variety of patient populations in hospitals throughout NYC. At Barnard, she is the Diagnostic Interview Coordinator and supervises the clinical assessments for the Barnard-Columbia Personality Study. In addition, she runs a practicum for graduate students that involves didactic and hands-on training of diagnostic interviewing.

RAINER ROMERO-CANYAS
Post-Doctorate Fellow
Ph.D., Columbia University, 2006
M.A. Phil, Columbia University, 2005
M.A., Columbia University, 2004
B.A.,Yale University, 1998
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My research focuses on how people's need to establish relationships affects their behavior and the meaning they bestow on their social reality. Most of my work has focused on the effects of sensitivity to rejection on people's willingness to engage in behaviors that are deprecating to one's self or harmful to others. Recently, I have begun to look at how concerns with rejection affect our perception of other people's affect and their intentions. I also study the processes whereby people grow attached to political and public figures in much the same way they become attached to people with whom they interact on a daily basis.