Director

Contact Information

phone: (317) 274-6761

office: LD 100E

Jesse C. Stewart

Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Psychology, School of Science, IUPUI
Affiliated Scientist, Indiana University Center for Aging Research and Regenstrief Institute
Faculty Scientist, Indiana University Diabetes Translational Research Center
Member, Indiana University Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases

I’m a Professor of Psychology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, better known as IUPUI. Since its launch in 2006, I've also been directing the CBM Lab. I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Ohio University, and I completed postdoctoral training in cardiovascular behavioral medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. My primary research interests are: (1) psychosocial risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases, (2) biobehavioral mechanisms underlying psychosocial factor-cardiometabolic disease relationships, and (3) psychosocial interventions as primary prevention approaches for cardiometabolic diseases.

I'm also a self-taught (read: below average) guitar player and a music gear hoarder. My last two big scores were a Gretsch Catalina drum kit and a 1950’s all-tube Westinghouse record player console. My daughter and son love them…my wife, not so much. I'm also a lover of craft beer, indie rock, and the outdoors, especially when combined.

PhD Students

Christopher A. Crawford

chricraw@iu.ed

I am a first-year doctoral student at IUPUI in the clinical health psychology emphasis area. I completed my B.A. in Psychology at Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) and thereafter began working at Riley Hospital for Children in cardiovascular genetics research. I became interested in the ways that psychosocial factors affect the pathogenesis of the cardiometabolic disease and ways of accounting for this in integrative models. In the CBM lab, I plan to explore psychosocial factors that impact the relationships between depression and cardiometabolic diseases, with a future goal of investigating the role that genetics may play in these relationships. In my free time, I collaborate on research projects (mainly in cognitive metaphor theory through the Cognitive Representations Lab at IUSB, but also in whatever else piques my interest), listen to and play music, sample local brews, and play board games.

Jay S. Patel

jpatel2@iupui.edu

I am a clinical psychology resident at Rush University Medical Center (neuropsychology track). I earned my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Social and Behavioral Sciences Methodology from the University of Kansas. My work in the lab focuses on the association between depression profiles and vascular disease pathology. I am particularly interested in identifying and exploring the health ramifications of cardiotoxic depressive symptoms. Outside of the lab, you can find me cooking (to unimpressed), exploring the Chicago food/brewery scene (as a reaction to reviewer 2), and hiking when it is warm (in a poor attempt to run away from my problems).

Aubrey L. Shell

aubgille@iu.edu

I am a fourth-year doctoral student in the CBM Lab and the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, specializing in Health Psychology. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Cedarville University and my M.S. in Clinical Psychology here at IUPUI. My research revolves around examining psychosocial factors that may contribute to obesity and diabetes-related health issues, with a particular focus on depression and emotional overeating. I enjoy spending quality time outdoors or watching sports with my husband and son, exercising, and checking items off my many to-do lists.

Michelle K. Williams

mw130@iu.edu

I am a first-year doctoral student on the clinical health psychology track at IUPUI. I graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Educational Studies. At UF I went on to complete medical science coursework and conducted research on wellness interventions and the psychosocial factors that influence the experience of pain in people with chronic pain. I am excited to continue to explore the interaction between psychological factors and chronic medical conditions as a member of the CBM lab. My main interests include examining the interaction between depression, anxiety, and cardiometabolic diseases with a focus on interventions and health disparities. In my free time, I enjoy reading, salsa dancing, and doing music covers.

Depression Care Manager

Krysha MacDonald

krysmacd@iupui.edu

Hello! I'm Krysha - a licensed mental health counselor, the depression care manager for the eIMPACT Trial, and the CBM Lab morale booster/cheerleader. I graduated from Ball State University with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology and have 17+ years of mental health experience, ranging from school-based services to being an integrated behavioral health specialist in primary care settings. When I am not in the lab, you can find me at the kickboxing studio, out at a festival, seeing live music, or outdoors participating in something active - most recently completing my first half-marathon. Truth be told, I'm active mostly to allow for another passion - good, locally sourced food and craft beverages. I'm also an avid animal advocate, rescuer, foster parent, and proud mama of 3 bully fur babies.

Research Assistants

Alexis Higgins

alebhigg@iu.edu

I am a post-bac researcher. I obtained a BS in Neurobiology from Arizona State University and my MS in Anatomy and Cell Biology from Indiana Univeristy's school of Medicine. I hope to continue my studies into a doctorate, whether philisophical or medical. I am interested in so many parts of the human experience, but especially biophysical psychology and cognitive neuroscience. I hope to use my interest in these areas to help as many people as I can. Outside of lab, I love spending time with my family, friends, and my cat Jelly (see pet page!), absolutely binge-watching shows from pilot to finale, and listening to podcasts.

Sylee Kanetkar

skanetka@purdue.edu

I am an undergraduate student at Purdue University who serves as a research assistant in the CBM lab. I am currently majoring in Brain and Behavioral Sciences with an interest in behavioral medicine. I am interested in the many ways good behavioral health can be promoted in primary care and emergency medicine settings. In the future, I hope to become a physician and aid patients in any way I can. Apart from lab activities and schoolwork, I enjoy playing the flute, coffee, watching reality TV (far too much!), and learning to cook many different cuisines.

Rachel Jackson

racajack@iupui.edu

I'm a prospective graduate student with a keen interest in clinical health psychology, who serves as a research assistant in the CBM lab. My undergraduate studies consist of both Psychology and Media Arts and Science. I am passionate about exploring how life impacts us from a biopsychosocial perspective and how these features can be used to support someone in positive ways and increase their quality of life. Outside of research and schoolwork, I enjoy rock climbing, rainy days in a cafe, movie nights with friends, reading, and traveling.