Research Team

Melissa Munn-Chernoff, Ph.D.

Lab Director

Dr. Munn-Chernoff is a distinguished scholar and Associate Professor in the Department of Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences at Texas Tech University. She currently holds the Eating Disorder Professorship at Texas Tech University and is a Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders.  Find out more about our CEDAR Lab Director and Principal Investigator on the Professor Profile page. 

 

Jennifer Marable

Project Manager

With a diverse background in biomedical research, health and fitness coaching, and data science; Jennifer comes to the team with a passion for problem solving, helping people, and learning new things. She has long had an interest in the intersection of genetics with behavioral, physical, and mental health. An ever-observant empath, she is a runner, a mother, and an enthusiastic scientist, always looking for ways to solve problems and use data to better our human experience. As a graduate of Texas Tech University, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, and TTU Rawls College of Business, she is excited to once again (still) be a Red Raider!

Yohan Cho

Ph.D. Student

Yohan Cho is a second-year PhD student majoring in Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies (ADRS). With five years of professional experience as an adolescent addiction counselor, he has returned to academia to further explore and deepen his expertise in the complexities of addiction. His long-term aspiration is to become a leading authority in the field of behavioral addictions, a domain that continues to provoke debate and inquiry. Beyond his academic commitments, his primary focus is on parenting; he is the proud father of a young daughter and newborn son.

Veronica Onyemailu

Ph.D. Student

Veronica Onyemailu is a PhD student majoring in Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies (ADRS). Her past training has equipped her with a strong foundational understanding of biological and psychological aspects of addiction. Her research focuses on addiction and eating disorders, with a specific interest in the complex interplays among trauma, behavioral factors, and biological influences in the development and treatment of these conditions. Through her research, she aims to contribute to the development of more personalized and effective intervention strategies that improve recovery and overall well-being among individuals affected by substance use and eating-related disorders. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring topics related to health and personal development.

Kaitlin Lutz

Undergraduate Student

Kaitlin Lutz is an undergraduate research assistant for the CEDAR Lab.  She is a second year Pre-Occupational Therapy student with a major in Human Development and Family Sciences. After graduation, she plans to attend Occupational Therapy school to pursue a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with loved ones.

Darian Lopez

Ph.D. Candidate

Darian Lopez is a Ph.D. candidate in Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies (ADRS). Over the past 10 years, she has been dedicated to expanding her knowledge in addiction science. Her experience in the field is diverse, with a background in community, clinical, and research settings. She is most passionate about expanding the field through her focus on underrepresented populations. Outside of academia, Darian loves exploring with her family, strength training, and cooking/crafting new recipes.