Welcome!

The overarching mission of the Detroit S3 Lab is to conduct research and share outcomes about predictors of youth success. We study multiple life contexts, or “systems”, including factors at the individual, family, peer, school, and community and societal levels. The ultimate goal is to understand the various factors that best contribute to overall success and wellness as youth develop. We emphasize integrative research prioritizing an ecological, whole-child approach.

ABOUT

Cheryl L. Somers, PhD

Professor of Educational Psychology, College of Education

Has been in academe since 1996--came to WSU in 1998.
Academic expertise in school psychology and counseling psychology—is a certified school psychologist and a licensed psychologist in Michigan. Currently integrating mental health training into community Health program area/academic space.
Currently conducting research in the community health area evaluating training and impact of Community Health Workers (CHWs).
Long-term research career has been focused on contextual (e.g., family, peers, media, school) predictors of positive social and emotional development, academic achievement, and physical and sexual health, as well as reducing or avoiding unhealthy risk behaviors.
Lifespan focus, historically focused on adolescents, with some work with older children, emerging adults, and extending into adult and aging populations.
Special emphasis on vulnerable youth and adults including those of low income and economic marginalization (LIEM) backgrounds.
Three primary current research foci: a) examination of best practices and methods of successful training, development, upskilling, and supervision and mentoring of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to improve efficacy in reducing community and population health inequities and reduce attrition in the field, b) the role of trauma in school functioning among court-involved female youth and evaluation of the impact of trauma-informed teaching intervention on academic success and the long-term impact of trauma into adulthood, and c) the role of physical activity and related health strategies and behaviors in youths' mental health, emotion regulation, and academic achievement and evaluation of interventions.
Strong emphasis on collaborative and interdisciplinary research, through which varying lenses and vantage points contribute to rich perspectives on human developmental research.
Prioritizes student engagement in research and mentoring students at all levels through the research process.

Principal Investigator

TEAM

MEET

THE CURRENT CORE TEAM

Rachel Goutman

Rachel Goutman, MA, TLLP, earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Brandeis University and her Master’s Degree from Wayne State University in School and Community Psychology. Rachel previously worked as a school psychologist in the Detroit metropolitan area. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Wayne State University. Her research interests include female empowerment, the relational consequences of trauma, and mindfulness training. In addition, she has experience teaching master level courses and conducting group and individual therapy to adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds. She currently works as a psychologist in a private practice setting. Rachel utilizes an integrative clinical approach and incorporates elements of both humanistic and cognitive-behavioral theory in her work.

Besa Karanfili

Besa Karanfili, MA, NCSP, TLLP, earned both her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Master of Arts Degree in School and Community Psychology from Wayne State University. Besa has practiced as an elementary school psychologist in Metro Detroit for several years, while also working as a child and adult psychotherapist. She often takes a humanistic and integrative approach to therapy. In addition, Besa has experience as a teaching assistant in master's level courses at Wayne State. Her research interests include parenting styles and the roles of parents in academic achievement and psychosocial adjustment. She is also interested in mindfulness, nutrition and healthy eating, and early intervention with youth.

Carla Kevern

Carla Kevern, MA, BCBA, LBA, NCSP, TLLP earned her Bachelor's Degree at Western Michigan University and her Master's Degree at Wayne State University with graduate certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis and School Psychology. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Wayne State University. Previously, Carla has practiced as a school psychologist. She currently practices as a BCBA, Co-Leads Acorn Health’s research system, and is a trainer for the Applied Behavior Analysis in the Classroom MDHHS Grant Initiative. Her research interests include trauma-informed behavior analysis, women's empowerment, social-emotional learning, vicarious trauma, and sexual and gender diverse populations as they relate to resilience and quality of life.

Scott Kudron

Scott Kudron, M.A., NCSP, earned his Bachelor's Degree at Eastern Michigan University and his Master's Degree from Wayne State University in School and Community Psychology. Scott currently practices as a school psychologist in public schools. He plans to pursue his Ph. D. and a career in neuropsychology. He continues to engage in research projects in the DS3 Lab to enhance his skills for doctoral level study.

Fatemeh Dehghan

Fatemeh Dehghan is a Ph.D. student specializing in Kinesiology with a focus on health and sports studies at Wayne State University. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Iran and her Master's Degree in Sport Pathology and Corrective Exercises from Shafagh Institute of Higher Education, also in Iran. Fatemeh has extensive experience working as an occupational therapist in various rehabilitation centers and the School of Children with Special Needs in Iran. Her research interests encompass sport psychology, kinesiology, disability, yoga, and mindfulness for women. Additionally, she has taught a variety of kinesiology courses as a Teaching Assistant at Wayne State University.

Message regarding student contributions to this ongoing research team:

In honor of the amazing students who have partnered on these research projects and contributed to this body of research through conference presentations and publications currently and over the years, please see current and past contributors as listed below. Also included below is a link to our academic family tree for those at the doctoral level of study, many of whom have gone on to achieve peer-reviewed publication of their dissertations.

Congratulations on the completion of your studies and thank you to students at all levels for your commitment to advancing knowledge in these areas through your hard work and dedication to learning and executing the research process. My faculty and community partners and I have been honored by your contributions to these research initiatives.

I have deep admiration for and gratitude toward you all!

Cheryl Somers