The McGuier Lab

Our lab mission is to promote child well-being by preventing child maltreatment and improving the availability and quality of children’s mental health services. Our research aims to improve the lives of children who experience or are at risk for experiencing abuse or neglect, children and families in rural areas, and service providers, especially those in child welfare and mental health systems.

Research topics include:

• Implementation of evidence-based practices in systems serving children and families
• Teamwork in systems serving children and families
• Expansion of mental health services into non-specialty settings (e.g., primary care, Children’s Advocacy Centers, schools, child welfare)
• Availability and quality of mental health care in rural areas
• Workforce expansion and support for frontline providers 

Research Team

Elizabeth McGuier, Principal Investigator

Dr. Elizabeth McGuier is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University and a PhD in child clinical psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. McGuier’s research aims to improve mental health outcomes for children who experience maltreatment through better implementation of evidence-based practices and expansion of mental health services into non-traditional settings. Areas of expertise include implementation science, teamwork, child maltreatment, and children’s mental health services. She is currently supported by a career development award from the National Institute of Mental Health to examine how teamwork affects implementation in multidisciplinary team-based service settings. Dr. McGuier is also a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in child maltreatment (Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Children and Adolescents with Problematic Sexual Behavior) and integrated primary care for rural and underserved populations.

Jasmine Zhu, Lab Coordinator

Jasmine earned her bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Maryland and did a postbaccalaureate in Psychology at Shoreline Community College. Previously, she worked as a research coordinator in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Washington and as a research assistant at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She is interested in open science practices in psychology, how multidisciplinary teams can improve children’s mental health services, and how to increase accessibility to mental healthcare. Her hobbies include reading, collecting houseplants, anything related to cats, and doing anything active outdoors (hiking, running, biking, climbing, paddleboarding, etc.) 

Angelina Faust, Research Associate

Angelina is a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in chemistry. She is currently a Master of Science Candidate in Biomedical Sciences at Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Intrigued by health complexities beyond the biological, her research interests span social determinants of health, mental health disparities, and the distinct challenges faced in rural clinical settings. She also has practical experience in medical scribing and crisis counseling. Outside the lab, Angelina is a lover of music, an avid reader, and enjoys the company of her beloved pets.

Ella Frounfelker, Student Research Assistant

Ella is currently a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Bioscience Track) with a Hispanic Language and Cultures Minor and Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Certificate. After graduation, she plans on attending medical school. She is interested in combatting healthcare disparities, specifically mental health care in rural areas and the language barrier for Spanish-speakers. In addition, Ella works as a Patient Care Partner at Leigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City, PA, and as a Study Lab Peer Tutor for the University of Pittsburgh. She enjoys lifting, running, and reading outside of work.

Lab Alumni

Jaely Deleon Wright, Senior Research Associate

Jaely earned her master’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma. She has worked in clinical and research settings throughout her career. More recently, she has accepted an offer from Oklahoma State University and looks forward to working towards a Ph.D. in experimental psychology – with a developmental track. Her research focus is on how childhood adversity can influence development, especially those in marginalized and under-served communities. When Jaely isn’t immersing herself in research, she unwinds by diving into books, podcasts and a good Taylor Swift playlist. She also enjoys traveling, making memories with her family, and visiting local coffee shops.

Ainsley Moore, Research Assistant

Ainsley is currently a junior at the University of Pittsburgh where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences (Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration) with a Conceptual Foundation of Medicine certificate. After graduation, she plans on continuing her education at a Physician Assistant graduate program. She is interested in research on health disparities, increasing accessibility to mental healthcare in rural communities, and how multidisciplinary teams can improve the workflow of hospitals. In addition to research, Ainsley works as a Patient Care Assistant at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA, volunteers at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, and enjoys running outside of work.  

Conference Poster Presentations

If you are interested in joining the lab, please email your CV to Elizabeth McGuier (millerea3@upmc.edu) and Jasmine Zhu (zhuj9@upmc.edu).