Lab Members

Joseph S. DeLuca, PhD
Principal Investigator
I joined the faculty of the Fairfield University Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences in Fall 2022, and opened the INSPYR Lab shortly thereafter. Since then, I have mentored more than ten Fairfield undergraduates on projects related to stigma and youth mental health. I've also had students work on research collaborations with Fairfield's graduate mental health programs, as well as on specialized early-stage psychosis projects through my affiliation with the Department of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Morgan Bloom
Research Assistant
Class of 2026
Major: Psychology
Minor: Health Studies
Hi everyone! My name is Morgan. I grew up locally in Weston, CT so Fairfield U is essentially home! My love for psychology and my research passions fall in the realms of anxiety and depression. There is a need for further exploration of these topics in the field and I hope to use research to help people who may be struggling. I am excited to explore through hands-on research experience and to learn alongside the rest of the team!

Jack Kenny
Research Assistant
Class of 2026
Major: Psychology (concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience)
I joined Dr. DeLuca’s INSPYR Lab in Spring 2025. My research focuses on predictors of clinical engagement among young people across the Mt.Sinai Health Care System who endorse early-psychosis symptoms. This work can foster nuanced understanding around who is more or less likely to seek help upon first experiencing these symptoms—and why. This work is conducted in collaboration with Dr. Yulia Landa’s Lab in the Psychiatry Department at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai which specializes in advancing early psychosis detection and treatment methods. Upon graduation in 2026, I intend to obtain a doctorate in Clinical Psychology or Neuropsychology to further my career in the field.

Clare McGuinness
Research Assistant
Class of 2025
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Minor: Health Studies
I started as a volunteer in the lab in Fall 2024, and I am now a supervised research student for the Spring 2025 semester. My focus in the lab is analyzing data for a study that aims to reduce transgender stigma. On campus, I am the president of the Psychology Club and a co-president of the Fairfield chapter of Psi Chi (the International Honor Society in Psychology) amongst other clubs and societies. After graduation, I plan to complete my Master’s in Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Galway, and possibly further my education to become a neuropsychologist or continue work in research.

Sara Kranzlin
Research Assistant
Class of 2025
Major: Psychology
Minor: American Studies
I started working in the INSPYR lab during Summer 2024. My current project is looking at the efficacy of a transgender stigma reduction program. After graduation, I plan to gain practical experience in community psychology before pursuing a master’s in social work with a focus on policy and advocacy.
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Madison Oberly
Research Assistant
Class of 2027
Major: Psychology (concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience)
Minors: Health Studies & Special Education
I began working in the INSPYR Lab under Dr. DeLuca in the Fall of 2025, where my current supervised research focuses on analyzing data regarding psychotic-like experiences and their relationship to women’s health. I am passionate about advancing research that bridges clinical psychology and overall health outcomes. In addition to my studies at Fairfield University, I am a student-athlete on the Fairfield University Dance Team, which has strengthened my teamwork skills, provided an outlet to pursue what I love, and emphasized the importance of time management. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology, with a possible fellowship in Neuropsychology.
Lab Alumni
Annie Cozens
Cecilia Hall
Ava Holmes
Sara Kranzlin
Clare McGuinness
Lennart Mierow
Reese Ranno
Bobby Schattle
Nicole Whelan