Technology and Wellness Innovations Research Lab

Erica K. Yuen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology       Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Erica Yuen conducts clinical research on mental health and technology, acceptance/mindfulness based interventions, and the stigma of mental illness.  She received her BS in Computer Science from Rutgers University, and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University.  She completed pre- and postdoctoral clinical training at the Medical University of South Carolina, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, and the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania.  Her specialties are in cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance-based behavior therapy, anxiety disorders, and traumatic stress disorders. She has published widely on these topics, and has presented her research findings at national and international conferences such as those of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Anxiety Disorders and Depression Association of America, and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.

Research Assistants:

Sebastian Giarratana is a senior at The University of Tampa, majoring in Psychology (B.S.) as a pre-med student. With a passion for psychiatry, he plans to attend medical school after his Bachelors to specialize in adult psychiatry. Sebastian's research interests focus on functional & holistic medicine, as well as the gut-brain axis's impact on mental health. Outside academics, he enjoys cooking, reading, podcasts, and staying fit.

Anne Jaeger is senior at the University of Tampa, perusing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Her study abroad experience during the spring semester of 2023 led her become a Global Ambassador at UT. After completion of her undergraduate studies, Anne hopes to attend law school in the state of Florida. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, attending live concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

Constanza Legarreta is a junior at The University of Tampa, majoring in Psychology (B.A.). She regularly works as a lab assistant for the Chemistry department and is currently the Vice President of the university's Psychology Club. She is also involved with various research labs. She loves animals and regularly volunteers at an equestrian rehabilitation center. Her aspirations include earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology, as well as working with kids and learning more about their brain and behavior.

Patricia Milford is a senior at The University of Tampa majoring in Psychology (B.S.). She plans to gain experience and become certified in crisis intervention in the near future. After the completion of her baccalaureate, she aims to attend a graduate school, preferably in Florida, to further her studies in clinical psychology. Her career goal is to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specialized in CBT practices to treat psychological disorders found within adolescent and adult populations. She spends her free time listening to music, attending concerts, and playing with her pets.

Alexis Schulman is a senior at The University of Tampa majoring in Psychology. She is currently applying to Masters' Programs in Social Work, hopefully with a Clinical Focus in Family Systems Practice. Her goals have always been to help others live their lives to the fullest. Also, her favorite food is olives!