Rachel Williamson

My research interests focus primarily on the application of existential theory and social psychological theories of meaning-making to psychological trauma. Although clinical conceptualizations of trauma, i.e., PTSD, are often included in my work, I am most interested in studying symbolic trauma. This involves the examination of situations and experiences that are impactful, not necessarily due to a literal threat to one's safety, but because of a threat to one's existential security. I view my research program as theory-based and with an emphasis on applied statistical modeling. By attending to the influence of statistical choices on theory development and paradigm design, both the precision and possibilities of research increases, and isn’t that exciting! Collaborations with students and colleagues, locally and internationally, are important components of my research program. The diversity that students and other collaborators bring to the research process is a resource and a strength—I am always happy to merge my interests and skillset, when appropriate, to support specific topics meaningful to my students and colleagues.

Olathe Bigknife Antonio (she/her)

Olathe is a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student and an Indians into Psychology scholar. She is Navajo and Shawnee and grew up in Arizona on the Navajo Nation. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado where her research examined compassion for out-group issues using terror management theory. Her current research seeks to examine the effects of intentional engagement with the environment through traditional ecological knowledge for an Indigenous population. She is specifically interested in changes in subjective connection to nature and climate change distress. Outside of academics, Olathe enjoys traveling, being outside, and making art.