Faculty

Dr. Forbush’s research is designed to better understand the associations (both cross-sectional and longitudinal) between eating behaviors and various other types of psychological difficulties, as well as research designed to develop better ways of assessing and diagnosing abnormal (disordered) eating behaviors.

Forbush Lab: The Center for Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors

Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Research Areas: Clinical Psychology.  I study how emotions are expressed through verbal and nonverbal behavior, as well as how interpersonal communication is infuluenced by individual differences (e.g., personality and mental health) and social factors (e.g., culture and context).  This work is deeply interdisciplinary and draws insights and tools from various areas of social science, computer science, statistics, and medicine.  Current research projects focus on identifying patterns of expressive behavior related to depression, PTSD, and psychosis.  

Ph.D. Arizona State University, 2001
Research Areas: Sleep and Chronic Pain

Dr. Ilardi plans to recruit one graduate student for the upcoming 2018-19 academic year.   His research focuses on the etiology and treatment of depression.   Over the past decade his clinical research team has worked to develop the Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) treatment protocol based on several modifiable lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, omega-3 intake, light exposure, social connection) with demonstrated antidepressent benefit. 

Ph.D. University of Kansas, 1983

Research Areas: Cognitive Processes and Depression

Ph.D. University of Kansas

Board Certified in Clinical Psychology

Research Areas: Clinical Psychology

Dr. Watts's research investigates health behaviors, prevention strategies, and bio-behavioral processes associated with cognitive decline & dementia. Her current research projects focus on the effect of physical activity on health and cognitive function in older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease in cooperation with the KU Alzheimer's Disease Center in Kansas City.