Erikka Vaughan

Midwest Crossroads AGEP
Indiana University, Bloomington

For several years, before deciding to pursue a PhD at Indiana University Bloomington, Graduate Student Erikka Vaughan really wanted to teach. Vaughan spent five summers as a camp counselor working with 10-13 year old adolescents. She saw firsthand how a positive influence can impact a child’s life. As an undergraduate she realized that through research she could answer questions that could help children.

Vaughan is now in her first-year of IU’s Psychology PhD program, where she is a member of the Midwest Crossroads AGEP. She was born and raised on Long Island, New York, and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she majored in Psychology, and minored in Human Development. Vaughan chose to work with IU Professor Dr. Brian D’Onofrio because his research is focused on family influences on child development. She said she appreciates her mentoring relationship because Dr. D’Onofrio is extremely supportive and encouraging, and also quite dedicated to his family.

One of her research interests is depression in children and adolescents. Currently, Vaughan is investigating the variation in the timing of menarche in girls and its correlation with later depressive outcomes. In the future, she would like to continue doing research and teach. She also hopes to engage in clinical work at the community level.

Academic Disciplines:
Psychology & Behavioral Sciences