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Principal Investigator

Dr. Melissa Villodas is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Social Work Department at George Mason University. Her research centers on understanding how social determinants of health impact the mental health of vulnerable young people while considering how to address these challenges through treatment and initiatives at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Dr. Villodas investigates various environments such as neighborhoods, public housing, and schools, delving into topics like suicidality, trauma exposure, and mental health symptoms and outcomes. Her research focus encompasses three key areas: (1) Neighborhood Environment and Social Determinants of Health, (2) Policy, Systemic, and Community Influences on Mental Health and Well-Being, and (3) Mental Health Interventions and Support Services. Dr. Villodas holds social work licenses in New York, Virginia, and North Carolina and possesses clinical experience working with youth in foster care and individuals across the lifespan in community healthcare and telehealth settings. She is a graduate of Nyack College (BA in English Writing), New York University (MSW), and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (PhD).

Natalia Acevedo is a first-year graduate student in the Social Work Department at George Mason University. Natalia completed her BSW from the University of Alabama and aspires to make a positive impact in the lives of adolescents through evidence-based practices. As a member of the Social Work Integrative Research Lab (SWiRL) Program, she is eager to expand her knowledge and skills in research. She joined the ThriveLab to gain hands-on experience in research methodologies and data analysis and is particularly interested in gaining a deeper understanding of youth mental health to apply this knowledge in her future career as a social worker. Fun fact: Natalia loves to go Latin dancing on the weekends! 

Mike Wheeler is a first-year MSW student here at George Mason University. Mike graduated from Swarthmore College with a major is history, a minor in art history and studio art. During his gap year between high school and college, Mike worked in a physics lab and developed a love of reading and understanding academic research; since pursuing history at Swarthmore, he’s wanted to learn what social science research looks like from the inside. Mike is excited to continue getting firsthand research experience in the SWiRL program, and to apply what he’s learned from ThriveLab to his MSW, future career in social work, and life in general! When he’s not at GMU, you’ll probably find him playing volleyball, rock climbing, or hanging out with his cats. 

Alicia Cruz is a first-year graduate student in the Social Work dual degree program with the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Alicia graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Business Administration. She currently serves in the Air National Guard and is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others. Alicia is excited for the opportunity to expand her knowledge and skills in community-engaged research and practice, while also contributing to the lab’s mission. When she’s not at GMU or on base, she loves to check out local coffee shops, cook, travel, and go hiking with her two dogs!

Paris Collins is a freshman Psychology Major at George Mason University. She is currently in her first year of the Social Work Integrative Research Lab (SWiRL) Program at the Department of Social Work in the College of Public Health. Her area of research interest is in mental health among adolescents. She hopes to use her participation in SWiRL to practice her analytical skills and apply her expertise to a career in Forensic Psychology.