Olivia Staples

Olivia Staples is a Doctoral Student at the University of South Carolina, where engagement includes work in the Connect Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Nicole Zarrett. Current roles encompass Student Clinician in Child and Family Therapy and Assessment, Couples and Family Psychology Extern at the RALPH H JOHNSON VAMC, and a Scholar in the Health Policy Research Scholars program, which focuses on health and equity advocacy. Previously, Olivia participated as a Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program Fellow at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, mentored by Dr. Tamika Zapolski, and served as a High School Math Teacher with Teach For America. Early career experiences include internships and mentorship roles that contributed to a robust foundation in education and psychology. Olivia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hampton University and is pursuing a PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology at the University of South Carolina.