Welcome to Professor Pamela A. Geller’s Women’s Health Psychology Lab
Our research focuses on health psychology, specifically on women’s reproductive health. We study stressful life events and mental and physical health outcomes and the role of personal and social resources as moderators of stress, within the context of women’s reproductive life events.
RESEARCH
Members of our lab pursue diverse research directions, reflected in graduate students’ theses and dissertation projects, as well as lab-wide studies. Our current research pertain to women’s health psychology, and include issues related to reproductive health and stressful life events. Below are descriptions of our ongoing projects.
Mother Baby Connections Program
An interdisciplinary intensive outpatient program serving women with depression, anxiety, and psychological distress during pregnancy and postpartum. Interventions target areas such as symptom reduction, maternal-infant interaction, and relationship with partner (e.g., spouse). This service is provided through the Drexel Psychological Services Center. Dr. Geller is the onsite Director of Mother Baby Connections, and Co-Founder with Dr. Bobbie Posmontier and Dr. June Horowitz.
MommaConnect
Dr. Geller and the lab team collaborate with Dr. Posmontier, Dr. Horowitz and Benten Technologies on perinatal mental health research, such as NIH-funded research to develop a specialized app (MommaConnect) for use by perinatal mental health clinicians and postpartum individuals for the treatment of postpartum depression and quality of maternal-infant interaction. The approach (MBIPT) combines Interpersonal Psychotherapy to treat depressive symptoms, and Mother-Baby Interaction Therapy to address the maternal-infant relationship and attachment.
EmBRACE NICU
EmBRACE (Empower NICU—A Bridge to Resources for Adjusting and Coping with Emotions) is a project funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Department of Health and Human Services to develop and test a mobile health application. EmBRACE will provide universal mental health screening, ongoing monitoring, access to tailored psychoeducation, and referrals to support parents and caregivers with an infant hospitalized in a newborn intensive care unit (NICU).
Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU) Projects at CHOP
Admission into a hospital setting can be a stressful experience for families of neonatal infants. In collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the Women’s Health Psychology Lab is developing interventions designed to provide psychosocial support to parents with infants in CHOP’s Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU). Research assistants may help with parent support groups and medical provider education in the CHOP N/IICU. Several clinical research and quality improvement projects are ongoing: a quality improvement project to better support NICU families and offer screening for psychological distress; a psychoeducational group for families new to the NICU; psychosocial trainings for nurses on how to deal with challenging parent mental health responses for families with an infant in the NICU; using virtual reality (VR) to support NICU families; and consultation services to other members of the CHOP N/IICU care team.
PUBLICATIONS – PEER REVIEWED
Geller, P. A., Nelson, A. L., Sodowick, L., Nsier, H., Hanson, S. G., Saxton, S. N., Patterson, C. A., Shivers, M., Steinwurtzel, R., & Maye, M. (2026). A Scoping Review of Psychological Distress Outcomes in NICU Healthcare Providers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23(9), 1225. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23091225
Horowitz, J.A., Posmontier, B., Geller, P.A., McDonough, Alvares, K., Wang, Y., Elgohail, M., Chang, K. & Ma, T. (2026). Translating combined Mother-Baby Interaction Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for postpartum depression from in-person to digital delivery via MommaConnect. The European Society of Medicine Medical Research Archives, 14(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v14i2.7298
Ettinger, S., & Geller, P. A. (2025). Redefining the mom brain narrative: Adaptive cognitive enhancements during the perinatal period. Journal of Health Psychology, 30(14), 4542–4549. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053251329667
Ettinger, S., Powers, N. J., & Geller, P. A. (2025). Beyond birth trauma: A scoping review on childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder and early relational health in the family system. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 169(2), 511-524. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.16099
Posmontier, B., Horowitz, J.A., Geller, P.A., Elgohail, M., McDonough, M., Alvares, K., Smoot, J., Chang, K., & Ma, T. (2024). Applying the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to develop MommaConnect: A digital healthcare platform for addressing postpartum depression and improving infant well-being. Exploration of Neuroscience, 3, 309-320, https://doi.org/10.37349/en.2024.00052
Albanese, A.M., Smith, B.E., Geller, P.A., Bloch, J.R., Sikes, C., Kondracki, A.J., & Barkin, J.L. (2023). To guide or to self-guide?: Predictors of preferring a guided introduction to digital resources that promote postpartum mental health. Psychiatry International, 4(3), 208-219. doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint4030021
Baughcum, A.E., Clark, O.E., Lassen, S., Fortney, C.A., Rausch, J.A., Dunnells, Z.D.O., Geller, P.A., Olasvsky, A., Patterson, C. & Gerhardt, C.A. (2023). Preliminary validation of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool in the neonatal intensive care unit. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 48(6), 503-511. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsac081.
Grunberg, V.A., Geller, P.A., Hoffman, C., & Patterson, C. A. (2023). A biopsychosocial model of NICU family adjustment and child development. Journal of Perinatology, 43(4):510-517. doi: 10.1038/s41372-022-01585-1.
Klobodu, C., Stott, D., Chiarello, L., Posmontier, B., Elgohail, M., Geller, P.A., Horowitz, J.A., Milliron, B.J. (2023). Supporting optimal dietary behaviors in women with perinatal depression: A qualitative exploration of experiences, practices and challenges. Nutrition and Health. doi: 10.1177/02601060231187986.
Albanese, A. M., Geller, P. A., Steinkamp, J. M., Bloch, J. R., Sikes, C. & Barkin, J. L. (2022). Introducing The Postpartum Toolkit: An examination of the feasibility, acceptability and pilot efficacy of an online clinical tool to enhance postpartum functioning and emotional well-being. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 11(10), 2748-2785. doi: 10.3390/jcm11102748.
Barkin, J.L., Phillipsborn, R., Curry, C., Upadhyay, S., Geller, P.A., Pardon, M., Dimmock, J., Bridges, C. Sikes, C., Kondracki, A., & Buoli, M. (2022). Climate change is an emerging threat to perinatal mental health. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 0(0). doi: 10.1177/10783903221139831. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36482670.
Grunberg, V. A., Geller, P. A., Durham, K., Bonacquisti, A., & Barkin, J. L. (2022). Motherhood and me (Mom-me): The development of an acceptance-based group for women with postpartum mood and anxiety symptoms. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(9), 2345-2359. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm11092345
Posmontier, B., Geller, P. A., Horowitz, J. A., Elgohail, M. & Chiarello, L. (2022). Intensive perinatal mental health programs in the United States: A call to action. Psychiatric Services, 73(8), 930-932. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202100384
PUBLICATIONS – OTHER
Sodowick, L., Hartman, A., Geller, P.A., Schwartz, J., Posmontier, B., & Horowitz, J.A. (Spring/Summer 2023). The benefits of housing intensive outpatient programs in psychology training clinics through the lens of Drexel University’s Mother Baby Connections Program. Association of Psychology Training Clinics (APTC) Bulletin, 20-24.
PRESENTATIONS – PEER REVIEWED
Alvares, K., McDonough, M., Horowitz, J.A., Posmontier, B., Geller, P.A., Wang, Y., Elgohail, M., Chang, K., & Ma, T. (2026, April). Listening first: Perspectives of Black/African American mothers and clinicians inform development of the MommaConnect digital PPD platform. [Poster presentation] at New England Association of Neonatal Nursing Annual Conference, Bretton Woods, NH.
Dickerson, A., & Geller, P.A. (2026, March). Social media narratives that affect women’s mental healthcare decisions in the context of perinatal intimate partner violence. [Oral and poster presentation]. National Perinatal Association Conference, Coeur d’Alene, ID.
Ettinger, S., Swan, F., Layne, K., Verghese, M., Dickerson, A., Ezeji, M., Patterson, C., Geller, P. A. (2026, March). A model for interdisciplinary student leadership in perinatal health: NPASS at Drexel University. [Poster presentation]. National Perinatal Association Conference, Coeur d’Alene, ID
Ezeji, M., & Geller, P. A. (2026, March). Examining racial bias in patient-provider communication: A review of literature on black maternal health. [Poster presentation]. National Perinatal Association Conference, Coeur d’Alene, ID.
Geller, P.A., Alvares, K., McDonough, M., Horowitz, J.A., Posmontier, B., Wang, Y., Elgohail, M., Chang, K., & Ma, T. (2026, March). From clinic to cloud: Adapting combined Mother–Baby Interaction Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for digital healthcare delivery. Poster presentation at National Perinatal Association Annual Conference, Coeur d’Alene, ID.
Hays, C., Geller, P. A., Ettinger, S., Sodowick, L., Layne, K., Swan, F., Elgohail, M., Ma, T., Chang, K., Cui, Y., & Patterson, C. (2026, March). Partnering with parents in the NICU: Analysis of community-informed insights that shaped the EmBRACE mHealth app. [Poster presentation]. National Perinatal Association Conference, Coeur d’Alene, ID
Layne, K., & Geller, P.A. (2026, March). “Perdida en la traducción” – The impact of perceived medical care on psychological morbidity in Spanish-speaking women after pregnancy loss. [Poster presentation]. National Perinatal Association Conference, Coeur d’Alene, ID.
Verghese, M., Patterson, C., Chou, J., & Geller, P. A. (2026, March). Technological innovations in parental well-being: A proposed exploration of technology-assisted relaxation training programs for NICU Parents. [Poster presentation]. National Perinatal Association Conference, Coeur d’Alene, ID.
Ettinger, S., Hayes, C., Layne, K., Phan, K., Kishun, Y., Elgohail, M., Cui, Yi., Ma, T., Chang, K., Patterson, C. A., Geller, P. A. (2025, May). Co-designing EmBRACE, a mobile health solution to improve mental health screening and support for NICU parents: Lessons learned from our community advisory board. [Poster Presentation]. National Perinatal Association Annual Conference, 2024, Atlanta, GA.
Geller, P. A., Ettinger, S., Sodowick, L. B., Hayes, C., Elgohail, M., Ma, T., Chang, K., Cui, Yi., Patterson, C. A. (2024, May). Co-creating EmBRACE, a mobile health solution to improve mental health screening and support for NICU parents: Preliminary findings. Poster presentation at National Perinatal Association Annual Conference, 2024, Anaheim, CA.
Ettinger, S., Powers, N., Ramamurthy, T., Thomas, D., Phan, K., Geller, P. A. (2024, May). Navigating birth trauma: A scoping review on childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder and early relational health in the family. Oral Presentation at the National Perinatal Association Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA.
Geller, P.A., Ettinger, S., Sodowick, L., Hayes, C., Elgohail, M., Cui, Yi., Ma, Tony., Chang, K., Patterson, C. (2024, May). Co-creating EmBRACE – A mobile health solution to improve mental health screening and support for NICU parents: Preliminary findings. Poster presented at the National Perinatal Association Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA.
Hayes, C., Geller, P.A. (2024, May). Untangling the connection: A literature review examining premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) as risk factor for perinatal depression (PND). Poster presented at the National Perinatal Association Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA.
Phan, K.M., Sodowick, L., Ettinger, S., Hayes, C., Patterson, C., Geller, P.A. (2024, May). Weaving connections: Drexel NPASS helps unravel stress in the NICU. Poster presented at the National Perinatal Association Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA.
Sodowick, L., Powers, N., Geller, P.A. (2024, May). “We feel it too:” A qualitative examination of secondary traumatic stress and coping strategies in NICU nurses. Oral presentation and poster presented at National Perinatal Association Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA.
Posmontier, B., Horowitz, J., Geller, P.A., Ma, T., Chang, K., Elgohail, M., McDonough, M., Alvares, K., & Smoot, J. (2024, April). Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to develop a mHealth intervention for postpartum depression. Oral presentation at the Eastern Nursing Research Society 36th Annual Scientific Sessions, Boston, MA.
Elgohail, M., Geller, P.A., Horowitz, J. A. Posmontier, B., Ma, T., Chang, K. McDonough, M., Alvares, K. & Smoot, J. (2024, March). MommaConnect, an app co-created with mothers and therapists to reduce postpartum depression and improve quality of mother-infant interaction: Considerations for Muslim mothers. Paper presentation at the Muslim Mental Health Conference, Stanford, CA.
Ettinger, S., Powers, N., Ramamurthy, T., Thomas, D., Phan, K., Geller, P. A. (2024, March 8-10). Navigating birth trauma: A scoping review on childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder and early relational health in the family. [Oral Presentation]. North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics & Gynecology Biennial Meeting, Aurora, CO.
Geller, P. A., Nelson, A., Sodowick, L., Nsier, H., Maye, M., Hanson, S., Saxton, S., Shivers, M., Steinwurtzel, R., Anderson, M., & Patterson, C. (2024, March). Examining the toll: A scoping review of psychological distress in NICU providers. Poster presented at the North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynecology Biennial Conference, Aurora, CO.
Geller, P. A., Posmontier, B., Horowitz, J. A., Elgohail, M., Ma, T., Chang, K., McDonough, M., Smoot, J., & Alvares, K. (2024, March). Collaborative creation of MommaConnect: mHealth therapy app for enhancing mother-infant interaction and alleviating postpartum depression. Poster presented at the North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynecology Biennial Conference, Aurora, CO.
PRESENTATIONS – OTHER
Sodowick, L. & Geller, P.A. (2024, June). “We feel It too:” A qualitative examination of secondary traumatic stress and coping strategies in NICU nurses. Poster presented at Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences Research Day, Philadelphia, PA.
Hayes, C., (2024, April). Untangling the connection: Examining premenstrual dysphoric disorder as risk factor for perinatal depression. Oral presentation at Drexel University’s Emerging Graduate Scholar Conference, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA.
AWARDS
Maya Verghese and Faith Swan: Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Trainee Travel Grants (2026)
Sharon Ettinger: Emily Reid O’Connor Memorial Fellowship, Drexel University (2026)
Madonna Ezeji: Student Poster Award, National Perinatal Association (2026)
Maya Verghese, Faith Swan, Madonna Ezeji, Kayla Lane, and Alli Dickerson: Dr. Al Pizzaca Scholar Award, National Perinatal Association (2026)
Sharon Ettinger: Steiner Young Investigator Award, North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics & Gynecology 2024 Biennial Meeting
Sharon Ettinger: Dr. Al Pizzaca Scholar Award, National Perinatal Association (2024)
Caroline Hayes: Best Virtual Presentation, Drexel University’s Emerging Graduate Scholar Conference (2024)
Leah Sodowick: Poster Award for Basic and Applied Research, National Perinatal Association (2024)
Leah Sodowick: Professor Doug Chute Exceptional Mentoring/ TA Award, Drexel University (2024)
Leah Sodowick: Outstanding Student Award, Drexel University (2024)
STUDENTS
Saranya Madan, BS Psychology ’21
Degree: BS Psychology ’21
Minor: Neuroscience
Research Interests: Neural circuits, and brain plasticity
Extracurricular activities: Drexel University Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Drexel American Red Cross; Peer Mentor for Drexel Autism Support Program; Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity; Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology; STAR Scholars Program; Undergraduate Researcher at Garcia Lab; Clinical ER Volunteer Internship
Awards: Dean’s List; Drexel University Honors Program; Scholarship to Gain EMT Certification through the Drexel College of Medicine
What has made your experience at Drexel special or unique?
My initial connections with faculty opened opportunities for me to network in unexpected places, become part of a remarkable lab, and establish a mentorship program all my own. My autonomy grew quickly, and I found myself increasingly involved in supervisory roles with the privilege of leading others. Drexel met each of my successes with a new, enriching challenge and I realized: here, your only limits are the limits you choose.
FAQs
Both. The psychology department provides training in the scientist – practitioner model, which involves the integration of research and practice. The program extensively trains in both research and practice, with significant emphasis on competencies in both areas. Graduate students receive rigorous training in research methodology, design, and statistical analysis through coursework and completion of thesis and dissertation research under the guidance of faculty mentors.
Students are encouraged and supported in their efforts to contribute to research dissemination through publication and presentation. Clinical training is also strongly emphasized. PhD students are required to complete at least 1600 hours of clinical training through their practicum placements, with opportunities to pursue additional clinical training hours beyond this minimum. Additionally, classes and research often include substantial clinical components: many students’ thesis and dissertation projects involve intervention and/or assessment, and several classes (e.g., Behavioral Assessment, Intellectual Assessment, CBT, Psychopathology) emphasize clinical skills and competencies. In addition, our faculty includes licensed psychologists, with several faculty members actively engaged in clinical practice. The program prepares graduates to successfully pursue licensure as clinical psychologists.
Some students completing the Master of Science program have also obtained experience through involvement in clinically- relevant research.
You are welcome to email Dr. Geller if you have specific questions pertaining to your interest in her research or the program. We receive many emails during the application season but will try to respond to your questions in a timely manner. However, please know that it is not necessary to contact Dr. Geller prior to applying for the lab unless you have specific questions that are not already addressed on our website.
The MS Program is a good option for applicants who are research-focused or who wish to gain more experience prior to applying to doctoral programs. The MS program is focused on training in scientific research methodology relevant to psychology and the behavioral sciences. There is no clinical training associated with the MS program; however, students may elect to take some clinically-oriented courses and participate in clinical research project. MS students may elect to complete an empirical thesis as a culmination of their studies.
All PhD students receive an annual stipend, and are expected to provide service to the Department through Teaching Assistantships. In some cases, PhD student stipends are grant-funded (through their mentor), in which case they serve as Research Assistants through the grant. In addition to this stipend, students in the PhD program may have the opportunity to receive loans, fellowships, Graduate Assistantships, and/or teaching positions (after PhD students earn their MS, they can teach undergraduate courses independently).
PhD students also receive a $600 travel subsidy per year (for being first or second author on a conference presentation). In addition, the Department remits PhD students’ tuition (approximately $25,920 per year) and covers basic United Health student health insurance (worth approximately $1,200/year) and student fees (worth approximately $750/year) for four years. During their fifth year, Clinical PhD students complete a pre-doctoral internship (through APPIC match). Internships are typically paid
Note: Department funding for PhD students is not offered after the fourth year.
Students in the MS program have a number of supplementary income options as well. They may serve as Teaching Assistants and/or Graduate Assistants, take out loans, work part-time jobs, and/or obtain Work Study positions. Master’s students also receive the $600 research/travel subsidy.
Please note that not all of these funding sources will be available to every student.
In many ways, Philadelphia is an ideal city for graduate students. The city has a vibrant cultural environment, which includes restaurants, museums, recreational activities, and nightlife. Philadelphia boasts many sports teams, including the Phillies, Eagles, and Sixers, which have large, dedicated fan bases. In addition, because there are several universities in the area, Philadelphia has a large population of graduate students and young professionals. Philadelphia is relatively affordable in terms of housing; apartments ranging in price and size are available in many neighborhoods in the city and its surrounding areas. Philadelphia is easily accessible by public transportation and car and is also bike-friendly and very walkable.
In terms of professional development, Philadelphia has a rich history and active presence in the field of psychology, particularly in cognitive-behavioral therapy, and is the home of the Beck Institute. In addition, Drexel maintains strong relationships with numerous universities, hospitals, and treatment facilities in the Philadelphia area, which is evidenced by the numerous practicum and research opportunities in which our students engage. Furthermore, Philadelphia has a diverse population in terms of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and race. Therefore, students in our program have the opportunity to work with a wide range of individuals in their practica and research. Students in the Clinical Psychology PhD program participate in a regional matching process, with allows access to numerous practicum sites, including specialized options for students interested in Health Psychology.
We look for applicants who best fit our lab. “Fit” pertains to applicants’ qualifications, research and training interests, and ability to be productive, work independently, and function as a team member within the lab. Specifically, we look for students with substantial research experience, a strong interest in the research areas studied within the lab, and strong undergraduate training and GRE scores. In addition, the lab is highly collaborative and collegial, and we look for these traits in a candidate.
Students are encouraged to develop and pursue research projects reflecting their interests within the lab’s primary foci. Student research generally involves women’s health psychology and stressful life events, typically within the broad areas of reproductive and perinatal mental health. Please see the current research section for more information on ongoing projects.
As mentioned above, our lab is highly collaborative. PhD and MS students often work closely together on projects, and lab responsibilities are split among lab members. As a member of our lab, you’ll design and lead your own research (thesis and dissertation projects for PhD students, and thesis research for MS students), under Dr. Geller’s supervision. Graduate students are also actively involved in other lab members’ studies and help with grant applications and other lab responsibilities. Undergraduate students are also integral to the lab, allowing graduate students opportunities to provide mentorship. We meet as a full lab once per week to discuss ongoing research and future projects.
The Geller lab is very supportive in terms of research and professional development. We celebrate lab members’ academic milestones (such as successful proposals and defenses of research projects) in lab meetings, and lab members support and mentor each other throughout their tenure in the program. Overall, our graduate students are personable and hard-working, and the lab culture is collegial and productive.
Presentation and publication of research is encouraged. Members of the research team (both MS and PhD – level) typically present research every year at national and local conferences. Students in the lab have published review articles and original research in a number of peer-reviewed journals. Other opportunities to publish (e.g., book chapters, article and book reviews) also become available from time to time.
Drexel’s Clinical Psychology PhD program enables students to choose concentration(s). These concentrations are considered specialty preparation training which facilitate later training and, ultimately, professional specialization. Health Psychology is one of the four concentrations offered in the program. Due to the relevance of Health Psychology to our research, most PhD students in the Geller Lab join the Health Psychology Concentration. However, pursuing a concentration is not mandatory.
The Health Psychology Concentration aims to provide specialty training in order to prepare graduate students for academic and/or clinical positions where the primary focus is on physical health problems. Students in the Health Psychology Concentration are required to participate in one health psychology practicum (800 hours), conduct a health psychology-focused thesis and dissertation, successfully complete the following required courses: Health Psychology and Behavioral Stress Management, and three advanced electives in health psychology.
Following the application deadline (Dec. 1) and processing by Drexel’s Office of Admissions, applications from those who have indicated a desire to receive mentorship from Dr. Geller are reviewed. A subset of applicants is selected to be invited to participate in Drexel’s interview day, which also includes opportunities to meet faculty and current students. (PhD interviews are usually scheduled from mid- to late-February; MS interviews are typically scheduled in early March). If an applicant is offered admission to the program, they will be contacted by the respective Program Director after all interviews have been completed.