Julia Felton, PhD -
Lab Director
Dr. Felton is a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher focused on characterizing the role of environment on the development of addiction and related mental health problems across adolescence as well as developing treatments to reduce and prevent substance use disorders in youth and adults. Dr. Felton is also interested in understanding early family/neighborhood environments and parenting practices that place youth at higher rate for engaging in risky behaviors. She has served as an investigator on a number of federally-funded trials aimed at improving access to evidence-based services among individuals from historically disadvantaged communities that often face significant barriers to accessing care. As part of this work, Dr. Felton examines integrating mental and behavioral health care services into existing community and primary care settings. She collaborates with a number of community partners in Detroit and Flint, MI and across health care settings in these cities.
Research Assistants
Salam Sulaiman — Research Assistant
Salam is a Wayne State University alum who graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in Health Care Ethics. She is also a pre-med student and is interested in pursuing a career as a physician-scientist. She is interested in community-based research that aims to enhance the delivery of health services to traditionally underserved communities.
Jaclyn Johnson — Research Assistant
Jacki is a Michigan State University alumna, earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Science in 2020, and a Master of Public Health Degree in 2023. Jacki has a passion for advancing health equity and researching new ways to minimize health disparities among the community. She is a research coordinator in Dr. Felton's lab, primarily assisting in her parenting projects.
Graduate Students
Volunteers
Sara Hom — Volunteer
Sara is a Wayne State University alum who graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a minor in Asian Studies in 2025. She is on the Pre-Physician’s Assistant track and is interested in pursuing a career as a pediatric Physician’s Assistant. Some of her interests include pediatric mental and physical health, parenting styles, and substance misuse.
Bennett Gleneski — Volunteer
Bennett is a sophomore at Wayne State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with minors in Health Psychology and Medical Humanities. He plans to attend medical school and is interested in cardiology, with a possible focus in Med-Peds. His interests include the connection between mental health, substance use, and physical health, particularly in youth and underserved communities, and how community-based research can inform better patient care.
Julia Yakibchuk — Volunteer
Julia is currently a second year at Wayne State University Majoring in Psychology and Minoring is Forensic Investigation. She is currently working as a BCBA for kids with autism and striving to one day become a Forenisc Psychologist. Some of her interest include detective work, mental health, and substance abuse.
Quentin Todd — Volunteer
Quentin is a third-year neuroscience major with a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders following the pre-medical track at Wayne State University. He has been fascinated with the brain for several years, and appreciates the psychology aspect of studying human behavior, often as it pertains to decision-making and memory, both of which involve understanding the brain in some way. He is most active in two main projects: Train Your Brain, involving youth in Highland Park, and Peer Activate, which uses a behavioral intervention for those who battle substance misuse.