Get to know us

Our Mission

At the Ruvvy Resilience Lab, our mission is to transform the understanding and treatment of trauma's impact on youth mental and physical health. We focus on identifying biomarkers of risk and resilience for posttraumatic stress and anxiety, with a special emphasis on historically marginalized youth and refugee populations, groups that are often overlooked in research. Using an ecological systems approach, we combine neuroimaging, psychophysiological data, and environmental factors from youth, their families, and communities to build a holistic understanding of resilience.

Our vision

Our goal is to uncover neurobiological markers that enable early detection and prevention of mental health challenges, and to translate these insights into practical, evidence-based interventions. These interventions, including creative arts and movement therapies, are designed for widespread implementation in schools and communities, ensuring they are accessible to all youth, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. Through rigorous research and strong community engagement, we strive to foster resilience, improve mental health outcomes, and empower young people to thrive despite adversity.

Our values

At the Ruvvy Resilience Lab, we value inclusivity, collaboration, and social justice. We strive to bridge ecological systems to improve health and well-being, emphasizing the representation of marginalized groups impacted by racism, discrimination, and displacement. Our mentoring is flexible and supportive, tailored to individuals at all career stages. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where all identities are respected and valued, ensuring everyone feels safe and represented in our work.

Core Tenants:

• Social Justice and Equity: We are committed to ensuring experiences of racism, discrimination, and systemic oppression are represented in our work and advocating for improved access to resources for marginalized communities.

• Inclusive Mentorship: We support trainees at all stages of their careers with personalized mentorship, building on each individual’s unique background and experiences.

• Respect for Identity and Diversity: We respect and honor all identities—including ethnoracial, gender, sexual, and disability-related—and ensure everyone feels safe, valued, and represented in our research.

• Cultural and Historical Awareness: We acknowledge the land we work on, respect Indigenous Peoples, and advocate for reparative efforts to address historical injustices.

Our Team

Meet our research team, a group of dedicated professionals united by a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation.

Dr. Lana Ruvolo Grasser, she/her

Director / assistant professor of psychology and brain health

Edmund Alyn Jones

Director of Communications, marketing, and outreach

Ujala Janjua

Lab manager

Luis Garcia Lopez

Psychology undergraduate honors thesis student

Learn More About Our Team

Learn more about the individuals driving our success, their specialized skills, and the collective vision that fuels our impactful research.

Dr. Lana Ruvolo Grasser

Director / assistant professor of psychology and brain health

Dr. Lana Ruvolo Grasser is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Ben L. Silberstein Institute for Brain Health at Wayne State University. She is also the founder and principal investigator of the Ruvvy Resilience Lab, which is dedicated to transforming the understanding and treatment of the mental and physical health consequences of trauma in youth. Her research focuses on trauma, resilience, and mental health, particularly among youth affected by war and forced migration. Dr. Grasser's work includes identifying biomarkers of trauma-related psychopathology, with a focus on skin conductance and fear-potentiated startle responses. She has extended her research to evaluate creative arts and movement therapies as interventions for refugee families, and is deeply involved in translating scientific findings into practical, scalable solutions for communities in need.

Edmund Alyn Jones

Director of Communications, marketing, and outreach

Ujala Janjua

Lab manager

Ujala Janjua is a Master of Public Health (MPH) student at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and the lab manager of the Ruvvy Resilience Lab. In this role, Ujala helps lead research dedicated to understanding and addressing the mental and physical health consequences of trauma in youth, particularly those who have been historically marginalized or resettled as refugees. The Ruvvy Resilience Lab focuses on identifying biomarkers of risk and resilience for post-traumatic stress and anxiety through an ecological systems approach, integrating neuroimaging, psychophysiological measures, and environmental data from youth, their families, and communities. Ujala is deeply committed to supporting the lab’s mission, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for youth trauma, mental health, and advancing research that directly benefits underserved populations.

Luis Garcia Lopez

Psychology undergraduate honors thesis student

Edmund Alyn Jones is a highly skilled professional with expertise in both the sciences and the arts. A graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Wayne State University, and The Tech Academy, Edmund has worked as a business analyst with the Environmental Protection Agency and is a passionate advocate for alternative energy solutions.In the arts, Edmund is an accomplished director, playwright, actor, and producer. His work includes Off-Broadway productions such as The Devil’s Confession, along with multiple accolades at the Heck Rabbi Playwriting Festival. He has also received two Wilde Award nominations for Best Actor in a Play, for his performances in Marat/Sade at the Hilberry Repertory Theatre and Detroit '67 at the Detroit Public Theatre. With over two decades of experience, Edmund has mentored and taught aspiring actors, sharing his expertise and commitment to fostering the next generation of theatre professionals.