Research Team
Lauren M. Friedman, Ph.D.
My research focuses on improving treatments for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their families. I study the cognitive and executive function processes that contribute to ADHD and use this knowledge to develop more effective, accessible, and personalized interventions.
My early research examined the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying ADHD, with a particular focus on executive function deficits and their role in children's academic and everyday functioning. Building on this foundation, my current research program seeks to optimize behavioral parent training (BPT)—a front-line, evidence-based intervention for childhood ADHD—by identifying why some families benefit more than others. In particular, I investigate how parental ADHD and executive function difficulties influence parents' ability to implement BPT strategies and develop technology-supported interventions to improve treatment adherence, parent skill use, and child outcomes. Increasingly, my work incorporates digital health to provide timely, evidence-based support for families in their everyday lives. This research is supported by a K23 Career Development Award from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
My long-term goal is to develop interventions that are more effective, scalable, and responsive to the needs of families affected by intergenerational ADHD.
In addition to directing the HEAT Lab at ASU, I contribute to the field through research, mentorship, and professional service. I currently serve as Associate Editor for the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment and am on the editorial board of the Journal of Attention Disorders. I previously served as Chair of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) ADHD Special Interest Group and as Consulting Editor for Clinician's Research Digest: Child and Adolescent Populations, reflecting my commitment to advancing both research and clinical practice.
Gabrielle Fabrikant-Abzug, M.A.
Gabi Fabrikant is a graduate student in the HEAT Lab. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at the University of Southern California (USC) and is originally from Denver, Colorado. Before coming to ASU, Gabi worked at the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado. Gabi's research interests include examining the relationship between parenting behaviors and children's mental health. Her goal is to improve upon existing interventions to promote positive parent-child relationships and healthy child development for all families. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and spending time with friends.
Lindsay Chromik, M.S.
Lindsay is a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program. Her research interests include improving our understanding of ADHD in young children. Prior to joining ASU, Lindsay received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. After receiving her Master’s, she spent 10 years working as a clinical research coordinator at Stanford University. Outside of research, Lindsay enjoys hiking and baking.
Joshua Ashworth, B.S.
Joshua Ashworth is the lab manager for the HEAT lab and has completed his Bachelors of Science in Psychology at Arizona State University. His main research interests include ADHD and preventative treatments for children. He aims to pursue his Master’s in Psychology or Counseling with the ultimate goal of bettering treatments aimed at the child/family dynamic. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and is a big fan of Star Wars.
Holly Hunton, B.S.
Holly Hunton is a research assistant in the HEAT Lab and has completed her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience at Arizona State University. Holly is an alumna of Alpha Omicron Pi, where she served as Director of Academics and Membership Integrity Coordinator, and Psi Chi, where she furthered her passion for psychology. Currently, Holly’s research interests include investigating ADHD in children and adults. Outside of research, Holly is an Arizona native who enjoys hiking, exercise, reading, and spending time with family.
Riziki Deogratias
Riziki Deogratias is a fourth-year undergraduate research assistant in the HEAT Lab. She is pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in French and earning a certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership through the organization Next Generation Service Corps. Through her previous work as a Registered Behavioral Technician, Riziki has developed clinical skills while working with individuals with psychological disorders. During her time at ASU, Riziki has gained vital research method skills by writing abstracts and presenting a research poster at the Arizona Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference (AZPURC). In the future, Riziki would like to pursue a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program and study resilience and protective factors in adolescents. In her free time, Riziki enjoys watching TV shows and spending time with friends and family.
Cameron Ginkel
Cameron Ginkel is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology (BS) and minoring in Philosophy. Cameron became involved in research with the HEAT lab and the CARMA lab during his junior year at ASU. In the future, Cameron hopes to pursue his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology or Social Work. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time with friends.
Bear Friedman, Chief Happiness Officer (CHO)
Introducing Bear, the adorable Rottweiler-mix with a heart as big as his paw prints! This little charmer is an essential part of the HEAT Lab, bringing not just boundless energy, but also a nose for curiosity and a whole lot of puppy love. As the Chief Happiness Officer (CHO), his passion for scientific exploration is matched only by his affection for tennis balls. He is on a mission to dig into scientific exploration, leaving his paw prints on hearts and groundbreaking ADHD research!
Moose K. Friedman, The Lab Lab
Say hello to Moose, the sweet chocolate lab on a mission to sprinkle paw-sitivity in the ADHD research realm! Fondly dubbed as the "Lab Lab," Moose is a master at lifting spirits and establishing a charming atmosphere. With his playful antics and irresistibly endearing demeanor, Moose holds the honorary position of the lab's official morale-boosting expert. Whether he's cozied up on the office floor, sharing affectionate cuddles, or bringing smiles with his goofy expressions, Moose is a natural at brightening everyone's day. His "Lab Lab" title is a nod to his role in keeping things colLABorative in the scientific community.