Faculty
Jessica LaRose, PhD
Director, OPT for health
Professor, VCU Department of Health Behavior and Policy
Dr. Jessica LaRose is a tenured Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Health Behavior and Policy in the VCU School of Population Health. She is a clinical psychologist with specialized training in cardiovascular behavioral and preventive medicine in both pediatric and adult populations. Her program of research is focused on developing novel and sustainable interventions to promote cardiometabolic health among marginalized and underserved populations. Partnership with participants and the populations she aims to serve is a core tenant of her work. She has expertise in the use of digital health and community-based implementation efforts to enhance the reach, impact, and sustainability of behavioral interventions.
Autumn Lanoye, PhD, LCP
Associate Director, OPT for health
Assistant Professor, VCU School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care
Dr. Lanoye is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care where she works with Massey's Survivorship Program to provide psychotherapy services and develop research projects related to well-being in survivorship. Her primary research interests are the treatment of overweight/obesity with an emphasis on tailoring interventions in service of cancer prevention and control efforts, the development of lifestyle interventions to improve health and quality of life in cancer survivors, and the role of physical activity in improving executive functions. She is currently working with Dr. LaRose on projects related to weight control and chronic inflammation reduction among emerging adults. Her independent research efforts are focused on developing and piloting a mindfulness/physical activity intervention to improve cancer-related cognitive impairment and quality of life among breast cancer survivors. Dr. Lanoye received a BA in Psychology from the University of Rochester in 2009, an MS in Clinical Psychology from VCU in 2014, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology (Behavioral Medicine track) from VCU in 2018. She completed her clinical residency in psychology at the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center in 2018.