Sachi Penha
Psychology professional with a background in neuroscience, psychological research, and clinical assessment, with experience examining the intersection of family relationships, culture, socioeconomic factors, and mental health. Experienced in conducting research on parent-child interactions and depression among children of immigrants, as well as administering and scoring neuropsychological assessments in clinical settings. Interested in culturally responsive psychological care, developmental and family processes, and improving access to mental-health services for diverse and underserved populations. Pursuing doctoral training to integrate psychological research, assessment, and evidence based clinical practice.
Work History
Psychometrist
1 Year- Administered standardized neuropsychological and psychological tests under clinician supervision.
- Scored assessment results accurately and prepared organized data for report drafting.
- Observed patient behavior during testing and documented relevant clinical responses.
Behavioral Therapist
3 Months- Implemented individualized ABA treatment plans during one-on-one sessions to support skill acquisition and behavior reduction.
- Reinforced communication, social, and daily living skills using structured prompting and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collected accurate session data to guide treatment adjustments and ensure consistent progress tracking.
- Documented client responses and behaviors clearly for supervision review and intervention refinement.
Clinical Research Coordinator
3 Years 1 Month- Coordinated participant screening, enrollment, and visit scheduling to support smooth study operations.
- Obtained informed consent and verified eligibility against protocol criteria with careful attention to detail.
- Managed source documents, case report forms, and regulatory files to maintain accurate trial records.
- Monitored protocol compliance and promptly resolved data discrepancies with investigators and study staff.
- Supported adverse event reporting and follow-up documentation according to study requirements.
- Communicated with sponsors, monitors, and clinical teams to keep trial activities aligned and organized.
Education
Master of Arts - Psychology
- Thesis: Depressive Symptoms in Children of Immigrants: The Role of Parenting Styles and Cultural Dissonance
- Relevant Coursework: Statistical Design in Research, Psychology Laboratory & Psychological Measurement and Scaling
- Relevant Certificate: Behavioral Research Methods
Bachelor of Science - Neuroscience
- Dean's List 2017-2021
- cum laude graduate
- Phi Eta Sigma Member
- Tri Beta Member
- Gamma Sigma Epsilon Member
- Phi Sigma Pi Honors Society Member
- The National Society of Leadership and Success
- Leonard M. Marx Sr. Memorial Scholarship Recipient
- Capstone Project: The Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorder: Changes in the Brain, Genetics, and Treatment
Skills
Research Experience
Undergraduate Research Assistant: Working for Kids Lab (Dr. Judy Cameron): January 2019- August 2022
- Conducted research on how stressors affect children.
- Performed scoring of parent-child interactions examining connection, reciprocity, and progression between a parent and child.
- Analyzed data using SPSS; co-authored paper presentation for the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) Biennial Meeting.
Independent Study: Master's Thesis; March 2024-May 2025
- Designed and administered a cross-sectional Qualtrics survey examining depressive symptoms in children of immigrants and the mediating roles of parenting styles and intergenerational cultural dissonance; performed a mediation analyses.
More Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant (Psychopharmacology): Columbia University; January 2025-May 2025
- Assisted professor with graduate level instruction by preparing materials, leading discussions, and supporting curriculum development.
- Helped grade assignments and track student progress.
Publications & Presentations
Judy Cameron, Madison Very, Pat Healy, Amelia Potter, Jelena Komanchuk, Lani Vargas, Sachi Penha, Julianne Wanner, Sai Bhatte, Delaney Jones, Allyson Letavic, Nicole Letourneau, Jeanette Trauth (2021). The Simple Interactions Tool: Studying the Impact of two Intervention Programs with Pre-School age Children. Paper presented at Society for Research in Child Development Virtual Biennial Meeting 2021.