​Irina Vanzhula M.S. is a 6th year doctoral student in the clinical psychology doctoral program at the University of Louisville and is currently completing her predoctoral internship at the University of Chicago School of Medicine. Irina's research is focused on applying mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies to the treatment of eating disorders and using novel statistical methodologies (e.g., network analysis) to improve conceptualization and treatment of eating disorders. Irina is interested in pursuing a career combining research, clinical work, and supervision, and is passionate about mentoring others.  

Irina is both an international and a non-traditional student. She received a master's in Journalism from Saint-Petersburg State University in Russia and did a study abroad at the University of Northern Iowa in 2005. She immigrated to the United States in 2008 and began pursuing her second career in psychology several years later.  Irina strongly believes that the environment and available opportunities play a huge role in determining one's success, and she is eager to support underrepresented applicants in their professional journeys.