Marquette doctoral student Kaley Davis receives Rev. John P. Raynor, S.J. Fellowship for trauma research

Kaley Davis, a fifth-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program in the Department of Psychology at Marquette University, was awarded the Rev. John P. Raynor, S.J. Fellowship, a competitive graduate fellowship that supports doctoral students conducting research in the sciences and engineering. The fellowship provides recipients with dedicated time to focus on advancing their research.

Davis's curiosity about how people respond to trauma has shaped the course of her academic career and research focus. Davis's work centers on a question that affects millions of people: why do individuals respond so differently after experiencing trauma? "My research examines how the brain processes emotions after trauma," Davis said. "Understanding these processes may help explain why some individuals develop mental health difficulties such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, while others experience positive changes such as post traumatic growth."

In simple terms, Davis studies how the brain interprets emotional experiences following traumatic events. By examining the neural mechanisms involved in emotion processing, she hopes to better understand what leads some people toward long term psychological distress while others demonstrate resilience or even personal growth.

Her interest in the field began when she first encountered the wide range of ways people respond to trauma. "I was particularly fascinated by how some individuals struggle while others demonstrate resilience or growth," Davis said. "Coupled with a fascination with the brain, this led me to study how underlying neural mechanisms of emotion processing might help explain these different outcomes."

Ultimately, Davis hopes the insights gained from her work will lead to better support for trauma survivors. "The ultimate goal of my research is to inform the development of novel interventions that may be given to survivors in the aftermath of trauma to support psychological recovery and well-being," she said.

Davis was drawn to Marquette's Clinical Psychology program because of its strong combination of clinical training and research opportunities. She also sought the chance to work with her faculty mentor, Dr. Jacklynn Fitzgerald, whose research aligns closely with her own interests. Throughout Davis's graduate career, Fitzgerald has played a key role in her development as a scholar. "Dr. Fitzgerald has been a tremendous source of support," Davis said. "She has fostered my growth as an independent researcher by providing opportunities to explore and develop my own program of research." Davis also credits Fitzgerald as an inspiring role model as a woman and mother working in psychological science.

Receiving the Raynor Fellowship has had an immediate impact on Davis's academic progress. The funding provides protected time to focus on publishing manuscripts and advancing her dissertation research. "The dedicated time afforded by the fellowship has provided me the opportunity to refine and evaluate key research questions, adjust study designs accordingly, and continue collecting data for my dissertation project," Davis said. She recently proposed her dissertation and plans to defend it in the coming year.

Davis strongly encourages other graduate students to apply for the fellowship and seek opportunities that support their research. "Don't undersell yourself," she said, recalling advice from her mentor. "As graduate students, it's easy to hyperfocus on areas where we want to improve or grow. However, it is equally, perhaps more, important to recognize our accomplishments and reflect on ways that our hard work has paid off." With the support of the Raynor Fellowship and mentorship at Marquette, Davis continues working toward her goal of understanding the brain's response to trauma and ultimately helping survivors heal.

Outside the lab, Davis finds balance in family life. Originally from Wisconsin, she says her greatest joy comes from spending time with her husband and their two children, a grounding presence alongside the demands of doctoral research.

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