Doctoral student Kathryn Barber earns distinguished research assistantship for work on obsessive-compulsive related disorders

Kathryn "Katie" Barber, a fourth-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at Marquette University, has been awarded the Richard W. Jobling Distinguished Research Assistantship, a competitive award that supports graduate students conducting research in STEM disciplines.

Barber, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Psychology, is one of up to three graduate students selected each year to receive the assistantship. The award provides a stipend and tuition support for one year, allowing recipients to focus on advancing their research under faculty mentorship.

For Barber, the recognition comes during a pivotal stage of her graduate career as she prepares to defend her dissertation this spring. "This support has been especially important this year as I work to complete my dissertation," Barber said. "It has also allowed me to continue developing additional research projects, present my work at conferences and build collaborations with researchers outside of Marquette."

Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Barber studies obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, with a particular focus on hair pulling and skin picking disorders. These conditions involve repetitive, urge-driven behaviors that individuals often feel unable to control, even when they want to stop. Despite being relatively common, the disorders are often misunderstood and undertreated. "My aim is to improve how we understand and treat hair pulling and skin picking disorders," Barber said. "By studying the cognitive processes involved and exploring new ways to deliver treatment, my goal is to help move the field toward more targeted and accessible care."

A central focus of Barber's research is the role of executive functions in these behaviors. Her dissertation examines response inhibition, the brain's ability to stop or suppress actions. "Response inhibition is like the brain's brake pedal," Barber explained. "When that brake pedal is less effective, it can be harder to stop habitual or impulsive behaviors."

In addition to investigating the cognitive mechanisms behind these disorders, Barber studies digital treatment programs designed to make care more accessible. "Many people living with hair pulling or skin picking disorders never receive treatment due to stigma or limited access to trained clinicians," she said, "making digital interventions a promising avenue for reaching more individuals."

Barber said she was drawn to researching obsessive-compulsive and related disorders because of their complexity and the opportunity to improve people's lives. "There's a lot we still don't know about why behaviors like hair pulling and skin picking develop and persist," she said. "I'm drawn to the puzzle of figuring that out, especially because this research has clinical implications that can help people."

Barber came to Marquette University specifically to study these disorders with clinical psychology researcher Dr. Douglas Woods. During her first two years in the program, Woods served as her primary mentor. When Woods later became provost at Loyola University Chicago, Barber transitioned to working with Dr. Jacklynn Fitzgerald, who now serves as her primary mentor while Woods continues to provide mentorship remotely. "I'm very grateful that Dr. Fitzgerald welcomed me into her lab during that transition," Barber said. "She's been instrumental in guiding my graduate work."

Barber also collaborates with Dr. Hanjoo Lee at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she has worked as a visiting student in his OCD research lab. She credits her mentors with helping shape her development as a researcher. "My mentors have encouraged independence as a developing scientist while also providing guidance and support," she said. "I feel very lucky to have this collaborative mentorship structure."

Barber said the Jobling Assistantship has allowed her to expand her research program and connect with a broader network of collaborators and mentors while completing her doctoral work. She encourages other graduate students to apply. "The support allows students to focus on their research in a way that can significantly advance their work and professional development," she said.

Barber expects to defend her dissertation in April. Outside of research and clinical work, she enjoys taking workout classes, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing with her cat, Gilly.

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