Eilis joined the Northeast Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network and CTBH from Dartmouth College’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS). As a Project Coordinator in PBS, she studied variation in undergraduates’ mental health using fMRI, passive sensing, and ecological momentary assessments with Dr. James Haxby. She transitioned within PBS to work with Dr. Tor Wager’s research group where she supported projects exploring the effects of social influence and placebo on neural representations and experiences of pain, as well as studies of somatotopy and the autonomic nervous system. Prior to joining PBS, Eilis earned a BA in Psychology from Colby-Sawyer College where she worked as a forensic interviewing intern with Dartmouth Health’s Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

From working on abuse cases at the CAC to studying mental health and pain, Eilis has cultivated a research interest in the relationship between anxiety and trauma as they influence the experience of chronic pain. She hopes to develop methods for prevention, early detection, and intervention of chronic pain conditions in women. Eilis is passionate about representation in science and medicine, accessibility of care, and improving patient quality of life.

At the Northeast Node and CTBH, Eilis works in research administration and project management. She supports the Research Project Director and studies focusing on the treatment of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. During her free time, she enjoys live music, painting, and snowboarding.