Yuri-Grace "YG" Ohashi, Research Coordinator
What brought you to work here?
To better prepare myself before pursuing a graduate program, I wanted to utilize my postgrad experience to develop clinical interviewing skills, gain familiarity with new data collection methodologies, and work on a team-based research project. Kate's ambition alongside the lab's well-respected research and structured mentorship opportunities ultimately led me to come work on the STAR Study. Now as a part of the SDLab team, it's my desire to continue fostering that same welcoming, exciting environment that first drew me in for other current and prospective lab members.
What is one project you’re excited about that you are working on in the lab right now?
It has been a joy to work on the STAR Study over these past few months. I first entered research without intending to focus on youth and adolescents, but connecting with STAR participants and seeing them get excited to share how their lives have been unfolding with me each month has been incredibly fulfilling. I have already gained a surprising number of skills through working with the Stress & Development Lab and feel as though I have learned a lot directly from the kids with whom I interact. Excited for what's to come!
What is something that you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have been an avid cook for as long as I can remember. There is something unique about the kitchen and how it provides a space to challenge your creativity while embracing imperfection. It truly is the heart of a home — and cooking, the soul of my Southern hospitality. When not at work or bustling in the kitchen, you might find me dancing, choreographing, sewing, painting, writing, or hitting a workout!
What do you want to be when you “grow up”?
I intend to work jointly as a clinician and researcher with special focus on topics regarding harm, trauma, and psychopathology among at-risk, marginalized, and institutionalized populations. My interests in mental health advocacy, as well as the accessibility and implementation of academic research in everyday life, has opened my purview to consider how I might employ such experience to influence public policy in the future.
Give us a snapshot of a moment of joy in your life.
One of my favorite memories of all time happened during my sophomore year in December 2018: I had told my mom I would come home just a week before Christmas because I had finals and was planning a trip to New York with friends — little did she know I coordinated with my dad to come home several days early and go to the annual neighborhood Christmas party with her as a surprise. I wish I had filmed her reaction! We would've gone viral on the internet... but no video could truly capture how overcome with joy we both were in that moment when I snuck into the house, tapped her on the shoulder, and set off a 10-minute spectacle of happy tears and hollering.
If you could be anything (outside from your current field) what would it be?
It would likely be a crazy dice roll between journalist, marine biologist, graphic art and fashion designer, dancer, or lighthouse-shaped restaurant owner :)
Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what?
My not-so-hidden-but-hidden-from-work-life talent is dance — I started dancing when I was four and haven't stopped since. Over the years you could find me doing anything from classical ballet and pointe to contemporary, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, heels, pom and competition, musical theatre, and some ballroom!