VIPBG News

By Elizabeth Long

Cassie Overstreet is a fifth-year student in Clinical Psychology. Prior to graduate school, Cassie’s research as an undergraduate at Auburn University and in the post-baccalaureate program at the National Institute of Mental Health focused on the relationship between trauma exposure and psychopathology on a phenotypic level. Subsequently, she became interested in the factors contributing to psychopathology from a more comprehensive view (e.g., genetic influences), which led her to Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics during her graduate studies. At VIPBG, she was able to incorporate joint education in clinical psychology and genetic research.

Cassie’s current research interests broadly encompass the impact of trauma exposure on the development and maintenance of psychiatric disorders. Through her research experiences and clinical activities in traumatic stress populations, it became clear to her that PTSD rarely occurs in isolation. The rates of substance use and abuse are strikingly high among those with trauma histories. Thus, her research and clinical interests have now expanded beyond internalizing phenotypes to include externalizing phenotypes, such as non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD).

Outside of her work, Cassie enjoys running, trying new Richmond restaurants, and binge watching horror movies whenever possible.