My bio
Dr. Merlo is a licensed clinical psychologist and has completed postdoctoral fellowships in both clinical child/pediatric psychology and substance use disorder epidemiology and prevention. She currently serves as the Director of Wellness Programs for the UF College of Medicine and is active in the education of medical students, residents, and other health profession students. Dr. Merlo also serves as the Director of Research for the Professionals Resource Network, Inc. (the State monitoring program for distressed and impaired healthcare professionals). As a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), Dr. Merlo collaborates with faculty from other colleges and universities, as well as the Area Health Education Centers across Florida, to provide training in motivational interviewing for health professions students, faculty members, tobacco cessation counselors, school personnel, and other healthcare providers.
Board certifications
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Licensed Psychologist
State of Florida
Education
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Master of Psychiatric Epidemiology (with Honors)
Washington University, 2010
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Post-Doctoral Fellowship, NIDA T-32 Training Program in Drug Abuse Epidemiology, Services, and Prevention Research
Washington University, 2010
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Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Child/Adolescent & Pediatric Psychology
University of Florida, 2007
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Internship in Clinical Child/Pediatric Psychology
University of Florida, 2005
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Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Wayne State University, 2005
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Master of Arts in Psychology
Wayne State University, 2002
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Spanish, & Drama
Transylvania University, 2000
My areas of focus
Specialties
Gender
Female
Accomplishments
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Champions for Change Award
University of Florida, 2020
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Master Mentor Certification
UF Center for Translation Science Institute, 2020
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Presidential Citation as an APA Citizen Psychologist
American Psychological Association, 2018
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“Moms Who Make a Difference” Award
Alachua County Perinatal Mental Health Coalition, 2018
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Society of Teaching Scholars Inductee
University of Florida College of Medicine, 2015
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Clinical & Translational Science Institute Academy of Research Excellence Inductee
University of Florida, 2013
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College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher Award
University of Florida, 2012
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Early Career Travel Award (APA Conference)
National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2012
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College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher Award
University of Florida, 2011
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College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher Award
University of Florida, 2010
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Director’s Travel Award (CPDD Conference)
National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2010
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Young Investigator Award
American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2010
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College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher Award
University of Florida, 2009
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Early Career Investigator Award
College on Problems of Drug Dependence, 2009
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Career Development Award
Anxiety Disorders Association of America, 2008
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NIAAA Junior Investigator Award
Research Society on Alcoholism, 2008