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Biography
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.
Education
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Washington University
2010
Master of Psychiatric Epidemiology (with Honors)
Washington University
2010
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Child/Adolescent & Pediatric Psychology
University of Florida
2007
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Wayne State University
2005
Internship in Clinical Child/Pediatric Psychology
University of Florida
2005
Master of Arts in Psychology
Wayne State University
2002
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Transylvania University
2000
Board Certification
- Licensed Psychologist - State of Florida
Honors and Awards
Champions for Change Award
University of Florida
2020
Master Mentor Certification
UF Center for Translation Science Institute
2020
Presidential Citation as an APA Citizen Psychologist
American Psychological Association
2018
“Moms Who Make a Difference” Award
Alachua County Perinatal Mental Health Coalition
2018
Society of Teaching Scholars Inductee
University of Florida College of Medicine
2015
Clinical & Translational Science Institute Academy of Research Excellence Inductee
University of Florida
2013
College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher Award
University of Florida
2012
Early Career Travel Award (APA Conference)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
2012
College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher Award
University of Florida
2011
College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher Award
University of Florida
2010
Director’s Travel Award (CPDD Conference)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
2010
Young Investigator Award
American Society of Addiction Medicine
2010
College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher Award
University of Florida
2009
Early Career Investigator Award
College on Problems of Drug Dependence
2009
NIAAA Junior Investigator Award
Research Society on Alcoholism
2008
Career Development Award
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
2008