Ames awarded national research fellowship

A University of Florida doctoral student has received a national award to fund her research in clinical and health psychology.

Gretchen Ames, a student in the College of Health Professions’ clinical and health psychology department, received a National Research Service Award from the National Institute of Mental Health. The fellowship is awarded to students who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators. Ames will receive an annual award of $26,000 for two years to support her educational expenses.

In her research, Ames will conduct a randomized clinical trial to examine the effectiveness of a new behavioral weight loss treatment in women that is designed to address primary goals for weight loss, including improving mood, body image and self-esteem. Ames will compare the maintenance of lost weight at a one-year follow-up compared to a standard behavioral weight loss treatment. Her work is conducted under the mentorship of Michael G. Perri, Ph.D., a professor of clinical and health psychology.