After graduation, I came to Cincinnati to attend law school. I worked for the Ohio Innocence Project
and am currently employed with a domestic relations attorney in the area. Both of these experiences have
made me realize the broad importance of the study of law and psychiatry. I plan on applying my interest
in Psychology and Psychiatry and my research with the Weaver Institute in a broad context in either
criminal or domestic relations work. Resume of Meghan Anderson (pdf)
Heather Lutz Class of 2007
Interest in Intersection of Law and Psychology
While majoring in psychology and Spanish at the University of Toledo, I was a research assistant in the Psychology Department's Department of Child Psychology. As a research assistant, I helped run experiments, ran statistical analysis on the data for the experiments, and helped code data from the experiments. In my senior year at the University of Toledo, I was able to take a class entitled Psychology and the Law. While the class focused mainly on the importance of reliable expert witnesses and the dangers versus benefits of using psychology in the courtroom, the class was sprinkled with anecdotes about courtroom practice and lawyers' interactions with psychologists. Through the class, I understood that psychology was often misunderstood and misapplied in the legal context.
My experience in law school has only confirmed that, although psychology is a burgeoning science, it already has a large impact in the court room. I believe the influence of psychology will continue to grow, and that it is essential that this growth be molded carefully. My interest in psychology and the law extends not only to individual litigants, but to the system as a whole including judges, legislators, and, perhaps most importantly, attorneys. Psychology and the law are intimately connected and it is important this connection be recognized, understood, and utilized for the social good. It is the responsibility of those who are familiar with concepts in both psychology and the law to help others understand how each field so greatly impacts the other. Resume of Heather Lutz (pdf)
Denise Trauth Class of 2008
Interest in Mental Health Law
Following graduation from my undergraduate career where I received a bachelor's with a major in psychology, I obtained a master's degree in counseling psychology from the University of Kentucky. During graduate school, I completed a practicum at a mental health treatment center where I counseled clients with various mental illnesses. Although I have decided to pursue a career in the legal field, I still am very interested in psychology and more specifically, the interaction between criminal law and mental health issues.
I am currently working at the City of Cincinnati Prosecutor 's Office and I am helping Professor Jim O'Reilly research the topic of criminal gangs. I am looking forward to investigating criminal law and psychiatric issues and I am confident the fellowship will be a great experience. Resume of Denise Trauth(pdf)
Angela Chang Class of 2008
Interest in Mental Health Law
Angela Chang graduated from the Ohio State University with a double major in Marketing and International Business. Subsequently, she spent time providing living assistance for adults with mental and physical disabilities, as well as working as an Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist for a child with autism. Her interest in advocacy for persons with mental health issues has developed through this experience, as well as a number of personal experiences throughout her life.
Angela is pursuing a law degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Law to fulfill her dream of working as a public interest lawyer. She hopes to practice in the area of juvenile and children's law. During her time as a Weaver Fellow, she intends to expand her knowledge in the area of mental health and disability issues as they pertain to the law, and expects that the experience will help her with her commitment to preserving the rights and elevating the quality of life and dignity to whomever she serves. Resume of Angela Changf (pdf)
Janet S. Fleck Class of 2008
Interest in Mental Health Law
Janet Fleck graduated from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in International Business and a Spanish minor. She is attending law school to pursue a career in corporate law, preferabiliy in the area of real estate and construction law. However, she has a personal interest in mental health law that stems from growing up, caring for, and learning from her younger brother who has mental disabilities. She hopes to focus her Weaver Fellowship experience on mental disabilities.
In addition to being a Weaver Fellow, Janet is also a 2L representative on the Student Bar Association and active in a mentoring program between the Law School and Cincinnati Youth Collaberative. Currently, Janet is an intern for the General Counsel's Office at Cincinnati Public Schools. Resume of Janet Fleck (pdf)