Esther Bitijula
Research Assistant
Pronouns:
She/Her
Email:
Research Interests:
Neurodevelopment, emotions, decision-making, trauma
About
Esther recently graduated from Luther College (Class of ’25) with her B.A. in Psychology and Social Work. Her academic background and field experience have strengthened her passion for understanding how trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress shape people’s lives—particularly among youth and marginalized communities.
At the THINK Lab, Esther assists with the CALM study. This role allows her to explore the connection between psychological treatments, neurobiology, and emotional well-being.
Esther's long-term goal is to pursue graduate studies in counseling and research, with the aim of bridging science and care to improve access to effective, evidence-based mental health interventions for underserved communities.
Outside the Lab
Outside of research, Esther enjoys connecting with family and friends, cooking, running, and taking outdoor photos.
