Elizabeth Vella

Elizabeth Vella, PhD, serves as Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Southern Maine's College of Science, Technology, and Health. She also coordinates the Psychology Department's internship program. Her expertise spans health psychology, cardiovascular reactivity, and stress management interventions. Dr. Vella earned her PhD in Psychological Sciences from Virginia Tech (2005) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh (2007).

Her research focuses on psychosocial factors influencing cardiovascular health, stress physiology, and therapeutic interventions for at-risk populations like combat veterans and cancer patients. Notable studies include music's mood-modulating effects and the benefits of wilderness experiences for veterans' wellness. She teaches online psychology courses and actively publishes in peer-reviewed journals such as Psychology of Music and Military Behavioral Health.

Dr. Vella's work bridges behavioral science with clinical applications, emphasizing practical solutions to improve quality of life through stress reduction strategies and evidence-based interventions. Her scholarly contributions address both theoretical mechanisms (e.g., transactional stress models) and applied outcomes (e.g., online education predictors).

• Education:
  • PhD in Psychological Sciences, Virginia Tech (2005)
  • MS in Psychological Sciences, Virginia Tech (2003)
  • BA in Psychology, Sonoma State University (1998)
• Current Roles: Associate Dean, Professor, Internship Coordinator
• Key Research: Cardiovascular stress responses, music therapy applications, veteran wellness programs
• Location: Portland campus, Science Building Room 512