Leighton is a third-year clinical psychology PhD student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to starting graduate school at Vanderbilt, Leighton completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Duke University and then completed a two-year research assistantship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Leighton’s research interests surround characterizing the neurobiological mechanisms underlying dimensional psychopathology. She has a particular interest in identifying neurobiological targets for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of internalizing symptoms and disorders. Outside of work and school, Leighton loves photography, spending time outdoors, and trying new restaurants.