Kalina Slepicka

What is your name? Where were you born? Where did you go to college?

Kalina Slepicka, Broadview, Saskatchewan (Canada!) & BA majoring in Psychology

How long have you worked in the department and what does your work focus on / what area do you work in? 

I have worked in the Psychiatry department for almost 6 years. I started off as a research assistant in 2017 and transitioned to the Study Coordinator in 2019. I currently focus on managing the University of Michigan site. I oversee the day-to-day activities, manage staff, and make sure the protocol is running smoothly!

What interests you about the ABCD Study/research?

I’ve always been passionate about working with youth populations. Before working with ABCD, I was a Neuropsychometrist at a children’s hospital where I would assess children/adolescents’ cognitive behavior. I am fascinated with learning about the brain as it develops from infancy all the way to adulthood. There is so much that changes with our brain in the early years and this study can provide valuable information and discoveries about the how’s and why’ of our brain.

What are your plans after ABCD (grad school, etc.) 

Currently, I am enjoying the Coordinator role on the ABCD team! I love the management side of the study and am focusing on increasing my skills and learning from others in the department. Eventually, I can see myself higher up in my management career like a Project or Program Manager.

Fun fact about yourself! What are your hobbies? 

I’ve always loved to bake ever since I was in high school. Throughout the years, I have experimented with different types of cupcakes, cake sculpting, and complex pastries. I even started up my own online cupcake business (it took a back seat since having kids) but hope to start that back up again one day!

Do you have any pets?

Yes! I have a 6-year-old fluffy cat, Ellie and a 5-year-old husky, Aspen.What’s your favorite food or restaurant? Always and forever will be pizza, especially wood-fired pizza. My favorite restaurant is Pizza e Vino in Plymouth!

What’s your favorite food or restaurant?

Always and forever will be pizza, especially wood-fired pizza. My favorite restaurant is Pizza e Vino in Plymouth!