Ruby Gerken, BA

Research Assistant, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University

Ruby Gerken joins CSTS as a Research Assistant. She has experience coordinating and conducting studies with child participants in the Early Social Development Lab at the University of Virginia, supporting autism research at the Supporting Transformational Autism Research Lab, and providing emotional support to individuals with mental health conditions through the NAMI and ANAD helplines. Ruby’s research interests center on early intervention for autism spectrum disorder, particularly in fostering social skills and emotional regulation, as well as promoting equitable and accessible psychological care. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Virginia (2025) and is completing her MEd In Applied Behavior Analysis.