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Lab Mission & Research Aims
The Violence Intervention for Survivors of Trauma and Abuse (VISTA) Lab is directed by Dr. David DiLillo, Willa Cather Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at UNL. The mission of the VISTA lab is to conduct high quality research on trauma and violence that ultimately can be used to inform prevention, intervention, and treatment efforts.
Our research team investigates various aspects of trauma and violence on adults, including all types of childhood maltreatment, sexual assault, and intimate partner aggression. We use scientifically rigorous, multi-method approaches to examine violence prevention and response, including alcohol administration, eye-tracking, biospecimen collection, and virtual reality paradigms. Our work is interdisciplinary and collaborative. Among other collaborators, our lab works closely with the Family Development Lab, OWL Lab, and WISH Lab. Some recent topics of interest include the following:
- The causes and consequences of sexual victimization and intimate partner violence
- Alcohol use as a predictor and outcome of interpersonal violence
- Risk factors for the development of PTSD
- Use of virtual reality to assess sexual assault risk behaviors
- The effect of bystander interventions on reducing sexual aggression
- Examining sexual objectification as a risk factor for sexual assault perpetration and victimization
- Role of social factors in posttraumatic recovery
- The long-term impact of child maltreatment on adult functioning
- Alcohol use, emotion dysregulation, and intimate partner aggression
- Acknowledgment and labeling of sexually harmful experiences
- The effect of trauma disclosure processes and social reactions on posttraumatic recovery
Dr. DiLillo will be recruiting a doctoral student to begin in fall 2027. He is particularly interested in applicants whose research interests overlap with his and those of Dr. Becca Brock or Dr. Tierney Lorenz.
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VISTA Lab Diversity Statement
VISTA Lab Diversity Statement
The VISTA Lab is committed to cultivating an environment that values fairness, respect, and representation in all aspects of our research and clinical work. We believe that good science and effective practice depend on drawing from diverse perspectives and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are welcomed, supported, and empowered to contribute.
We acknowledge psychology’s historical role in perpetuating inequities and recognize that trauma and violence are often rooted in systems of marginalization and oppression. Guided by cultural humility, we strive to recruit, mentor, and collaborate inclusively; foster belonging and mutual respect within our team, and; partner with communities and organizations to ensure that our research and interventions are equitable, accessible, and relevant.
We understand that progress toward equity is ongoing. We hold ourselves accountable through reflection, dialogue, and continued learning as we work to promote a more just and inclusive science and practice.
In solidarity,
The VISTA Lab