All Students

Shaina Glass
4th Year

Hometown: Waxhaw, NC
Education:

  • B.S. in Psychology, summa cum laude, from University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Game Design and Development from University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Advisor: Dr. Doug Markant

Program Track: Behavioral Science

Research Interests: My research interests are on both the basic and applied sides of psychology research. I am interested in understanding the role of cognitive mechanisms in health outcomes, such as decision-making, cognitive bias, and emotion regulation. I aim to apply this understanding to health behavior change and the development of health promotion/intervention programs. I take an applied game design approach to the development of these programs, with the goal of creating game-based programs to improve program sustainability, engagement, and health outcomes. 

Concentration Perspectives: One of my favorite things about this program and the Behavioral Science concentration is its interdisciplinary grounding. I get the chance to collaborate with students and faculties with different areas of specialty and also get the chance to take courses in and expand on my own area of specialty while all working towards similar goals (improving health outcomes generally). 

Hobbies: Reading, exercise, video games, cooking, spending time with family and friends

Josh Gordon

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Education: B.S. in Psychology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Advisor: Dr. Doug Markant and Dr. Sara Levens
Program Track: Behavioral Science

Research Interests: Cognitive psychology and the influence of attitudes and beliefs on behavior

Hobbies: Guitar, reading, hanging out with my wife

Ryan Hall

Hometown: Mooresville, NC
Education:

  • B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • M.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Advisor: Dr. Doug Markant
Program Track: Behavioral Science
Research Interests: Conceptualization of numbers and mathematics. The effects of natural number bias throughout life span. Creating and improving instructional strategies to identify and remediate deficits in numeracy. The impact of numbers on decision making.

Hobbies: Reading, exercise, painting models

Sophie Hirsch

Hometown: Leipzig, Germany
Education: B.A. in Psychology; B.S. in Exercise Science from Catawba College
Advisor: Dr. Jane Gaultney
Program Track: Clinical
Research Interests: Sleep quality and behaviors; inflammation; mindfulness practices, Down syndrome
Hobbies: Taking yoga and strength classes, trying new foods, playing with my quarantine puppy, Buster

Mackenzie Hood

Hometown: Wilmington, NC
Education: B.A. in Psychology and Dance with a minor in Health Promotion, Education & Behavior, magna cum laude from University of South Carolina
Advisor: Dr. V. Gil-Rivas
Program Track: Clinical
Research Interests: Chronic illness in adolescents and young adults, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other GI conditions, patient and self-advocacy, patient-provider relationships, adjustment disorder

Hobbies: Workout classes, outdoor activities, reading fiction novels, drinking coffee, and exploring Charlotte

Lucy Horne

Hometown: Lincoln, NE

Education: BA Psychology, University of Colorado Boulder

Advisor: Dr. George Demakis

Program Track: Clinical

Research Interests: neuropsychology, forensic psychology, traumatic brain injury, neuropsychology in diverse populations

Hobbies: Indoor rock climbing, playing French horn, hanging out with my cats, writing, watching movies

Kate Hoyle

Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Education: B.A. in Art & Visual Culture and Psychology at Appalachian State University
Advisor: Dr. Amy Peterman
Program Track: Clinical
Research Interests: The interaction between low SES, unstable housing, homelessness, health outcomes, and quality of life

Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, knitting, pottery

Bridget Jules

Hometown: Baldwin, NY
Education: B.A. in Psychology and Spanish Language and Literature from Binghamton University
Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling
Program Track: Clinical
Research Interests: Intimate partner violence, consent, risk factors to sexual perpetration of violence, trauma informed care
Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, yoga, movie watching, spending time with people I love

Kelsey Julian

Hometown: Libertyville, IL

Education: B.S. in Psychology, Minors in Biology and Family Development from The University of Dayton

M.A. in Clinical Psychology from The University of Dayton

Advisor: Dr. Jeanette Bennett

Program Track: Behavioral Science

Research Interests: Long-term effects of early adversity and trauma on health outcomes, identifying biomarkers of chronic disease, gene-environment interactions, mind-body interventions

Hobbies: Weightlifting, listening to podcasts, trying new restaurants, travel

Noa Leiter

Hometown: Newton, MA
Education: B.A. in Psychology and Organizational Sciences from The George Washington University
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Kilmer and Dr. Laura Armstrong
Program Track: Clinical
Research Interests: The impact of youth risk and protective factors on health outcomes, and the development of community-driven prevention and intervention programs

Hobbies: Crocheting, playing volleyball, hiking, exploring new places

Maegan (Mae) Mack

Hometown: Rincon, GA
Education: B.S. in Psychology from College of Coastal Georgia, Summa cum laude
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Kilmer
Program Track: Community
Research Interests: Positive youth development using strength-based approaches, protective factors for at-risk youth, effects of prosocial activities, and mentoring on empowerment and resilience in youth

Hobbies: Upcycling, thrifting, gardening, cooking, climate advocacy

Dana Miller

Hometown: Chambersburg, PA
Education:

  • B.S. in Psychology (Neuroscience track) at Penn State
  • M.A. in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Advisor: Dr. George Demakis
Program Track: Clinical
Research Interests: Neuropsychology, Neuropsychological assessment of neurodegenerative disorders, Forensic neuropsychology

Hobbies: Photography, travel, music, and spending time with my husband and 3 ferrets