All Students

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

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

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
- Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Advisor: Dr. Doug Markant
Program Track: Behavioral Science
Research Interests: I am a health behaviors researcher focused on operationalizing stress using the allostatic load model. My work examines how psychological constructs such as mindset and belongingness can be leveraged to manage and reduce stress. By exploring the interplay between these constructs, I aim to develop interventions that improve health outcomes and enhance resilience.
Concentration Perspectives: One of the unique aspects of our Behavioral Science concentration is its flexibility, allowing students to tailor their course load to create a bespoke academic experience. For example, I was able to take additional methods courses to complete my Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Analysis, which has been invaluable to my research and professional growth.
Hobbies: Reading, exercise, painting models, cooking, spending time with family and friends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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