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PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

Donald Dougherty, PhD
donald.dougherty@unt.edu

Dr. Dougherty is the Chair of UNT's Psychology department, and his research interests are primarily centered around substance abuse. He completed his graduate training in Psychology at Ohio University and then held a National Institute for Drug Abuse sponsored postdoctoral research fellowship at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSCH). In his free time, he likes to go camping, travel, and complete projects around his home!

GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCHERS

Andrea Mack, MS

anniemack@my.unt.edu

Andrea is a Behavior Science doctoral student who began working in the TARC Lab in Fall 2024. She earned her masters degree from Arizona State University and is a board certified and licensed behavior analyst. Her research interests include delayed discounting and behavioral interventions for risky behaviors, such as substance abuse. In her free time, she enjoys painting and hanging out with her sweet puppy (Lyla).

Brooke White, BA

brookewhite3@my.unt.edu

Brooke is a student in the Clinical Psychology doctoral  program and began working in the TARC Lab in Fall 2024. Brooke received an AS at Corning Community College before transferring to Stony Brook University to complete her BA in psychology. After graduation, Brooke gained experience as a psychometrist and is currently a Board Certified Specialist in Psychometry. Her research interests include neuropsychological assessment and substance use disorders. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her pets.

POST-BACCALAUREATE RESEARCHERS

Chris Haczkiewicz, BA

christian.haczkiewicz@unt.edu

Chris is a post-bacc research assistant in the TARC Lab. Chris received his BA in Psychology from Marquette University in May 2024. His research interests broadly fall under the realms of relationship science. More specifically, how internal and external stressors, such as substance misuse, affect romantic relationships and what factors promote resiliency. Chris is also interested in exploring different therapeutic techniques in a couples' therapy setting. Chris intends to pursue a PhD in counseling psychology in the near future. In his free time, Chris enjoys logging every movie he watches on letterboxd and being physically active.

Diego Heimlich, BA

diego.heimlich@unt.edu

Diego is a post-baccalaureate research assistant in the TARC lab. He graduated from Baylor University in 2023 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy. Diego plans to pursue a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, with a research focus on exploring the prevalence of mood and substance use disorders across different cultural and socioeconomic groups. He is particularly interested in how cultural and systemic factors contribute to the development of these disorders and how interventions can be adapted to be more culturally and economically inclusive. In his free time, Diego enjoys spending time with his dog, Toasty, and finding the next best restaurant to visit!

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCHERS

Alaya Ahmad

alayaahmad@my.unt.edu

Alaya is an an undergraduate student currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Management. Her long-term goal is to become a licensed therapist with her own private practice, and she hopes to eventually pursue a PsyD or PhD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends in addition to practicing her beauty skills like makeup and hair. 

Daniela Loredo
danielaloredo@my.unt.edu 

Daniela received her associate degree from Paris Junior College through a dual credit program. She is a current undergraduate student majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. Her interests lie in the improvement of psychological software programs. She plans to pursue graduate school and is looking forward to a career in research! For fun, Daniela enjoys sewing, drawing, and gardening.
Katy McDonough

katymcdonough@my.unt.edu 

Katy is an undergraduate student who joined the TARC Lab in April of 2024. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology. After graduation, Katy hopes to continue exploring and working in research, with plans to pursue a graduate degree in the future. She’s interested in various areas of research, mainly revolving around addiction research and women’s mental health. In her free time, Katy enjoys reading, crafting, music, and spending time with her cat Milo.

LAB ALUMNI

Linda Thompson, MA
I am a third year doctoral student in the Behavioral Science Ph.D. program primarily working under the guidance of Dr. Blumenthal in the Teen St.A.R. Laboratory. I also collaborate with the TARC team. My research interests include understanding the effects of trauma, stress, sleep, and substances use motives on health outcomes. I am currently involved in other cross-collaboration research activities which includes identifying immigration-related factors associated with sleep health and researching drinking games.
Shannon Smith, BS
I graduated from UNT in May 2022 with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Drug Abuse and Addiction. I am currently working on my MS in Interdisciplinary Studies in the areas of Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Biology with a focus in neurobiology and addictive behaviors. My research interests include the use of interdisciplinary methods to assist in the creation of early intervention and prevention methods for addictive behaviors (e.g. substance use & disordered eating) in at risk groups. I am particularly interested in harm reduction approaches. I also work under the direction of Dr. Blumenthal as a research assistant in the Teen St.A.R Laboratory.
Julie Martin, BA
I am currently interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psycholgy. My current reserach interests are in stress and trauma in relation to cognitive and behavioral development. I am hoping to one day work with adolescents and young adults in a clincal setting and expand research on CPTSD and PTSD.
Jordan Hooks, BS
I am currently working as a post-bacc in the lab. I plan on pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Social Work. My current research interests include stress, depression, and coping mechanisms on health outcomes, and mental health care disparities in minority and rural populations.
Shannon Doyle, BS
I am a post-baccalaureate preparing for graduate school in Clinical or Counseling Psychology. I'm exploring career paths in both clinical practice, working with either LGBTQ+ youth or individuals with psychotic disorders, and in research. My current research interests include psychosis, mood disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD.
Ruston Whitus
I'm a sophomore currently working towards my B.S in Psychology. My research interest includes addictive behavior, risk assessment, and eyewitness validity. My future goals are to attend graduate school and get my PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in forensics.
Alexis Chaney, BA
BA Music & BA Psychology, Minor in German. View her website for more information here!
Alex Baker
I graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in psychology. I am interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in a clinical psychology program with an emphasis on child and adolescent development. My research interests include exploring protective and risk factors for adverse youth outcomes and delineating efficacious preventative interventions for underserved populations.
Reagan Dickson
I graduated from East Texas Baptist University in 2020 with a B.S. in biology and a minor in chemistry. Now I teach high school science and am working on a M.S. in School Counseling at UNT. When I finish my masters I plan to pursue a PhD in Counseling Psychology. My research interests center around advocacy and include gender, human sexuality, and LGBTQ+ issues among young adults.
Madison Kanneman
I will graduate from UNT with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in English this winter. I love both my majors, so I'm a little torn between choosing one field. After I graduate I hope to pursue either a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a MFA in Creative Writing. My research interests lie in intergenerational trauma, childhood maltreatment and outcomes, and personality disorders.