Current Graduate Students

Maddy Rodenbaugh, M.S. (2023 - Present): I started the UNT Clinical Psychology Doctoral program in 2023. Broadly, my research interests include using positive psychology to develop new interventions for PTSD treatment and risk factors for the development and maintenance of co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder. In my free time, I enjoy taking my dog Haze to the park, reading, and going to concerts. Email: maddyrodenbaugh@my.unt.edu

Siyuan Wang (2023 - Present): I began at the UNT Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in 2023. My research interests broadly cover the epidemiology of PTSD among underserved populations and the mechanisms of trauma-focused psychotherapy. Outside of school, I like recharging myself at coffee shops, exploring new places with good people, and watching MOBA esports! Email: SiyuanWang@my.unt.edu ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Siyuan-Wang-66/research

Maddie Straup, M.S. (2022 - Present): In 2019, I began the UNT Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program. My research interests broadly include cultural influences of traumatic experiences and PTSD symptomology, risk and protective factors for the development of PTSD, and trajectories of posttraumatic stress symptoms. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling, exploring the DFW area, and binge-watching baking competition shows on Netflix! Email: maddiestraup@my.unt.edu

Ifrah Majeed (2021- Present): I began at the UNT Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in 2021. My research interests currently cover a broad area and include studying risk and protective factors for the development of PTSD, in addition to studying the presentation and processing of trauma/PTSD within non-Western cultural contexts (internationally or within immigrant communities). In my free time, I love playing classical guitar, working on creative projects, and watching movies and tv shows with some friends. Email: ifrahmajeed@my.unt.edu

Andrea Fentem, M.A. (2021- Present): I started the UNT Clinicial Psychology Doctoral Program in 2021. My overarching research interests include looking at the behavioral and personality aspects of those who engage in post-trauma risky behaviors. Outside of school, you will more than likely findsee me hiking or hanging out with my two cats, Luna & Tigger! Email: andreafentem@my.unt.edu ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrea-Fentem

Sidonia Compton, M.S. (2020 - Present): I am a third-year clinical psychology doctoral student under the mentorship of Dr. Contractor. My research interests include dissemination and implementation of trauma-informed practices in underserved community settings, examining the relations between PTSD symptoms and risky behavior engagement, and broadly, the assessment and treatment of post-trauma symptoms. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring the DFW area, and playing tennis. Email: sidoniacompton@my.unt.edu ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sidonia-Compton

Current Graduate Research Assistants

Brett Messman (2020 - Present): I have been in the Behavioral Science Psychology Doctoral Program at UNT since 2020. Broadly, my research interests focus on sleep and circadian rhythms and how these processes influence physical and mental health (e.g., PTSD). Outside of school, you can find me hanging out with my dogs or rummaging Denton's local bookstore as well as spending time with my family and friends. Email: brettmessman@my.unt.edu ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brett-Messman

Lizzie Griffith (2021- Present): I began at UNT in the Behavioral Science Psychology Doctoral Program in 2019. My research interests include effects of interpersonal trauma, particularly those who have experienced ongoing abuse or neglect. In my free time, I enjoy long walks with my dog, drawing, and spending good times with good people. Email: lizziegriffith@my.unt.edu ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Elizabeth-Griffith-7

Current Postbaccalaureate Research Assistants

Gurleen Kaur (2021- Present): I began in the lab as an undergraduate and now I'm a post baccalaureate research assistant. My research interest include trauma, diverse communities, and substance use. Much of my free time is spent reading and going out with friends!

Current Undergraduate Research Assistants

Michelle Cornish (2022 - Present): Hello! I'm a junior who started off as an English major back in 2020, but decided to double major in psychology after being exposed to clinical psychology research literature a year later. My interests include studying neuroplasticity, resilience, barriers, and anything clinical trials. Aside from research, I'm an essayist that spends my time meditating, boxing, and (badly) singing karaoke.

Jack Pyatt (2022 - Present): I initially started at UNT as a dual enrollment student in their new research-based learning program. Two years later in 2022, I started my undergraduate degree in psychology here on the main UNT campus in Denton. My research interests include the study of music in relation to anxiety disorders and developmental trauma in adults. Outside of school you can find me hanging out in the syndicate with my friends.

Haley Dickens (2023 - Present): Hello! I'm a junior who started at UNT in 2021, majoring in psychology. My research interests include Criminal rehabilitation and Treatment, and Trauma informed care. Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with my friends and finding new places to explore.

Lab Alumni

Graduate Students

• • Megan Dolan (2017-2022)

Graduate Research Assistants

• • Alana Fondren (2019-2021)
  • Stephanie Caldas (2016-2020)
  • Ling Jin (2017-2020)
  • Monica Gerber (2016-2017)
  • Hanan Rafiuddin (2020-2021)
  • Fallon Keegan (2018-2021)

Visiting Scholars

• • Alejandro de Miguel Álvaro (2023)

Undergraduate Research Assistants

• • Preston Gould (2022-2023)
  • Suzy Mneney (2022-2023)
  • Aliya Izhar (2021-2022)
  • Ashley Bocanegra (2020-2022)
  • Jade Binford (2019-2021)
  • Andreina Duran (2019-2021)
  • Nicole Watson (2019-2021)
  • Christa Cantu (2018-2019)
  • Joseph Koh (2017-2019)
  • Seanne O'Hara (2017-2019)
  • Shelby Thornton (2017-2019)
  • Sara Koh (2017-2018)
  • Kelsey Oudshoorn (2016-2018)
  • Jackeline Marquez (2016-2017)

2021-2022 Research Team

Top row, left to right: Ifrah Majeed, Brett Messman, Preston Gould, Michelle Cornish. Bottom row: Lizzie Griffith, Ateka Contractor, Gurleen Kaur. Not pictured: Aliya Izhar, Sidonia Compton.

2020-2021 Research Team

Top row, left to right: Alana Fondren, Megan Dolan, Brett Messman. Bottom row: Aliya Izhar, Sidonia Compton, Hanan Rafiuddin, Ateka Contractor, Chachi Bocanegra, Fallon Keegan.

2019-2020 Research Team

Top row, left to right: Alana Fondren, Jade Binford, Nicole Watson, Megan Dolan, Stephanie Caldas, Ateka Contractor. Bottom row: Cameron Marsh, Fallon Keegan, Andreina Duran.

2018-2019 Research Team

Top row, left to right: Christina Cantu, Seanne O'Hara, Stephanie Caldas, Megan Dolan, and Ateka Contractor; bottom row: Fallon Keegan, Shelby Thornton, and Ling Jin

2017-2018 Research Team

Left to right: Joseph Koh, Megan Dolan, Stephanie Caldas, Ateka Contractor, Sara Koh, and Seanna O'Hara

2016-2017 Research Team

Left to right: Monica Gerber, Stephanie Caldas, Ateka Contractor, Jackeline Marquez, and Kelsey Oudshoorn

Collaborators

Dr. Danica Slavish, Assistant Professor, University of North Texas

Dr. Matthew Price, Associate Professor, The University of Vermont

Dr. Prathiba Natesan Batley, Professor, University of Louisville

Dr. Maria Crespo, Professor, Complutense University of Madrid

Dr. Rachita Sharma, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of North Texas

Dr. Jon D. Elhai, Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Toledo

Dr. Cherie Armour, Reader, Ulster University,

Dr. Nicole Weiss, Assistant Professor, University of Rhode Island

Dr. Heidimarie Blumenthal, Associate Professor, University of North Texas

Dr. M. Tracie Shea, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Brown University; and Psychologist, Providence VA Medical Center

Dr. Melissa Mitchell, Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow, Summa Health Traumatic Stress Center

Dr. Anne Banducci, Staff Psychologist, Boston VA Healthcare System

Dr. Lily Brown, Assistant Professor, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety

Dr. Katherine Dixon-Gordon, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Dr. Talya Greene, Senior Lecturer, Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Israel