Director

Dr. Heidemarie Blumenthal, Ph.D.

Dr. Heidemarie Blumenthal received her degree from the University of Arkansas under the mentorship of Dr. Ellen W. Leen-Feldner (and Dr. William Levine at the undergraduate level). Dr. Blumenthal's research focuses on the etiology of maladaptive stress responding and risk behaviors, with an emphasis on the dynamic interplay of anxiety and substance use. Although her work spans the life course, her primary interest is in risk and selective intervention during adolescence and emerging adulthood, including how anxiety vulnerability may enhance the likelihood of problematic substance use activity as well as how substance use may increase risk for anxiety psychopathology.

As a developmental psychopathologist her work reflects an intersection between traditional developmental and clinical domains, and an integrative, interdisciplinary approach is essential to her program of research. Dr. Blumenthal enjoys teaching undergraduate (PSYC 3620) and graduate (PSYC 5010, 6200) developmental psychology courses at UNT, is the proud co-sponsor for UNT Psi Chi, and she welcomes undergraduate, post-bachelors volunteer, and graduate student (Behavioral Science primarily) applications.

Graduate Students

Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Student Researchers

McKenna O'Banon - Community Outreach Coordinator & Recruitment Lead; Social Media

BS Pyschology, Minor in Counseling & Human Development and Family Science

• After graduation, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in School or Educational Psychology. I am interested in research concerning early childhood development and cognition, autism and other learning disabilities, and special education.

Delaney Miller - Recruitment Lead

BS Psychology, Minor in Philosophy

• I am a research assistant in the Studying Alcohol and Related Risks (STARR) Lab directed by Dr. Melissa Lewis and Dr. Dana Litt at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth. I serve as the project lead for a randomized controlled trial that explores health-risk behaviors, specifically alcohol and cannabis use, and the quality and consistency with which young adults use protective behavioral strategies. My responsibilities in this role include community outreach, recruitment, participant communication, and data management. My work as a post-baccalaureate research assistant both in the STARR Lab and in Dr. Blumenthal's Teen St.A.R. Lab is providing valuable experience as I prepare for graduate school. With interests in areas including psychopathology, feminist psychology, trauma, stress, and coping behaviors, I aspire to become an LPC for adolescents and young adults.

Noelle Williams, BA - Recruitment Lead

BA Psychology, Minor in Drawing and Painting.

• My post-undergraduate plan is to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical or Counseling psychology. I hope to explore working in different clinical settings and eventually open a private practice. My current research interests are in anxiety, attachment theory, sleep, and ADHD.

Julie Martin, BA - Social Media

BA Psychology, Minor in Rehabilitation Studies

• 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

BS in Psychology

• I am a post-baccalaureate research assistant in the Teen Star Lab. I plan on pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Social Work. My current research interests include stress, depression, coping mechanisms on health outcomes, and mental health care disparities in minority and rural populations.

Shannon Doyle, BS

BS in Molecular and Cell Biology

• 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.

Shannon Smith, BS

BS Psychology, Minor in Addiction Studies

In-Progress: Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - Psychology, Biology, and Rehabilitation Counselling

• I am currently working on my MS in Interdisciplinary Studies in the areas of Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Biology. 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. Dougherty as a research assistant in the Translational Addictions Research Consortium.

Alumni - UNT Graduate Students

Alumni

2023

Katie Rodriguez-Keklak - Recruitment Lead

BS Psychology, Minor in Music, Trauma-Informed Care certificate

• Starting Fall of 2023, I will begin my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas. I would love to work in a hospital one day to diagnose and treat patients with different mental disorders. The population I would like to work with is adolescents and young adults who have experienced some sort of trauma in their life. My main research interests include trauma care, but I hope to continue exploring other areas of psychological research.

Emma Pate

BS Psychology

• I am currently interested in pursuing a master's degree in Cross Cultural studies and research, as well as international marketing. My research interests include human behavior and culture and how it relates to adolescent and emerging adult behaviors. I am also interested in many different areas of psychological research.

Alexis Chaney

BA Music & BA Psychology, Minor in German

• View Alexis's Website

2022

Amber Ledesma, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Spanish and Social Sciences, 2021

• Starting in Fall of 2022, I will begin my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas. I am hoping to become a licensed therapist and practice with a variety of populations. My research interests include adolescent psychopathology and identifying risk factors for depression and anxiety, but I am interested in psychological research in many different areas as well.

Lilly Holley

BA in Psychology, Minor in Communications

• My post-undergraduate plan is to pursue a masters degree in Educational Counseling. I would like to become an LPC and I want to focus on helping those with neurodivergencies adapt to a neurotypical society with a holistic and humanistic approach. I also have a special interest in the overlap between ADHD and the autistic spectrum and how they can each affect clients. I would like to either work through private practice one day or through a college, assist in research studies if able, and attend conferences to keep my education up to date.

Mona Rousan

BS Psychology, Minor in Sociology

• My post-undergraduate plans are to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, eventually opening up my own clinic. I would like to become a psychologist, working through practice and engaging in research, specifically in adolescent and adult populations. My research interests involve substance use in adolescents and adults, parent-child relationships and how it affects growth, and more.

Ragan Henderson

BS Integrative Studies: Psychology, Sociology, Rehabilitation Studies

• My post-undergraduate plan is to pursue a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. I would like to become a Counseling Psychologist, and I want to work with psychiatrists to ensure holistic care for patients that rely on psychiatric medication. I would like to conduct research of my own in the more distant future, once I establish myself professionally in the field of psychology.

Zoe Brown

BS in Psychology with a minor in Human Development & Family Science

• Following graduation in the Spring of 2022, I will begin my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at Texas Woman's University. My overall goal is to become an LPC-Supervisor and practice counseling and therapy on high-risk adolescents in the multicultural community. I hope to work with children who are experiencing mood disorders as they range from depression to anxiety.

Francesca Gentea

BA Psychology

• Since then, I have become a graduate student in TCU's Experimental Psychology PhD program, working closely with both the Existential Social Psychology Research Lab and Institute of Behavioral Research, assisting with the JCOIN project.

• My research interests include social and postive psychology as well as mental processes such as emotions and behavior. I also do enjoy working with adolescent and young adult populations to better understand development.

Logan Mitchell

• Since graduation, I've been working at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center just outside of Washington D.C as a clinical research assistant on a team investigating TBI, or traumatic brain injuries, in veterans over time.

2021

Alex Baker, BA

BA Psychology, Minors in Human Development & Family Studies and Social Sciences

• I am currently pursing a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at the University of Rochester, NY. I am a graduate research assistant in the Rochester Center for Research on Children and Families. My research focuses on ways to increase positive development and identify risk factors in youth by investigating multiple ecologies and contexts of development.

Victoria Stucky

BA Psychology, Minor in Counseling

• I am currently interested in pursuing a masters degree in counseling to work as an LPC in a private practice. My research interests include existential and positive psychology with a focus in responsibility, meaning, gratitude, and optimism. I am particularly interested in working with adolescent and young adult populations.

Jessica Rolandt, BS

BS in Psychology, Minor in Human Development and Family Science

• In January of 2022, I will begin my Master's Degree in Counseling & Development at Texas Woman's University. I plan to become an LPC who utilizes Animal Assisted Play Therapy. I hope to work with children and adolescents facing various emotional challenges, and those that hold minority identities.

Caroline E. Lee, BA

BA Psychology, 2019

• I plan to pursue a PhD in Clinical or Counseling Psychology in the coming years. I am interested in studying psychopathology and mental health disparities among traditionally underserved and marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQ individuals. I hope that my research will inform me as a clinician in order to provide the best empirically-based treatments to clients.

McKenzie K. Watson

BA Psychology, Minor in Human Development and Family Studies

• After graduation I plan to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. My professional interests include anxiety, eating disorders, parent-child relationships, and substance use, as well as therapy for children and adolescents. I have a particular interest in how families influence mental disorders in children and adolescents.

Ashlynn J. Smart

BA Psychology, Minor in Rehabilitation Studies

• After graduation I plan to pursue a masters in Social Work and go on to get my license as a Clinical Social Worker. I would most enjoy doing research for adolescents or adults with disabilities. Some goals for my future career would include helping children and adolescents with transitional phases in their life or coping with disabilities. Overall, I would love to be a clinical social worker upon completion of my licensure and degree.

Trent C. Harris

BA Psychology, BA Human Resource Management

• I'm currently interested in pursuing a Masters degree targeting my interests in learning, workplace behaviors, social anxiety, and substance use.

Kat Vrotsos

BA Psychology, Minor in Social Sciences

• After graduation, I plan to pursue a Masters in Psychological Sciences or a related job in the field to gain more experience toward my eventual goal of obtaining a PhD in Clinical Psychology. My research interests include addictive behaviors, substance use, chronic pain, neuropsychology, cognition and perception, and anxiety disorders. I am interested in development across the lifespan with an emphasis on the emerging adulthood and adolescent populations.

Cameron Arno

BA Psychology, Minor in Social Sciences

• I am currenly pursuing a Masters in Psychological Sciences with a concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Texas A&M University.

2020

Nathan Kearns, PhD

PhD, Behavioral Science/Psychology, 2020

• Next Step: As of 7/1/20 I joined Brown University's Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies T32 program working primarily with Dr. Jane Metrik.

Emma Kannard, BA

BA Psychology, Minors in Counseling and Spanish, 2019

• I am applying to Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology and ultimately aspire to work as a clinician implementing evidence-based practices with primarily diverse and underserved populations. My research interests include the etiology and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders across the lifespan, interpersonal relationships, and emotion regulation strategies.

Hanan Rafiuddin, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Social Sciences, 2018

• I plan on applying for Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs. My research interests include trauma, race/ethnicity, and mental health disparities. I hope to work with emerging adult populations in either a medical setting or private practice.

Kayla Corley, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Human Development and Family Studies, 2019

• I am currently working toward my MS in Counseling and Development at Texas Woman's University on the Graduate Clinical Mental Health Track. My research interests include substance use and family crises among adolescents and emerging adults. After becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, I intend to work with adolescents and emerging adults, prioritizing cultural competence and sensitivity to the unique nature of identity crises and mental health issues within each individual.

Manal Fasih, BA

BA Biology, Minor in Chemistry and Psychology

• My undergraduate research interests included the development of mental illness in adolescence. I will be attending medical school next summer to become a physician. I'm currently interested in pursuing surgical specialties and conducting research on healthcare disparities.

Daniel Cole, BS

BS Psychology, Minor in Sociology, 2020

• I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in health, social, or experimental psychology. I am primarily interested in researching questions relating to stress, coping, emotion regulation, and positive psychology. Specifically, I'm interested in examining the biological, social, and emotional pathways that link stress and health as well as how mindfulness affects the coping process. I hope to become a professor where I can conduct research in an academic environment and teach and mentor students.

Andalusia Hinojos, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Human Development and Family Studies, 2020

• After graduation I plan to pursue a Masters in Counseling. My professional interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-injurious behaviors among adolescents, as well as couples and family therapy. I have a particular interest in working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and their families.

Mabel Espinoza, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Public Administration

• I am currently working towards a Peace Corps Certificate so I can formally apply to the Peace Corps after graduation. I am deciding between focusing on Masters or PhD program applications, and my professional interests include child and adolescent mental health, Hispanic/Latinx communities, race and culture, and traumatic event exposure.

Stephon B Primous II, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Behavior Analysis, 2020

• My goal is to become a Clinical Neuropsychologist and work in the Veterans Affairs Medical Department to help Veterans who have suffered TBIs rehabilitate and recover from their injuries. My current interests include implicit and explicit biases as a function of race, gender and, age; implicit and explicit memory; victims of TBI's, treatment outcomes, and the development of the field of Neuropsychology as a whole.

Ashley (Ash) D Bocanegra

BA Psychology, Minor in Criminal Justice

• I'm currently interested in pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Pediatric Health Psychology. Broadly, my research interests are in multicultural pediatric psych-oncology. I'm particularly interested in cultural inclusion in treatment and religious outlooks on treatment. Overall, I want to help families who have recently had a child in their life be diagnosed with a chronic illness/disease, and I want to focus on the child's mental health as they face their illness, and how they are coping with their situation.

2019

Renee Cloutier, PhD

PhD, Experimental Psychology, 2019

• Next Step: As of 8/1/19 I joined Penn State's Prevention and Methodology Training (PAMT) T32 program working with Drs. Ashley Linden-Carmichael and Stephanie Lanza.

Megan Douglas, PhD

PhD, Clinical Health Psychology, 2019

• Next Step: I won't be too far from the lab as I start my Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at the Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation in Dallas, TX. My research will focus on lifestyle interventions for rehabilitation populations such as individuals post-stroke, with TBIs, and SCIs.

Angeles Astorga, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Counseling, 2018

• Next step: I will be working as a full-time Research Assistant with the Studying Alcohol and Related Risks (STARR) Lab at the UNT Health Science Center. My goal is to attend an Industrial Organizational PhD program. I want to research the intersection of mental health and the workplace. Furthermore, I hope to contribute to literature about individuals with mental illnesses (e.g., PTSD, OCD, depression) in relation to their workplace (e.g., influence on work performance, management styles, retention rate).

Sonja Hunter, BS, BA

BS Psychology, BA French, 2019

• Next step: I have been accepted into the Masters in Psychology program at Rutgers University, geared towards cultivating the skills needed to succeed in PhD program. Broadly, I am interested in Theory of Mind and what exactly makes this task easier for some people than others, and understanding what exactly this skill consists of. Building on my honors thesis with Dr. Anthony Ryals and masters work at Rutgers, I next plan to apply to a PhD program in Experimental Psychology.

Lauren B. Stone, BS

BS Psychology, 2017

• Next step: This fall (2019), I will be attending the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at Wheaton College. I will be working in the Youth Risk and Resilience (YouRR Lab) under Dr. Sandra Yu Rueger. The purpose of the Youth Risk and Resilience Lab (YouRR Lab) is to add to the scientific literature and share findings with the general public on effective ways to mobilize resources within the family and larger community to prevent and treat depressive disorders in children and adolescents, and alcohol-related problems in adolescents and young adults.

Brittney Jackson, BS

BS Psychology, Minor in Buisiness Management, 2019

• Next step: This summer (2019) I am excited to begin the MBA in Business Management program here at UNT. Upon graduating from the Cohort Program, I envision myself working in the Metroplex, managing a team in the Human Resources department.

Anabel Potts, BS

BS Psychology, Minor in Counseling

• In Fall 2019, I will begin the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at UNT. I'm excited to work on my research focused on bipolar disorder, mood, and nosology at the Mood and Psychopathology Laboratory under the mentorship of Dr. Camilo Ruggero.

Mary Geisinger

BA Psychology, Minor in Biology and Chemistry

• My goal is to pursue a graduate school program in either the medical field or experimental psychology.

Nicole Nielson, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Biology

• Next step: I'm excited to begin my graduate studies in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at the University of Texas at Arlington.

2018

Alisa Payne, BS

BS Psychology, Minor in Counseling, 2018

• Next step: I will be working as a lead teacher at an amazing local preschool and continue my training in the Master of Science in Counseling program at Southern Methodist University this Fall (2019).

Rachel Armour

• I will be graduating with my bachelors in Psychology Fall 2018. After leaving UNT I plan on pursuing a career in Applied Arts working for technical theatres, museum exhibitions, and related fields.

Michelle Fresnedo, BS

BS Biochemistry, Minor in Biology

BA Integrative Studies, Concentrating in Psychology, Anthropology, History

• Next step: I'm currently working full time as a Clinical Research Assistant at Baylor University Medical Center, and plan to pursue a MPH and eventually a PhD in Epidemiology.

Stephen Gutierrez, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Counseling, 2017

• My goal is to attend a Master's program in counseling/therapy. More specifically, I am interested in working with an adolescent population. My interests include how the relationships between depression, suicidality, anxiety, and substance use affect an adolescent population.

Jennifer Sandlin, BA

BA Psychology

• I am attending UNT's Master's program in Counseling. My research interests include the etiology and treatment of Non-Suicidal Self Injury, as well as lifelong effects of childhood abuse and trauma. I hope to work in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Camille Naval, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Human Development and Family Studies

• My goal is to attend a Counseling Psychology program, with hope to work with children and adolescents. I hope to work as a counselor in a psychiatric hospital or through private practice. My interests lie in anxiety, stress, and the emotional/social development from birth to young adulthood.

Ennissea Powell, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Human Development and Family Science

• My goal is to attend a Master's program in Counseling. I aspire to become a counselor working with adolescents and their behavior. More specifically, at-risk youth, depression, anxiety, suicide, and ways to prevent such with coping strategies and skills.

Mark Richardson, BA

BA Psychology, 2015

• I am currently pursuing my Masters in Social Work at the University of Texas in Arlington.

2017

Maris Adams, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Criminal Justice, 2017

• Next Step: I am currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Southern Illinois University.

Darian Chambers, BA

BA in Psychology, BA in Political Science, Minor in Arabic

• I plan to attend a Social Psychology program. My research interests include Altruistic Behavior, Perspective Taking, and PTSD.

Jasmin John, BA

BA Psychology, Minor Counseling

• Next Step: I am currently pursuing a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNT. I am on the adult track and plan to focus on minority communities and social justice issues. I hope to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) once I complete my Masters degree.

Sydney McKinnis, BS

BS Psychology, Minor in Spanish, 2017

• I am working full-time at UNT, currently applying to Master's Counseling programs, and my goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Brooke Reynolds, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Russian

• Next Step: I am currently a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Pacific University.

Erik Tristan, BA

BA Psychology, 2016

• Next Step: I'm currently the Program Data Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star. I plan to apply to graduate programs next Fall.

2016

Alvin Akibar, MS

BA Psychology 2013, MS Psychology 2016

• Next Step: I am currently a doctoral student in the Behavioral Science Ph.D. program working under the guidance of Dr. Yolanda Flores Niemann. I am interested in LGBT and minority issues, including risk for social anxiety and reduced support-seeking behaviors.

Teah-Marie Bynion, BS

BS Psychology, 2016

• Next Step: I am currently a doctoral student in the Experimental Program at the University of Arkansas in the Anxiety Research Program. My research focuses on parent-child relationships and psychopathology among youth.

Kinsie Dunham, BS

BS Psychology, Minors in LGBT Studies and Development and Family Studies, 2016

• Next Step: I am currently a doctoral student in the Clinical Program at the University of Montana at Missoula. I am interested in LGBT and minority issues, including risk for social anxiety and reduced support-seeking behaviors.

Emma Holmes

• Next Step: After successfully completing the TAMS program at UNT, I am now pursuing my BSA in Neuroscience as part of the pre-med program at the University of Texas at Austin. Next year I will be applying to medical schools to focus on pediatric neurology.

Laura Jamison, BS

BS Psychology, BA Music Performance, 2016

• I plan on attending a Clinical Psychology program with a research emphasis on anxiety and eating disorders.

Gabrielle Javier, BA

BA Psychology, 2014

• Next Step: I am currently working as a psychiatric clinical assistant for Denton County MHMR. This year I will be applying to Masters Programs in Counseling Psychology to work with individuals who suffer from non-combat PTSD and anxiety related disorders.

Patrick Melugin, BS

BS Psychology, Minors in Biological Sciences and History, 2016

• Next Step: I am currently working towards a master's degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience at UT Dallas where I am studying synaptic plasticity and alcohol dependence in mice. My goal is to pursue a PhD in neuroscience studying the etiology of clinical depression

Joslyn Wilson, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Development and Family Studies, 2016

• Next Step: Currently, I am teaching pre-kindergarten at Children's Lighthouse Learning Center in Frisco and performing group counseling with special-needs children at United Through H.O.P.E. In Fall 2017 I plan to apply for Master's programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling so that I can work with children and families using direct counseling and animal assisted therapy.

2015

Jamie Pogue, BA

BA Psychology, 2015

• I am currently working full-time as a Clinical Research Assistant at Baylor University Mecidal Center, and plan on applying for PhD programs in the next year.

Catherine Baxley, BS

BS Psychology, Minor in Drug Abuse and Addiction, 2014

• Next step: Catherine is headed to St. Louis University to pursue her doctorate in clinical psychology in the WAGER laboratory.

Taylor Gleitz, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Counseling, 2015

• Next Step: I am currently in my second year of the Counseling Psychology master's program at Texas Woman's University and a counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family, where I do individual and group counseling with survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence and sexual assault. After graduating, I plan to continue counseling and working towards becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC).

Emily Kaus, BA

BA Psychology, 2015

• Next step: I am thrilled to continue my education at UNT through the UNT Counseling program to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and eventually work with low-income and homeless individuals.

Jasmine Thompson

BS Psychology

• I plan to go to a graduate program in psychology, and currently am exploring which sub-discipline I would like to pursue.

Tori Wheelis, BA, BFA

BA Psychology, BFA Visual Art Studies

• I plan on returning to UNT after graduation to complete pre-medical post-baccalaureate coursework and later obtain an MD/PhD. I am interested in studying bias in medical and educational settings.

Sarah Wilson, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Developmental and Family Studies, 2015

• Next Step: I plan to attend graduate school with a focus on the treatment of anxiety disorders in children, specifically selective mutism.

2014

Angel Huichapa, BA

BA Psychology, Minor in Addiction Rehabilitation, 2014

• Next step: Angel operated an after-school program for youth in Fort Worth and currently is working as a Mental Health Technician and Activity Therapist for both adults and adolescents at Mesa Springs Behavioral Hospital. Angel plans on attending graduate school with an emphasis on at-risk children and teens.

Katherine Prindiville, BS

BS Psychology, Minor in Substance Abuse and Addiction, 2014

• Next step: Katherine is headed to the University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center to pursue her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Deyaun Villarreal, BA

BA Psychology, 2013

• Next step: Deyaun will commence her doctoral studies at the Family Research Lab, University of Texas at Dallas.