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Students

The CP (Adult) major area of study receives an average of 149 applications per year from outstanding candidates. We usually select between 3 and 5 new students annually who are matched with a CP (adult) faculty member based on the applicant's experience, training, and academic goals. The names of our current CP students are listed below, as well as recent graduates.

 

First-Year Students


Jacqueline Ge

Jacqueline Ge

M.A. (Santa Clara University)
jlge@uh.edu

Hometown: Fremont, CA
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Gallagher
Research Interests: Positive psychology constructs (e.g., hope, optimism), cultivating resilience and well-being, culturally informed interventions for anxiety and related disorders
Most recent gig: I graduated from Santa Clara University with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology in 2023 

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the excellent fit between my research interests and that of Dr. Gallagher and his lab. I also appreciate the opportunity to receive further quantitative training, as well as the program’s emphasis on inclusion and dedication to diversity.”


Jillian Robison

Jillian Robison

B.A. (University of Oklahoma)
jrobison2@uh.edu

Hometown: Aledo, TX
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky
Research Interests: Anxiety, health disparities and accessible treatment methods (mobile-phone based/ecological momentary assessment [EMA])
Most recent gig: Research project coordinator at the TSET Health Promotion Research Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the number of opportunities to further both my future research and clinical endeavors.”


Tanya Shah

Tanya Shah

B.A. (Pomona College)
tshah9@uh.edu

Hometown: Mumbai, India
Advisor: Dr. Julia Babcock
Research Interests: Using ecologically valid experimental paradigms to study interpersonal conflict and emotion dysregulation in close relationships
Most recent gig: Research Specialist at the Decision Neuroscience and Psychopathology Lab at the University of Pittsburgh 

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the supportive culture within the graduate students and the excellent research and clinical training opportunities with diverse populations.”


Second-Year Students


Zachary Ayers

Zachary Ayers

M.A. (State University of New York)
zsayers@uh.edu

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Gallagher
Research Interests: Resilience, positive psychology (optimism, hope, self-efficacy), the intersection of positive and clinical psychology, treatment of anxiety and related disorders
Most recent gig: I completed my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (with research emphasis) at The College at Brockport, State University of New York 

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the match between Dr. Gallagher’s research interests and my own, along with the myriad of clinical training opportunities available in Houston.”


Pam Nizio

B.S. (University of Houston)
pcnizio2@uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, TX
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky
Research Interests: **
Most recent gig: **

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “**.”


Morgan Phillips

Morgan Phillips

B.S. (Georgia State University)
mphillips11@uh.edu

Hometown: Powder Springs, GA
Advisor: Dr. Rheeda Walker
Research Interests: I am interested in understanding how racial stress and trauma influence risk and resilience in Black populations. Additionally, I am interested to see how racial identity affects psychological wellbeing and mental health disparities. With my training at UH, I hope to develop individual and community-level interventions to support mental health in Black populations
Most recent gig: In May of 2021, I graduated summa cum laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and a minor in African American studies

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the program's collaborative research opportunities, various practicums sites, and the ability to serve underserved communities in a diverse city.”


Third-Year Students


Elijah Murphy

Elijah Murphy

B.A., M.A. (American University)
ermurphy3@uh.edu

Hometown: Hyattsville, MD
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Gallagher
Research Interests: My research interests include examining how culture, identity, and stigma influence the development and treatment of internalizing mental health disorders, particularly within marginalized populations. I also aim to explore the moderating influence of positive psychology constructs, including hope, optimism and perseverance.
Most recent gig: I graduated with a B.A in Psychology with honors from the American University in Washington D.C in 2020. I received my M.A in Psychology, and completed my collegiate wrestling career at American University in 2021.

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… I aspire to serve diverse, and underserved populations, and look forward to the broad range of training opportunities with such communities that UH provides. I also chose UH because the training I would receive under the tutelage of Dr. Gallagher will adequately prepare me for my career path.”


Neha Pathak

Neha Pathak

B.A. (University of South Florida)
npathak2@uh.edu

Hometown: Tampa, FL
Advisor: Dr. Julia Babcock
Research Interests: Intimate Partner Violence, Personality Disorders, South Asian cross-cultural research
Most recent gig: Research Coordinator at Moffitt Cancer Center

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the research match between my mentor and me as well as the program's emphasis on research and diversity.”


Deanna Pollard

Deanna Pollard

B.A., M.A. (University of Texas - Rio Grand Valley)
dlpollard@uh.edu

Hometown: Mission, TX
Advisor: Dr. Julia Babcock
Research Interests: Intimate relationships, intimate partner violence (IPV), the impact of trauma on intimate relationships, adult attachment, emotion regulation in the context of intimate relationships, couples therapy
Most recent gig: Graduate Research Assistant in the Family Violence Lab at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the great fit between my research interests and the research conducted in Dr. Babcock’s lab.”


Amy Senger

Amy Senger

B.S. (Texas A&M University - San Antonio); M.A. (Sam Houston State University)
asenger@uh.edu

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Gallagher
Research Interests: I am interested in how positive psychology can be leveraged to promote well-being and resilience in chronically ill and trauma-exposed populations.
Most recent gig: Summer Cancer Prevention Research Program Trainee at MD Anderson Cancer Center

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… I was excited to work with Dr. Gallagher and his lab, the opportunity for additional quantitative training, and the variety of practicum sites.”


Devante Williams

B.S. (Alabama State University)
dwilli39@cougarnet.uh.edu

Hometown: Prichard, AL
Advisor: Dr. Elena Grigorenko
Research Interests:
Most recent gig:

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… ”


Fourth-Year Students


Rebecca Jewell

Rebecca Jewell

B.A. (University of Texas-Austin); M.S. (University of Missouri-Columbia)
rdjewell@uh.edu

Hometown: Angleton, TX
Advisor: Dr. Rheeda Walker
Research Interests: I am interested in researching risk and protective factors for suicidality, specifically in Latin and Hispanic populations.
Most recent gig: I completed my Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the research fit with Dr. Rheeda Walker and the CRR Lab, the program’s clinical science training model, and the diverse city, which is also home to the largest medical center in the world.”


Brienna Fogle

Brienna Fogle

B.S. (University of Kentucky)
bmfogle@uh.edu

Hometown: Owensboro, KY
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky
Research Interests: Transdiagnostic vulnerabilities underlying substance use, anxiety, and trauma 
Most recent gig: Postgraduate Associate at Yale School of Medicine

I chose CCP at UH because: “UH provides the opportunity to become an experienced clinical scientist and to work with Dr. Zvolensky and his collaborative research team. ”


Fifth-Year+ Students


Nate Healy

Nate Healy

B.A. (University of California, Los Angeles)
nahealy@uh.edu

Hometown: Ocean Township, NJ
Advisor: Dr. Anka Vujanovic
Research Interests: Studying the etiological and maintenance processes of PTSD/trauma-related disorders with concurrent conditions (e.g. suicidality, substance use, etc.) to improve the efficacy of targeted treatments, specifically in first-responder and veteran populations
Most recent gig: Research assistant at the University of Michigan for the Youth Depression & Suicide Prevention Program (YDSP) and the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… I was excited by the research fit with Dr. Vujanovic’s lab, the program’s collaborative environment, and the level of community engagement offered throughout its clinical training opportunities.”


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Caitlin Kehoe

B.S., M.A. (Stony Brook University)
ckehoe@uh.edu

Hometown: Kings Park, NY
Advisor: Dr. Julia Babcock
Research Interests: Intimate Partner Violence, trauma, romantic couples
Most recent gig: Research Coordinator at Columbia University Medical Center

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the supportive department and community.”


Samuel Leonard

Samuel Leonard

B.S. (Colorado State University); M.S. (University of Memphis)
sjleonard@uh.edu

Hometown: Craig, CO
Advisor: Dr. Anka Vujanovic
Research Interests: PTSD / Substance Use
Most recent gig: Psychology Master’s Student

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… I want to be a clinical psychologist and UH has an excellent program.”


Tanya Smit

Tanya Smit

B.S. (University of Houston)
tsmit@uh.edu

Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky
Research Interests: Transdiagnostic vulnerabilities underlying addiction, pain, and emotional psychopathology
Most recent gig: Research assistant at the Anxiety and Health Research Lab/Substance Use Treatment Clinic at the University of Houston

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “… of the opportunities this program provides for conducting collaborative research in a diverse environment.”


Jasmin Brooks

Jasmin Brooks

B.A. (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill)
jrbrook5@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Advisor: Dr. Rheeda Walker
Research Interests: I am interested in examining the relationship between perceived discrimination and suicidal ideation amongst racial minorities. Additionally, I aim to develop and implement culturally relevant interventions to improve the mental health of racial minorities
Most recent gig: I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology at UNC Chapel Hill in May 2018

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…Dr. Walker's interests align very well with my own, and because of the diverse range of practicum sites and experiences that Houston has to offer.”


LebeauA18-CP

Antoine Lebeaut

B.A. (Franklin and Marshall College)
amlebeau@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Morristown, NJ
Advisor: Dr. Anka Vujanovic
Research Interests: PTSD and improving the efficacy of treatment for trauma-related disorders
Most recent gig: Research Assistant at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…I felt there was a great research fit with Dr. Vujanovic and was excited to explore the diverse clinical training and research opportunities Houston has to offer.”


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Angie Mayorga

B.S. (University of Houston)
namayorg@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, TX
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky
Research Interests: Anxiety, substance use, resiliency factors
Most recent gig: Laboratory Manager for the UH Anxiety and Health Research Lab / Substance Use Treatment Clinic

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…I loved both the school and the city.”


OrrM18-CP

Michael Orr

B.S. (Gonzaga University)
mforr@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Winnemucca, NV / Apache Junction, AZ
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky
Research Interests: I am interested in the intersection of substance abuse and mental illness, how they influence each other and treatment development for co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness
Most recent gig: Research Coordinator for Washington State University's Program of Excellence in Addiction Research (PEAR)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…Dr. Zvolensky's lab is the perfect fit for my research interests, with an amazing group of people who work together as a team, and also the program's focus on research-driven training.”


ShepherdJ18-CP

Justin Shepherd

M.S. (Rivier College)
jmsheph4@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Boston, MA
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky
Research Interests: Transdiagnostic vulnerabilities implicated in comorbid alcohol, substance use, and affective disorders, and brief interventions to treat the underlying mechanisms
Most recent gig: Clinical Research Assistant in the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Lab (BPRL) at McLean Hospital

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…I was drawn to the collaborative lab environment and mentorship of Dr. Zvolensky, the research and clinical training goals of the program, and the endless opportunities of living in such a diverse city.”


ZegelM18-CP

Maya Zegel

B.A. (Boston University)
mzegel@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Boston, MA
Advisor: Dr. Anka Vujanovic
Research Interests: The intersection of trauma/PTSD and substance use disorders, specifically the clinical implications for treatment which addresses the disorders simultaneously
Most recent gig: Clinical Research Assistant II at McLean Hospital in the Functional Integration of Addiction Research Lab (FIARL) and the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Lab (BPRL)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of the opportunity to work with Dr. Anka Vujanovic, the collaborative research environment, and the diverse clinical training options.”


Angela Richardson

Angela Richardson

B.A. (University of Houston); M.A. (Boston University)
angela.richardson2@times.uh.edu

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Gallagher
Research Interests: I am interested in resilience and mechanisms of change in anxiety and trauma disorders as well as their relationship with well-being and hope 
Most Recent Gig: I just graduated from Boston University with my Master's degree in psychology this past May

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…a lot of Dr. Gallagher’s research interests matched with mine and I really liked the collaborative professional atmosphere of the department.”


Lia Smith

Lia Smith

B.A. (Wheaton College)
ljsmith6@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Advisor: Drs. Matthew Gallagher and Clayton Neighbors
Research Interests: Risk (e.g., sleep disturbance, distress intolerance) and resilience (e.g., mindfulness, hope) processes at the intersection of trauma, substance use disorders, and health disparities 
Representative Research: Smith, L.J., Gallagher, M. W., Tran, J. K., & Vujanovic, A. A. (2018). Posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, and alcohol use motives in firefighters: The role of sleep disturbance. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 87, 64-71. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.09.001
I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…it provided a diverse and collaborative environment with the opportunity to study the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of comorbid PTSD and substance use disorders.”


Alumni


Andy Godfrey

Andy Godfrey

B.S. (University of Utah)
dagodfre@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Advisor: Dr. Julia Babcock
Research Interests: I am interested in emotion in the context of familial conflict with an emphasis on psychophysiological factors of aggression and emotion dysregulation
Most recent gig: Lab Manager for the Personality, Emotion, Brain and Behavior Lab at the University of Utah

I chose CCP at UH because: “...of the supportive environment for students who sought an academic career as well as the opportunity to explore my research interests within Dr. Babcock's lab.”


Johann D'Souza

Johann D'Souza

B.A. (University of Dallas); M.A. (Boston University)
jmdsouza@uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Gallagher
Research Interests: My background in mindfulness, "high-cost" exposure for anxiety disorders, and positive psychology have created a growing interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Most recent gig: Research Assistant at UT Health Dept of Psychiatry

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…I am excited about the opportunities to train at the new trauma clinic and pursue a minor in quantitative methods.”


Kara Manning

Kara Manning

B.S. (Southwestern University)
kfmanning@uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky
Research Interests: Substance use disorders and anxiety disorders within the adult population. More specifically the underlying mechanisms of psychological disorders such as self-efficacy, distress intolerance, and affective vulnerabilities as well as treatment techniques targeted at treating comorbid psychopathology
Most recent gig: Research coordinator for the Anxiety and Health Research Lab-Substance Use Treatment Clinic

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…I am from Houston so I decided to return after college to look for some research opportunities at the University of Houston. The lab I volunteered in, and eventually managed, fit directly with my research interests. The graduate program as a whole also clicked with my interests, as it is a scientifically driven program that also provides great clinical training. The past 2 years working at UH have been a really great experience and I expect the same over the next 5 years as a graduate student.”


Andrew Rogers

Andrew Rogers

B.A. (Tufts University)
ahrogers2@uh.edu

Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky
Research Interests: Emotion regulation, Opioids, Pain
Most recent gig: Ohio State

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of my interest in working with Dr. Zvolensky, as well as to escape the snow.”


Ijeoma Madubata

Ijeoma Madubata

B.A. (Princeton University); M.A. (Towson University)
ijmadubata@uh.edu

Hometown: Riverdale, Maryland
Advisor: Dr. Rheeda Walker
Research Interests:The relationship between minority stressors and suicidal behavior for racial minorities
Most Recent Gig: I completed my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Towson University May 2017

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…I found this place (and Dr. Walker's lab) to be the ideal place for me to bring my research interests to reality, seeing as I wanted to examine suicidality specifically in minority populations. I know that I will become a more competent researcher in suicide research at UH.”


Laura Long

Laura Long

B.A. (Vanderbilt University)
Laura.Long@times.uh.edu

Hometown: Lake Bluff, Illinois
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Gallagher
Research Interests: mechanisms of change in cognitive behavioral therapy and transdiagnostic treatments for anxiety and trauma related disorders as well as depression; particularly resilience and mindfulness in the context of these disorders, and the intersection between psychopathology and positive psychology
Representative Research: Long, L. J. & Gallagher, M. W. (2017). Hope and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In Gallagher, M. W., & Lopez, S. J. (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of hope. New York: Oxford University Press

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…It was the best match for me in terms of my research interests.”


Victoria Bennett

Victoria Bennett

B.S. (University of Mary Washington); M.A. (University of North Carolina Wilmington)
vebennet@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland
Advisor: Dr. Julia Babcock
Research Interests: Intimate partner violence, couples functioning, and personality disorders
Representative Research: Clements, C. M., Bennett, V. E., Hungerford, A., Clauss, K., & Wait, S. K. (under review). Psychopathology and coping in survivors of intimate partner violence: Associations with race and abuse severity. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment, & Trauma. 

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of the opportunity to work with Dr. Babcock and the available practicum opportunities in the Houston area.”


Christine So

Christine So

B.A. (University of Maryland); M.A. (American University)
cjso@uh.edu

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Advisor: Dr. Candice Alfano
Research Interests: Bidirectional relationship between sleep loss and symptoms of anxiety, particularly in the military population
Most Recent Gig: Mental Health Research Associate at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)

I chose CCP at UH because: “...there was a great research fit with my advisor, and I enjoyed the lab dynamic and the extensive Medical Center.”


Brooke Bartlett

Brooke Bartlett

B.A. (University of California); M.A. (Boston University)
babartl2@Central.uh.edu

Hometown: Fountain Valley, California
Advisor: Dr. Anka Vujanovic
Research Interests: Risk and resilience factors related to trauma/PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, suicidality

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of the research fit with Dr. Anka Vujanovic, excellent research program and opportunities.”


Katherine Fox

Katherine Fox

B.A. (Vanderbilt University); M.A. (George Washington University, University of Houston)
kafox4@uh.edu

Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Advisor: Dr. John Vincent, Forensic Psychology Services
Research Interests: Forensic Psychology, Forensic Assessment, Legal Decision Making
Representative Research: Fox, K. A., & Vincent, J. P. (March 2019). Malingering as a Non-Unitary Construct: Implications for Forensic Assessment of Psychological Injuries. The Texas Psychologist.

UH Thesis:  Diagnostic and Construct Validation of Symptom and Performance Validity Tests of Malingering in a Civil Litigation Context.

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of the available practicum opportunities in the Houston area and the opportunity to research a variety of topics within the domain of Forensic Psychology.”


Brooke Kauffman

Brooke Kauffman

B.S. (Florida State University)
bkauffman2@uh.edu

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky- Anxiety and Health Research Lab/Substance Use Treatment Clinic
Research Interests: Transdiagnostic associations with obesity and related health-risk behaviors (e.g., eating, physical inactivity, etc.) as well as the negative impacts of obesity on medical conditions and disability. 
Representative Research: Kauffman, B. Y., Garey, L., Jardin, C., Otto, M. W., Raines, A. M., Schmidt, N. B., & Zvolensky, M. J. (2017). Body Mass Index and functional impairment: The explanatory role of anxiety sensitivity among treatment-seeking smokers. Psychology, Health, & Medicine, 1-12. doi: 10.1080/13548506.2017.1344357

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of the high level of productivity of research and the diverse opportunities living in Houston provides you with to advance your training in the field.” 


Alexandra Snead

Alexandra Snead

B.S. (Virginia Tech); M.A. (The Citadel)
asnead@uh.edu

Hometown: I grew up in Virginia but lived in Charleston, SC before moving to Houston.
Advisor: Dr. Babcock, The Center for Couples Therapy
Research Interests: I am interested in couples therapy, the relationship between jealousy and intimate partner violence, and intimate partner violence in same-sex couples.  

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “of the research being conducted in Dr. Babcock’s lab and the opportunities to conduct research in such a diverse city.”


Soumia Cheref

Soumia Cheref

B.A., (Hunter College of the City University of New York)
scheref@uh.edu

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Advisor: Dr. Rheeda Walker, Culture, Risk, and Resilience Lab
Research Interests: Racial and ethnic differences in suicide
Representative Research: Cheref, S., Lane, R., Polanco-Roman, L., Gadol, E., & Miranda, R. (2015). Suicidal ideation among racial/ethnic minorities: Moderating effects of rumination and depressive symptoms. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology21(1), 31.

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: "… of the emphasis on research training and the research fit between myself and my current advisor.”


Jacob Lebar

Jacob L. Lebar

B.S. (The University of Texas at Austin); JD (The University of Texas School of Law)
jllebar@uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, TX
Advisor: Dr. John P. Vincent, University of Houston Forensic Psychology Services
Research Interests: Applications of forensic psychology in a civil litigation context: particularly the impact of previous trauma on psychological assessment in preparation for litigation.

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: "…Dr. Vincent's research interests so closely align with my own, and the program has a strong reputation for excellent clinical training and research."


Judy Hong

Judy Hong

B.A. (The University of Texas at Austin)
jhhong@uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, TX
Advisor: Dr. Rheeda Walker, Culture, Risk, and Resilience Lab
Research Interests: Minority racial/ethnic suicidality in incarcerated populations
Representative Research: Tamí‐Maury, I., Lin, M.T., Lapham, H. L., Hong, J.H., Cage, C., Shete, S., & Gritz, E.R. (2015).  A pilot study to assess tobacco use among sexual minorities in Houston, Texas. The American Journal on Addictions.

I chose CP (adult) at UH because:  “…I found a mentor that I felt truly respected my input, encouraged my ideas and motivates me to become a better researcher.”


Mary Odafe

Mary Odafe

B.S. (University of Cincinnati)
modafe@uh.edu

Hometown: Lorain, OH
Advisor: Dr. Walker, Culture, Risk, and Resilience Lab
Research Interests: “I am interested in the race-related experiences of ethnic minorities in the U.S., specifically African American and immigrant populations. Ultimately, I hope to improve the state of anxiety, depression, and overall mental health for my populations of interest through the development and use of culturally relevant intervention techniques.”
Representative Research: Odafe, M.O., Talavera, D.C., Cheref, S., Hong, J., Walker, R.L. (Under Review). Suicide in Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic, and Asian adults in the U.S.: A review of the last decade. Current Psychiatry Reviews.

UH Thesis: Perceived discrimination and hopelessness in African Americans: The moderating role of social support (Proposal, Fall 2015). (Chair: Rheeda L. Walker, Ph.D.)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: "…of the diversity that is present at the University of Houston and the greater Houston community. I believe that the opportunity to interact with persons of various cultures allows for a richer educational experience that is very unique to this institution.”

Nicholas Armenti

Nicholas Armenti

B.A. (New York University), M.A. (University of Houston)
naarmenti@uh.edu

Hometown: Warren, NJ
Advisor: Dr. Julia Babcock, Emotions in Marriage Lab
Research Interests: My research interests include personality disorders, psychopathy, and risk factors for general and intimate partner violence.
Representative Research: Armenti, N.A., Snead, A. L., & Babcock, J. C. (in press). Examining the moderating role of problematic substance use in the relations between borderline and antisocial personality features and intimate partner violence. Violence Against Women.

UH Thesis: The Effects of Cognitive and Affective Empathy Deficits on Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators. (Chair: Julia Babcock, Ph.D.)

UH Dissertation: Dispositional and Contextual Risk Factors Associated with Borderline Personality Features and Intimate Partner Violence (Chair: Julia Babcock, Ph.D.)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of the well-rounded research and clinical training, the opportunity to conduct research on intimate partner violence specifically, and the access to a wide range of practicum sites in the Houston area.”


Lorra Garey

Lorra Garey

B.A. (The University of Texas at Austin)
llgarey@uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, TX
Advisor: Dr. Zvolensky, Anxiety and Health Research Laboratory & Substance Use Treatment Clinic
Research Interests: Brief transdiagnostic interventions to address addictive behaviors and psychological vulnerabilities.
Representative Research: Garey, L., Bakhshaie, J., Vujanovic, A.A., Leventhal, A.M., Schmidt, N.B., & Zvolensky, M.J. (2015). Posttraumatic stress symptoms and cognitive-based smoking processes among trauma-exposed treatment-seeking smokers: The role of dysphoria. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 9, 67-74. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000091

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…it is located in a diverse, metropolitan city with the largest medical district in the US; the opportunities are endless!”


Jafar Bakhshaie

Jafar Bakhshaie

M.D. (Tehran University of Medical Sciences)
jbakshaie@uh.edu

Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Advisor: Dr. Michael J. Zvolensky, Anxiety and Health Research Laboratory and Substance Use Clinic
Research Interests: I am interested in the interplay between emotional vulnerability factors and health behaviors.
Representative Research: Bakhshaie, J., Zvolensky, M.J., & Goodwin, R.D. (in press). Cigarette smoking and the onset and persistence of panic attacks during mid-adulthood in the United States: 1994-2005. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

UH Thesis: Differential effects of anxiety sensitivity in the relation between emotional non-acceptance and posttraumatic stress symptoms among trauma-exposed treatment-seeking smokers. (Chair: Dr. Michael J. Zvolensky)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of its strong orientation toward bio-behavioral research.”


Daniel Paulus

Daniel J. Paulus

B.S. (Northeastern University), M.A. (University of Houston)
djpaulus@uh.edu

Hometown: West Haven, CT
Advisor: Michael J. Zvolensky, Ph.D., Anxiety Health Research Lab/Substance Use Treatment Clinic (AHRL-SUTC)
Research Interests: Identifying and treating transdiagnostic affective vulnerabilities that underlie comorbid anxiety, mood, and alcohol use disorders, particularly among individuals who do not typically seek treatment.
Representative Research: Norton, P.J. & Paulus, D.J. (in press). Toward A Unified Treatment for Emotional Disorders: Update on the Science and Practice. Behavior Therapy.

UH Thesis:  There’s no “I” In GCBT: Identifying predictors of group-level outcome in Transdiagnostic Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for anxiety.  (Chair: Peter J. Norton, Ph.D.)

 I chose CP (adult) at UH because:  “…of the strong emphasis on scholarly research and dedication towards the development of clinical scientists.” 

Charles Jardin

Charles Jardin

B.A., (Duke University), M.Div. (Duke University), M.A.

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Advisor: Drs. Sharp and Zvolensky
Research Interests: cognitive and emotional vulnerability factors that influence engagement in risk behavior across the transition from adolescence to young adulthood
Representative Research: Jardin, C., Garey, L., Sharp, C., & Zvolensky, M.J. (in press). Acculturative stress and risky sexual behavior: The roles of sexual compulsivity and negative affect. Behavior Modification.

I chose CCP at UH because: “The psychology faculty at the University of Houston take a forward-thinking approach to research and clinical practice. By focusing on the underlying mechanisms of disorder…my advisors equipped me to explore the developmental trajectory from normative to problematic risk behavior, and in so doing carve my own research niche from within their larger body of work.”

David Talavera

David C. Talavera

B.A. (University of California, Berkeley); M.A. (University of Houston)
dtalavera@uh.edu

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Advisor: Dr. Rheeda Walker, Culture, Risk, and Resilience Lab
Research Interests: Examining the effects of race/ethniciity in the development of internalizing disorders, specifically generalized anxiety disorder and depression. Broader interests involve developing culturally specific clinical interventions for individuals suffering from co-morbid psychopathology.
Representative research: Talavera, D.C., Walker, R.L., Cornette, M. (in press). Suicide Risk Factors. The SAGE encyclopedia of abnormal and clinical psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

UH Thesis: Perceived Stress and Anxiety Symptomatology: Moderating role of self-construal for Hispanic, Asian American, and African American women. (Chair: Rheeda L. Walker, Ph.D.)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of the diverse research opportunities Houston has to offer.”


Tannah Chase

Tannah Chase

M.A. (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
telittle@uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, TX
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky.  Research advisor:  Dr. Ellen Teng (Houston VA)
Research Interests: Research aimed at improving or identifying barriers to treatment effectiveness for anxiety-based disorders.
Representative Research:Norton, P. J., & Chase, T. (2015). Is a gin and tonic more like gin or tonic? A comparison of comorbid and non-comorbid anxiety disorder diagnostic pairs. Psychiatry Research, 225, 179-186. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.11.017

UH Thesis: A comparison of treatment outcomes across OCD symptom dimensions in a sample of OCD patients. (Chair: Chad T. Wetterneck, PhD; defended August 2012).

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…it has a reputation for training and producing highly skilled clinicians and researchers, and offered opportunities that were compatible with my clinical research interests."


Susan Iyican

Susan Iyican

B.A. (University of California, Berkeley); M.A. (University of Houston)
siyican@uh.edu

Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
Advisor: Dr. Babcock, Emotions in Marriage Lab
Research Interests: Current research interests include intimate partner violence, personality disorders, and intimate relationship dynamics.
Representative Research: UH Thesis: The two factors of psychopathy as predictors of autonomic reactivity in intimate partner abusers. (Chair: Dr. Babcock)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because:“… I was looking for a program with both strong clinical and research training that offered a diversity of practical learning experiences.”


Chad Brandt

Chad Brandt

B.S. (Florida State University); M.A. (University of Houston)
cpbrandt@uh.edu

Hometown: : Orlando, FL
Advisor:Dr. Zvolensky, Anxiety and Health Research Laboratory/Substance Use Treatment Clinic (AHRL-SUTC)
Research Interests: Development of transdiagnostic treatments for individuals with chronic illness and pain.
Representative Research: Brandt, C.P., Bakhshaie, J., Zvolensky, M.J., Grover, K.W., & Gonzalez, A. (2014). The Examination of Emotion Dysregulation as a Moderator of Depression and HIV-Relevant Outcomes Among an HIV+ Sample. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 44(1), 9-20. doi: 10.1080/16506073.2014.950323 

UH Thesis: “Distress Tolerance, Emotion Dysregulation, and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among HIV+ Individuals.” (Chair, Dr. Michael Zvolensky, defended May 2013)

UH Dissertation: “Development and Implementation of an HIV and Anxiety Management/Reduction Program (HAMRT), in progress. (Chair: Dr. Michael Zvolensky)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of the opportunities in the healthcare field.”


Samantha Farris

Samantha G. Farris

B.A. (Rutgers University); M.A. (University of Houston)
Internship - Alpert Medical School of Brown University
jlfarris@uh.edu

Hometown: Princeton, NJ
Advisor: Dr. Michael Zvolensky, Anxiety and Health Research Laboratory - Substance Use Treatment Clinic 
Research Interests: Experimental laboratory paradigms to explore the nature of fear responding, physiological arousal, and affect-regulatory motivated substance use.
Representative Research: Farris, S.G., Zvolensky, M.J., Otto, M.W., & Leyro, T.M. (2015). The role of distress intolerance for panic and nicotine withdrawal symptoms during a biological challenge. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29, 783-791. doi: 10.1177/0269881115575536.

UH Thesis: The role of depressive and panic symptoms in predicting cannabis use cognitive processes and quit behavior. (Chair: Michael Zvolensky)

UH Dissertation: Anxiety sensitivity and smoking topography: A multi-method experimental investigation. (Chair: Michael Zvolensky)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…it provided me the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the area of health, addition, and anxiety, both at the University of Houston and in the Texas Medical Center.”


J. Leigh Noblin

J. Leigh Noblin

B.S. (University of Houston-Clear Lake); M.A. (University of Houston); 2dLT, USAFR
jlnoblin@uh.edu

Hometown: LaPorte, TX
Advisor: Dr. Rheeda Walker, Cultural Risk and Resilience Lab
Research Interests: Improved treatment planning for at risk populations (i.e., veterans, inmates)
Representative Research: Noblin, J.L., Venta, A., & Sharp, C. (2014). Criterion validity of the MSI_BPD among inpatient adolescents. Assessment, 21(2), 210-217, doi: 1 0.1177/1073191112473177.

UH Thesis: Patient length of stay: Predictive variability among forensic and civil psychiatric units and population. (Chair: Dr. Gordon Paul, defended 2011).

UH Dissertation: The role of cultural worldview in mortality salience. (Chair: Rheeda Walker, Ph.D., in progress)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…of the emphasis that the clinical program places on providing the most comprehensive scientist-practitioner training to their students.”


Elaine Savoy

Elaine Savoy

M.A. (University of Houston)
Internship: VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 2015-16
ejsavoy@uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, TX
Advisor: Dr. Peter J. Norton, Anxiety Disorders Lab.
Research Interests: Health disparities and health access among underserved populations
Representative Research: Savoy, E.J., Reitzel, L.R., Agarwal, M., Scheuermann, T.S., Mathur, C., Choi, W.S., Ahluwalia, J.S. (February, 2014) Risk perception and intention to quit among nondaily, light daily, and moderate/heavy daily smokers. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. Seattle, Washington.

UH Thesis: The impact of jurors' sexual harassment history on emotional damage awards. (Chair: Dr. Peter J. Norton; defended November. 2013.

UH Dissertation: Examining moment to moment affective determinants of smoking rate following a quit attempt in a sample of homeless adult daily smokers: An ecological momentary assessment study. (Co-chairs: Dr. Peter J. Norton and Dr. Lorraine Reitzel; defended July 2015)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…the diversity in clinical faculty would expose me to a variety of research an experience.”


Alexander Talkovaky

Alexander Talkovsky

B.A. (Washington University in St. Louis; M.A. (University of Houston)
Internship 2015-16: James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa FL
amtalkovsky@uh.edu

Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Advisor: Dr. Peter J. Norton, Anxiety Disorder Clinic.
Research Interests:Classification, assessment, and treatment of anxiety disorders and related conditions, as well as their comorbidity.
Representative Research: Talkovsky, A.M., & Norton, P.J. (2014). Mediators of tranddiagnostic group cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 28(8), 919-924. Doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.09.017

UH Thesis: Anxiety sensitivity across four ethnoracial groups. (Chair: Dr. Peter J. Norton; defended 2013)

UH Dissertation: Transactional effects of depression in group cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety. (Chair: Dr. Peter J. Norton)

I chose CP (adult) at UH because: “…I was confident I would get the best advisory experience at UH.”