Director

Michael Zvolensky, Ph.D.

Dr. Zvolensky is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology at University of Houston and Director of the Research on Emotion, Substance Use Treatment Outcomes, and Racial Equity (RESTORE) Laboratory and Substance Use Treatment Clinic. He has published over 800 peer-reviewed articles and books/book chapters on the co-occurrence of anxiety and stress-related psychopathology with substance use disorders, health behavior problems, and physical illness (e.g., chronic pain). His work is globally aimed at eliminating inequalities in psychopathology, addictive, and other health risk behaviors through translational research. He has utilized a variety of methodological tactics in his research program, including community-based participatory research (CBPR), laboratory studies, epidemiologic-field (cross-national and prospective), Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), and randomized clinical trials. He has been involved in over 70 NIH grants as PI, Co-PI, or co-investigator. His research program has received awards from numerous organizations, including the American Psychological Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, College on Problems of Drug Dependence, Association for Advancement of Cognitive and Behavior Therapy, and Association of Academic Health Centers.

A major contribution of Dr. Zvolensky’s laboratory has been to elucidate why people who experience anxiety/depressive-related vulnerabilities are more prone to substance use disorders; and why people with substance use disorders are more prone to anxiety/depressive-related disturbances. His team has led efforts to develop integrative theoretical models of anxiety-substance use disorder comorbidity that identify (malleable) cognitive-affective mechanisms underlying their association. This work is important for designing targeted assessment batteries that can be used to identify high-risk individuals most in need of (specialized) intervention; elucidating mechanisms underlying anxiety/depressive-substance use disorder comorbidity; and developing 'next generation' treatments for these conditions that target the most etiologically potent facets. Within this context, Dr. Zvolensky’s work collectively falls in three, interrelated streams that deal with (a) transdiagnostic processes underlying emotional disorder-substance use disorder comorbidity; (b) mediating and moderating factors involved in the expression, onset, and maintenance of anxiety/depression psychopathology for groups subject to health inequalities; and (c) theoretically-driven and process-based treatment development work that is community-friendly. (Google Scholar)

Co-Directors

Lorra Garey, Ph.D.

Dr. Lorra Garey is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Houston. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston. Her primary research interests focus on elucidating and attenuating health disparities among underserved and vulnerable populations by examining the interplay between substance use and psychological vulnerabilities and addressing malleable risk factors, including tobacco use, in the context of transdiagnostic interventions. Within this model, Lorra is particularly interested in the efficacy of brief, personalized feedback interventions to reduce tobacco use, alcohol use, and symptoms related to anxiety and depression among smokers with co-occurring psychopathology and tobacco dependence. (Google Scholar)

Brooke Redmond, Ph.D.

Dr. Brooke Redmond is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Houston. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston. Her research interests focus on innovative and integrative treatment methodologies aimed at improving health behaviors (e.g., emotional eating, physical inactivity). Specifically, she is interested in transdiagnostic vulnerabilities (e.g., anxiety sensitivity, distress intolerance) that may underlie these problematic health behaviors. (Google Scholar)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Luke Heggeness, Ph.D.

Dr. Luke Heggeness is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Houston. He earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Kent State University. Dr. Heggeness' research broadly focuses on mental health difficulties related to substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. His research predominantly examines drug and alcohol use, and modifiable transdiagnostic vulnerabilities (e.g., rumination, distress tolerance), within an emotion regulation framework. In particular, Dr. Heggeness aims to elucidate clinically relevant correlates, consequences, and explanatory mechanisms of affect-driven substance use behaviors to help address mental and physical health disparities often observed among underserved populations. (Google Scholar)

Laboratory Coordinator

Perri Wein, B.A.

Perel "Perri" Wein graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Judaic studies from Gratz College-WITS campus in 2019. Upon graduating, she completed a year-long research fellowship at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) studying neuro-HIV. Since then, she has worked with and researched older adults at the Penn Memory Center, adolescents at the ABCD study at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and, most recently, studied both severe psychopathology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai and smoking and nicotine dependance at Yeshiva University.  Her primary research interests include the intersection between substance use and chronic health conditions, with an emphasis on minoritized and/or underserved populations. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the near future.

Pre-Doctoral Graduate Students

Tanya Smit, M.A.

Ms. Tanya Smit is a fifth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Houston. She completed her B.S. in Psychology in 2018, and her M.A. in Psychology in 2020, both at the University of Houston. Her line of research is broadly focused on identifying factors that contribute to substance misuse and dependence (including alcohol, opioids, and tobacco) among chronic pain populations. Within this area, she is particularly interested in addressing health-related disparities among underserved subsets of the chronic pain population. Tanya is the recipient of a pre-doctoral National Research Service Award from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (Google Scholar)

Brienna Fogle, M.A.

Ms. Brienna (Meffert) Fogle is a fourth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Houston. She graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky in May 2016 with a B.S. in Psychology, a B.A. in English, and a minor in Biology. She completed her M.A. in Psychology in May 2023. Her research interests primarily focus on the comorbidity of trauma and substance use. She is also interested in understanding the impact of transdiagnostic risk and maintenance factors on the development and maintenance of co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use, and related disorders. (Google Scholar)

Pamella Nizio, B.S.

Ms. Pam Nizio is a second-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Houston. She completed her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Houston with a minor in Human Resource Management. Her research interests focus on transdiagnostic mechanisms relevant to the onset, persistence, and resolution of substance use and mental illness, and the development of integrated treatment methods for addiction and psychopathology that are both highly accessible and use methodology that allows for personalization (e.g., mobile phone-based, computer-based, ecological momentary assessment [EMA]). (Google Scholar)

Study Coordinators

Ava Jones, B.A.

Ava graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Global Health. Her research interests include culture-based psychological variables underlying the barriers minority populations experience when attempting to access mental health resources. She is also interested in the role these variables play in anxiety treatment engagement. In the future, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. 

Jessica Thai, B.S.

Jessica graduated from the University of Houston with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Health. She is interested in investigating transdiagnostic vulnerabilities, comorbidities, predictive factors, and maintenance factors of tobacco use. She is also interested in developing accessible and culturally tailored smoking cessation and mental health interventions for individuals with sensory impairments and minority populations. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the future.

Angelica Duran, B.S.

Weixi Wang, B.A.

Weixi graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Sociology and a minor in educational psychology. His research interests focus on stress, trauma exposure, PTSD, and associated comorbidities (e.g. substance use disorder). He plans to pursue a career as a trauma researcher, aiming to facilitate the recovery of trauma survivors.  (Google Scholar)

Ashley Ruiz, B.S.

Ashley graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Psychological Sciences and a minor in Organizational Leadership. During her undergraduate studies, she served as a research assistant for the Arizona Twin Project, which investigated the genetic and environmental contributions to child and adolescent physical and mental health. Her research interests include trauma exposure, PTSD, substance use, maladaptive coping behaviors and their associated comorbidities. Additionally, she is interested in how cultural factors may influence these variables within trauma therapy, addiction therapy, and other treatment modalities. Ashley plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the future. 

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Asmita Ahuja

Asmita Ahuja is a junior at Rice University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Health Sciences double major. Her research interests include anxiety, racial equity, PTSD, and the connections between health behavior & psychological well-being. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Oriana Barriga

Oriana Barriga is a junior at the University of Houston, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Her research interests include anxiety, emotion, PTSD, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. After graduation, she plans to pursue a medical degree and become a neurosurgeon.

Lindsay Bevers

Cielo Carranza

Cielo Remiso-Carranza is a Junior at the University of Houston, pursuing a Bachelor of science in psychology.  Her research interests include substance use disorders, depression, autism, ADHD, and PTSD. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate training inCounseling or Clinical Psychology.

Chiazam Chibuogwu

Chiazam is a senior at the University of Houston Pursuing a B.S. in psychology.  Her research interests include anxiety disorders and Mood disorders. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and obtain her PsyD or Ph.D in Clinical Psychology.

Sahar Dhukka

Sahar Dhukka is currently a student at the University of Houston pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Her research interests include anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. 

 Ileana Dragoi

Ladasia Fore

Ladasia graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Global Health & Public Policy. Her research interests include behavioral health interventions within the Black community and using media to reduce the stigma attributed to vulnerable populations. She plans to pursue a PhD in Media Psychology to further these efforts.

Carolyn Garcia

Carolyn Garcia is a senior at the University of Houston pursuing a B.S. in Health on the Public Health track and a minor in Psychology. Her research interests include health disparities among underrepresented populations, psychological disorders, and environmental health. Upon graduation, she hopes to receive her Master’s in Public Health.

Ana García Legorreta

Ana is currently a student at the University of Houston pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Her research interests include women’s issues, specifically with stress, anxiety, and trauma. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school for Mental Health Counseling or Social Work.

Lilly Lakshmalla

Lilly Lakshmalla is a senior at University of Houston pursuing a B.S. in psychology and a minor in Biology. Her research interests include PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive disorders in children. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology.

Rebekah Loriga-Oliveira

Rebekah is a senior at the University of Houston pursing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Her research interests revolve around music cognition and auditory perception, as well as their impact on human behavior. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in Cognitive Psychology.

Abdullah Loya

Abdullah is a student at Houston Christian University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  After graduation, he intends to attend medical school. 

Edwin Marquez

Edwin Marquez is a Junior at the University of Houston pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Medicine and Society. He is interested in researching interventions for individuals with addiction and mental health disorders, with a focus on public health. Upon Graduation, Edwin plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology. 

Leslie Morales

Leslie is currently a sophomore student at the University of Houston pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Law, Values and Policy. She plans to obtain a Ph.D in Psychology with a focus in forensics due to her interest in law and psychology. Her research interests in psychology include mental illness, the effect of environment on human behavior, trauma, and emotions. 

Keeley Randle

HamidReza Razmjoo

Erika Grey Reyes

Ana Paola Rivera

Faiza Sachwani

Faiza is a sophomore at the University of Houston pursuing a B.S. in Human Foods and Nutrition and a minor in Biology. Her research interests include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, women's health,  and other psychological disorders. After Graduation, she plans on attending medical school. 

Raushana Tajudeen

Raushana Tajudeen is a Senior at the University of Houston, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and minoring in Psychology. Her research interests include Women’s Health, health disparities, depression, and other psychological disorders. After graduation, she plans to obtain a Master’s in Public Health before attending medical school.

Rishitaa Tamminana

Rishitaa Tamminana is currently a senior at the University of Houston pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Her research interests include mental health and its impact on the management of chronic diseases. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology. 

Elisabeth Walla

Elisabeth Walla is a junior Psychology major pursuing a Bachelor of the Arts degree and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Her research interests include the stigmatization of abortion and how this affects ethnic minority communities, and abortion’s relation to the development of PTSD and worse mental health outcomes among minority women. After graduation, Elisabeth plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and research various facets of abortion and womens’ mental health, particularly among underserved ethnic minorites.

Walli Zaman

Wali Zaman is currently a junior at University of Houston, pursuing a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in English. His research interests include anxiety and depression. Upon graduation, he hopes to pursue a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. 

Kayleigh Weldon

Kayleigh Weldon is a junior at the University of Houston pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Human Resources. Her research interests include the impact of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school for counseling.