Alumni

We are grateful for the hard work of our lab alumni who often pitch in to help, even off the clock.

Graduate Student Alumni

Chelsea Adams is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Kentucky in 2014 with her B.A. in Psychology. After working two years during her undergraduate career as a research assistant in the P20 Motivation and Learning Lab at UK, Chelsea returned to the university to continue her research in motivation and achievement in Appalachian students – an area of focus she is very passionate about. Chelsea has gained valuable experiences and skills working as a substitute teacher in her local district, as well as a full-time teacher at a Child Development Center. She currently works in the Disability Resource Center at UK as a Graduate Assistant. Her plans include pursuing her PhD in Developmental Psychology after obtaining her Masters degree. Email: chelsea.adams@nulluky.edu

Hadeel Ali is a first year Master’s student in the Counseling Psychology program. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Islamic Studies. During her undergraduate career, she worked in several research labs that assessed various topics including children at risk, adolescent risk behavior, drug abuse, infant memory, and comparative cognition. She completed her honors thesis on the attitudes and stereotypes that children hold toward Muslims in post-9/11 America. Her research interests include children at risk, social inequality, victims of war trauma, and refugees. She hopes to one day obtain her PhD in Counseling Psychology and work with populations who are underprivileged and underserved. Email: Hadeel.ali@nulluky.edu

Amanda Butz received her PhD in Educational Psychology in 2015 and is  Director of Evaluation at WISCIENCE at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She served as the Graduate Research Assistant for the P20 Motivation and Learning Lab from 2012-2014 and as the graduate student assistant for the Motivation and Achievement in Rural Appalachia project (MARA), which investigates contextual factors that have the potential to influence student motivation and achievement. Her current research interests involve exploring the information networks of potential first-generation college students and the relationship of those networks to students’ educational aspirations. In addition, Amanda has conducted research on the sources of self-efficacy in mathematics and reading. Amanda also served as a research assistant for the Robinson Scholars Program from 2011-2014, where she conducted research on the influence of their programming on the academic motivation and success of first-generation college students.  Email: abutz2@nullwisc.edu

Xiao-Yin Chen earned her Master’s degree in the Educational Psychology program at the University of Kentucky in 2020, and is currently a doctoral student in Educational Psychology at the University of Georgia. She is from a small town in Appalachia. Yin is one of the longest-standing members of our lab, having joined the lab in her freshman year of college and led our lab as Lab Manager from 2018-2020.  She is interested in various social factors and experiences that might influence students’ learning and beliefs. While in the lab, Yin worked collaboratively with the Psychology Department and UK’s Institutional Research on an intervention project with first-year undergraduates. In 2017-2018, Yin completed her Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis about a qualitative investigation of the social sources of self-efficacy in undergraduate engineering students.  Email: xch235@nullg.uky.edu | CV December 2019

Audrey Conway successfully completed her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology in spring 2015 and doctoral degree in Education Policy Studies in 2020. Audrey graduated from Centre College with her B.S. in Psychology in 2012. During her gap year, she spent her time substitute teaching at an elementary school in her hometown. Blending the ideas of education and psychology found a perfect fit with educational psychology. Her research interests include the application of self-determination theory, specifically perceived autonomy, in undergraduate students. During her Master’s program, Audrey worked full time teaching two undergraduate sections of developmental psychology at the University of Kentucky. When she has spare time, she enjoys watching the Kentucky Wildcats play basketball, learning new recipes, and needlepointing. Email: audrey.conway@nulluky.edu

Chris Dillon is a doctoral student in Music Education at the University of Kentucky as well as an adjunct instructor at West Virginia State University. He has taught in public,private, and non-profit educational settings in Kentucky, New York City, and West Virginia, teaching both music and general education classes k-12 and at the university level. Chris is on an academic fellowship and a teaching assistant at UK, primarily teaching elementary education majors. Chris’ research interests include musical self-efficacy, motivation in the music classroom, Orff-Schulwerk and Dalcroze teacher education, and teacher instructional methods. Web site: christendillon.com

Natalie Hewlett is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she earned a B.A. in Secondary English Education & English. Natalie is pursuing a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Louisville. Natalie’s primary research interests are in understanding the experiences of marginalized populations, specifically racial and sexual minorities and Appalachian youth, as well as motivation and resiliency among these populations. She is thrilled to be joining the lab this semester as a volunteer researcher. Email: natalie.hewlett@nulluky.edu

Rebecca Jones is equipped with her M.A. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College in New York, NY and her B.A. in Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles, CA. Rebecca is also a mother, dog-owner, yoga practitioner, professor, mobile application designer, and general optimist!

Angela Kim  works as an advisor in the College of Education after earning her EdS degree in Counseling Psychology in 2016. She has been working for the lab since 2013.  She received her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from University of Kentucky.  Angela graduated from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with her B.S. in Psychology in 2011.  After receiving her B.S. degree, she went back to her hometown Jeju, Korea to work for The Jeju Weekly as a staff reporter.  She is currently working on studying attitudes and beliefs of students attending an alternative high school.  Her research interest is mostly in multicultural psychology, especially how different identities influences individuals and counseling process. She plans to obtain a Ph.D degree in counseling psychology. Email: Angela.kim@nulluky.edu

Caihong Li earned her PhD in Educational Psychology at the University of Kentucky in 2018.  She worked in the lab as graduate assistant from 2013-2015. She received her MS in Educational Psychology, University of Kentucky, and BS in Educational Technology in Tianjin Foreign Studies University, China. Her area of interest is in educational and psychological measurement, specifically item response theory and CFA and their application in personality measurement. Most of her studies focus on survey research in student population, including engineering students, at-risk adolescents, regular middle and high schoolers, etc. Caihong has presented her work in all works of conferences including AERA, APA, ASEE, SRC, CAR. Caihong was awarded the Graduate School Academic Year Fellowship for year 2015-2016. Email: caihong.li@nulluky.edu

John Eric Lingat graduated from American University in Washington, DC with a B.A. in Community Development & International Relations and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, focusing on Education Policy. John Eric previously served as an Assistant Principal at a dual-language school where he taught early childhood/elementary students and held leadership roles, including Union Building Representative, Lead Teacher, Dean of Students, and Summer School Principal. John Eric has taught education courses in psychology, policy, and instruction. In addition, his expertise include language acquisition, school leadership, and individualized learning (RTI, Special Education). John Eric’s research interests include belonging, collective and self-efficacy, self-regulated learning, and motivation. He looks forward to serving students with disabilities and specialized populations, including students from minority, immigrant, and military families. Email: johneric.lingat@nulluky.edu

Natasha Mamaril earned her PhD in Educational Psychology in 2014 and is currently Coordinator of Undergraduate Research in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She obtained her BS in Chemical Engineering (cum laude), at the University of the Philippines and her MS in Educational Psychology at the University of Kentucky (UK). Tasha is a recipient of an International Fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW). With the support of AAUW, she completed her master’s thesis entitled, “Through the Pipeline: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Self-Beliefs in Engineering.” Prior to pursuing her graduate degree, Tasha worked for nine years as an application development engineer at 3M. She hopes that her industry experience and a graduate degree in education will make her an effective educator in the future. Her research interests include gender differences and motivation in the context of engineering. She worked as a graduate assistant at the UK Office of Assessment for four years. Email: tashmamaril@nulluky.edu

Brianna Weidner (formerly McCrea) is completed her Master’s degree in the educational psychology program in 2018. She earned her undergraduate degree in 2016 from UK with a BA in Psychology with Spanish and Photography minors. Brie worked for four years in the lab. Her research interests include how mindfulness affects motivation in schools and how context plays a role in the sources of self-efficacy. In her future career she hopes to design educational programs for children in the state care system and continue to travel and photograph landscapes across the country. She currently works as an academic tutor at the CATS Center on UK’s campus and as an assistant office manager for an electrical contracting firm. In her free time she loves to swing dance, cook, and garden.

Laura Bratcher Page holds a BA in psychology from the University of Memphis, an MBA from Auburn University, an M.Ed. from Alabama A&M University, and credentials in library sciences from the University of West Alabama.  She has served as adjunct faculty at Auburn and at Calhoun Community College in Huntsville, AL, and taught in K-12 schools for 15 years.  Laura’s research interest is in motivation and sources of self-efficacy in second-language acquisition among adolescents and adults. She enjoys reading, traveling, and reading about traveling. Email: laura.page@nulluky.edu

Raven Piercey received her PhD in Educational Psychology in 2013 and is currently a Lecturer in Behavioral Science at the University of Kentucky.  She received a BA in psychology from Asbury College in 2004 and completed a master’s degree in Counseling from Auburn University in 2006.  Raven’s dissertation research focused on the development of reading self-efficacy.  In 2013, she began working as an instructor in the Department of Behavioral Science, teaching several courses in the College of Medicine and the College of Dentistry.  She is also involved in course development and design within the Department of Behavioral Science.  Her current research is in the area of medical education.  Raven loves reading, watching her bird feeders, doing New York Times crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family, Donnie, Scarlett, and Hank.  Email: raven.piercey@nullgmail.com

Mikah Pritchard is a doctoral student in Educational Psychology.  She graduated from Oakland City University in 2009 with a B.S. in Psychology and obtained her M.S. Ed. in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University in 2012.  Before moving to Kentucky, Mikah held positions as an Instructional Technologist for DePauw University, and Educational Specialist for Project ASPIREE a Vincennes University TRiO Program, and as a Caseworker for Ireland Homebased Services.  Mikah currently works as an Instructional Designer at Eastern Kentucky University.  Her research interests revolve around student motivation and self-efficacy’s impact on achievement in distance education courses. Email:mikah.pritchard@nulluky.edu

Megan Kleine-Kracht Thomas received her PhD in Educational Psychology in 2013. She currently serves as a school psychologist for Fayette County Public Schools. Megan received her BA in Psychology from UK in 2007 and her MS in School Psychology in 2008. In her dissertation research, Megan investigated the relationships between the feedback teachers provide to students during mathematics instruction, teacher and student self-efficacy, and student achievement. She is extremely thankful for her wonderful husband who supports her throughout the ups and downs of grad school and is the proud mother of our toddler lab member, Abby. Email: megan.kk.thomas@nulluky.edu

Trisha Turner earned her M.S. in Educational Psychology in 2016 and is now a doctoral student in applied sociology at the University of Louisville. Trisha graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in Psychology in 2014. Trisha’s research interests include students self-regulation strategies, first generation students, and motivation in higher education. Along with being the Graduate Research Assistant for the P20 Motivation and Learning Lab, she is also a Graduate Assistant for the Robinson Scholars program and a member of the Applied Psychometrics Lab. Trisha is currently conducting research with undergraduate biology students at the University of Kentucky. After receiving her Master’s degree she would like to pursue a career with students in higher education. Email: trisha.douin@nulluky.edu

Brittany Waiters is earned her M.S. and Education Specialist degrees in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky.  Originally from Louisville, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky and was previously an undergraduate member of the P20 Motivation and Learning Lab.  She is a vegetarian and in her spare time enjoys playing violin and practicing martial arts, such as Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and Capoeira. Email: brittany.waiters@nulluky.edu

John Witry graduated from Xavier University in 2016 with a B.S. in Psychology. He earned his Master’s in Educational Psychology from UK in 2019.  He previously worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Emergency Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.  He is currently pursuing his Masters degree in Educational Psychology and is a research assistant in the Human Development Institute. John has broad research interests in student motivation and academic achievement. Email: john.witry@nulluky.edu

Xian Wu is a doctoral student in Educational Psychology. She received her B.S. in Physics Education and M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction from Guangxi Normal University, China. Before moving to Kentucky, Xian was a faculty at Guangxi Teachers Education University and established Scientific Inquiry Club with her colleagues as a platform for linking pre-service teachers’ study at university to their practice at K-12 schools. As an international scholar funded by China Ministry of Education, Xian has visited Malone University in Ohio and East-West Center in Hawaii for six months. She is currently working as a research assistant for the project focusing on large-scale students’ academic achievement evaluation which is collaborated by University of Kentucky and Guangxi Normal University. Her research interests include measurement, evaluation, and statistics; psychology of STEM education; inquiry-based science learning and teaching. She has the membership of both NAST and EASE (East-Asian Association for Science Education). Email:xian.wu@nulluky.eduWeb:http://blog.risechina.org/u/121/index.html

Undergraduate Student Alumni

Alexandria Boatwright graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in psychology. She will be in the Clinical Social Work Program at the University of Kentucky this fall and is hoping to become a licensed clinical social worker and work with children. She has been part of a project with the UK Child Development Lab for two years and will continue working with them while the project evolves. Alex recently married her college boyfriend, Nolan Boatwright and they are living in Lexington pursuing their careers. She is happy, healthy, and looking forward to her future! Email: alexandria.hagan@nulluky.edu

Shawn Bohac is a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Psychology. This is his first semester in the P20 Motivation Lab and he plans to use his experience in the lab to guide his decision making in his journey post graduation. In his free time, Shawn is an avid hiker and bookworm and he enjoys spending time with friends.

Alicia Boone is a senior undergraduate, and is about to obtain a B.A. in Psychology this May. Currently, she is working on her senior honors thesis, which investigates the sources of exercise self-efficacy in undergraduate students. Alicia intends to present her findings this year at the Spring Research Conference. Although this is already Alicia’s fourth semester in the lab, she plans to remain in the lab and continue her work as a graduate student in the fall as she works toward an Ed. S. in School Psychology

Bridget Brueggeman.

Amanda Campbell is a senior at the University of Kentucky and is majoring in Psychology. This is Amanda’s third semester in the P20 Motivation lab and she is excited to also be working on her Senior Honors Thesis with the lab. In her spare time Amanda likes to read, bake, and play frisbee. After graduation Amanda plans to move to North Carolina to get her masters in social psychology.

Natashia Cheatham is a psychology major at UK from Newark, New Jersey. After graduation, she hopes to go to graduate school for clinical psychology to administer therapy to people. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing, hanging with friends, listening to music, traveling, and working out. Email:nnch222@nullg.uky.edu

Sam Chenot is a fourth year student at the University of Kentucky. She is studying both Psychology and Biosystems engineering. She dreams of running a non-profit organization that would help human trafficking survivors, while also being an environmental engineer. She loves learning and being outside; filling her free time with reading and hiking

Rebecca Cooper

Sydney Covington is a psychology major at the University of Kentucky. After graduation, she wants to go to graduate school and eventually teach at a university and do research. Outside of schoolwork, she is actively involved in UK Residence Life and School of Music. She is a euphonium player and is a member of the Wildcat Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Women’s Choir, as well as organizations promoting and servicing UK Bands, the School of Music, and women in music. In her spare time, she participates in Drum Corps International and enjoys fine art, crocheting, Kentucky basketball, and Netflix. Email:stco229@nullg.uky.edu

Britt Coyle is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Social Work at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. Email: britt.coyle@nulluky.edu

Taylor Creek  graduated from the University of Kentucky with a major in Psychology and a minor  in Communications in 2013. She hopes to go to graduate school for School Psychology and work with children of all ages. She really enjoys going to sporting events, being involved in her sorority, and spending time with family and friends. Email: kelseycreek2@nulluky.edu

Ellen Deatrick is in the Master of Community Planning degree program at the University of Cincinnati. She plans to focus her studies on economic development and community revitalization, with the goal of working as an urban planner upon graduation. Email: ellen.deatrick@nulluky.edu

 Jessica Dias is a Psychology major at the University of Kentucky from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduation, she hopes to continue on to a graduate program for School Psychology so she will be able to work with children. Jessica likes spending time with family and friends, shopping, hiking, and doing yoga in her spare time. She teaches swim lessons, enjoys watching UK sporting events, and loves being involved in her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Email: jessica.dias@nulluky.edu

Zack Eddy received his BA in psychology with a minor in economics at the University of Kentucky in 2015. He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Western Florida. As an undergraduate, Zack was very involved in his fraternity and participating in UK intramurals. Zack’s interests include sports such as soccer and tennis, along with fishing, attending music festivals and spending time with family and friends. Email: Zachary.eddy@nulluky.edu

Haley Ellis is a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in psychology with a minor in Spanish. She is from Louisville, Kentucky. This is her third semester involved with the P20 motivation lab. She plans to use her experience in this lab to help contribute to her future in pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology

Jordan Findley earned a BA in Psychology at the University of Kentucky in 2017 and then joined the PhD program in School Psychology. She participated in research in the infant memory development lab. She was a member of the University’s Honors Program and served as a College of Arts and Sciences Ambassador. In her free time she likes to watch movies, bake cookies, and spend time with her friends and family!

Caitlyn Gastfield is a senior from Arlington Heights, and is starting her 4th year at the University of Kentucky where she is studying Psychology. This is her first semester with the P20 Motivation and Learning Research Lab. After graduation she plans on attending graduate school to obtain her masters degree in School Psychology. She is very involved in her sorority, Phi Mu, and in her free time enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Randi C. Gray is a double major at the University of Kentucky, Psychology and Writing Rhetoric and DIgital Media (WRD). She is an Army Brat so she from all over the United States. She wants to study Sports and Performance Psychology focusing either on the clinical or counseling, when she goes to graduate school.

Allie Goodnight graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Psychology in 2014. She is currently at Kent State University pursuing her EdS degree in School Psychology. Allison is also part of a federal grant at Family Child Learning Center that is apart of Akron Children’s Hospital. This grant is comprised of intensive training in early intervention strategies that specifically target children on the Autism Spectrum ages birth to three. Allison loves spending time with her family, friends and two dogs. She also enjoys exercising and cooking in her spare time. Email: acgo227@nulluky.edu

Isaac Hayes is a senior at the University of Kentucky pursuing a major degree in psychology with minors in philosophy and Spanish. On track to graduate in the winter of 2018, he plans on applying to graduate programs in the field of sport psychology to supplement his main ambition of becoming a professional soccer coach. In his free time Isaac is a soccer coach for Commonwealth Soccer Club, and the Olympic Development Program (ODP) in the state of Kentucky. Passions include soccer, above all else, music, arts, and dry humor.

Julia Herzing is currently an Ed.S student studying School Psychology at the University of Kentucky. She loves working with young children and helping them see their full potential. In her free time, she loves to travel and spend time with her family. She is a small town Illinois girl that is enjoying all that Lexington has to offer!

Rachel Husk is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish.  She is a member of the Psychology Scholars Program, and a member of the Best Buddies Program at the University of Kentucky.  After graduation, she plans to attend a graduate school program for Child Psychology, and later obtain her doctorate. Her ultimate career goal is to become a Child Psychologist, working with children who have behavioral problems, learning disabilities, or have experienced traumatic events within their lifetime. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her friends, singing, reading, exercising, and babysitting. One of her biggest priorities though, is spending time with her sister, and her family’s two foster children. Email: rmhu224@nullg.uky.edu

Sara Jewell is currently a student in the Master in Public Administration program in the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Kentucky. Her focus area in the program is higher education administration. Sara is a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Assessment under the Office of Faculty Advancement and Institutional Effectiveness. Upon graduation in the spring, she plans to work at a higher education institution in Kentucky.

Email: sara.jewell@nulluky.edu

Alecia! Johnson is currently working with Teach For America teaching Kindergarten in Memphis, TN. She loves travel, all things artsy, and being outdoors. Her interests are in Mental Health and Counseling with a focus on children and teens.

Akia Jones earned her BA in psychology with a minor is sociology at the University of Kentucky in December 2014. Originally from Shelbyville, Kentucky, Akia served as an undergraduate member of the P20 Motivation and Learning Lab for two years. She enjoys reading, watching TV, and spending time with friends and family. She hopes to continue on to a graduate program that will allow her to explore her interests in education, psychology, and helping others. . Email: akia.jones3@nulluky.edu

Faith Jones is a senior at the University of Kentucky with a major in Psychology and minor in Sociology. After graduation in May, Faith plans to attend graduate school for social work. Faith’s main focus in obtaining her graduate degree is to help teens that are struggling to overcome whatever barriers they are facing. Faith enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, and volunteering with children.  Email: faith.jones@nulluky.edu

Erin Koeninger is a senior at the University of Kentucky. She is studying Psychology with a minor in Business. This is her second semester in the P20 Motivation and Learning Research lab. After graduation she plans on getting her masters in I/O Psychology while starting off in Human Resources. Outside of school, Erin loves to paint, spend time with her friends and family, and is heavily involved in her sorority. Erin is a huge UK basketball fan and likes to attend as many games as possible!

John Kupar graduated from the University of Kentucky in the fall of 2013 with a BA in psychology and sociology. After graduating, he served for two years as a Young Adult Volunteer through the PC(USA) in Los Angeles and then in New Orleans, where he worked with youth ministries at Lakeview Presbyterian Church as well Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity program in Louisville, KY. Email:john.kupar@nullgmail.com

Kyla Lockett (former lab high school intern) graduated from STEAM Academy after serving as an intern at the P20 Motivation and Learning Lab. She is currently an undergraduate student at Berea College. She has numerous interests such as computer science. engineering, programming, and West African cultural studies but lately has found a deeper passion for developmental psychology. Her long-term goal is to finish college with no less than a master’s degree in a field that she loves. Outside of the academic world Kyla aspires to lead or join some sort of Christian ministry. Kyla who would describe herself as chill person enjoys studying religion, playing video games, and having a grand ol time with her friends.

Adam Lynch, graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2012 with a BA in Psychology. He completed his Master’s degree in UK’s Counseling Psychology program and is currently completing his EdS program. In the future, he plans to conduct research investigating the ethical considerations of psychological practice in rural areas and the effects of discrimination and harassment in LGBT youth. Email: raly222@nullg.uky.edu

Natalie Malone is a senior honors student at the University of Kentucky majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. She is also pursuing her certification in Social Science research. At the University Natalie is involved in many programs and organizations such as the Center for Community Outreach and Gaines Fellowship. Natalie is a member of the Iota Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Following graduation, Natalie will be a PhD student in the University of Kentucky’s Counseling Psychology program to  pursue her dream of being a counseling psychologist.

Taylor Maxson is a psychology major at the University of Kentucky with a minor in business management. After graduation, she hopes to either continue on to a graduate program to one day become a counselor or to incorporate her interests in psychology within the business management world. In the past, she has volunteered at elementary schools and spent summers taking care of children as a nanny. She loves spending time with friends, traveling, outdoor activities, reading and watching Kentucky sports. Email: taylor.maxson@nulluky.edu

Natalie Meiners is from Rochelle, Illinois. Natalie graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2014 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in School Counseling at Loyola University in Chicago. In her spare time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her friends and her family. She also loves to travel and hopes to travel as many places as possible after graduation. Lastly, she loves watching UK basketball. Go Cats! Email: natalie.meiners@nulluky.edu

Robert Neeley is a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Psychology and minoring in History. After graduation, Robert intends to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate in Social Psychology.

Christina Nguyen, graduated from the University of KY in May 2013 with a BS in Psychology. She is currently attending the University of Alabama Birmingham to receive her Doctor of Optometry degree to become an Optometrist and has hopes of returning to Kentucky to practice. She loved her undergraduate career at UK and will miss being a Wildcat!

Maria Pamelia is a psychology major and is a part of the psychology honors program on campus. She is “minoring” in american sign language and plans to be fluent by the end of her after schooling. She is in tri delta sorority and participates in philanthropic events to support St. Jude as well as any other philanthropies that the greek life on campus supports.She plans to complete her undergrad in four years and then go on to grad school to receive a PhD. She has a wide variety of career goals: she would like to be a neuropharmacology clinician in a hospital setting specifically working with individuals who are or have been drug addicts or who are or have been suffering from eating disorders. She would like to be able to implement all her knowledge and findings in this field into articles that are published by health magazines (e.g. men and women’s health, time magazine, etc.). She would then like to use her sign language skill in the court room setting to translate for those who need as well as be the psychologist present during the cases at hand. Her academic email is: maria.pamelia@nulluky.edu

Alyssa Paolella graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2013 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Biology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Public Health in Asheville, NC. While at UK, Alyssa worked at the Markey Cancer Center at UK Hospital and volunteers with Hospice of the Bluegrass. She one day hopes to be a Physician’s Assistant with a focus in surgical oncology. Email: acpa223@nulluky.edu

Parth Patel is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky and this is his first semester in the P20 Motivation Lab. He is double majoring in biology and psychology and aims for admission into medical school. His interests and hobbies include exercising, rap music, sports, and superheroes.

Shelby Piercy is a psychology major at the University of Kentucky. She loves working as an ABA therapist every summer at a day camp for children with developmental disabilities. After receiving her bachelor’s degree she hopes to get her masters and become a speech-language pathologist. She enjoys spending time with friends and watching UK athletics. Email: shelby.piercy@nulluky.edu

Lindsey Powell graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. She plans on attending graduate school at UK in August 2015 in the Clinical Rehabilitation Program, and then plans on being a addiction counselor. Email: lindsey.powell@nulluky.edu

Olivia Pumphrey is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminology.Her hometown is Louisville, Kentucky. This is her second semester in the P20 motivation lab. After graduation Olivia plans to pursue a career in the Criminology field Olivia belongs to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Olivia has a passion for young girls and likes mentoring and coaching young girls also. She also loves to volunteer.

Katie Pyne is a senior Psychology major at the University of Kentucky. After receiving her bachelors degree in Psychology, she plans on pursuing an Ed.S degree in School Psychology. She is also working as an intern at the Center for Autism Spectrum Evaluation, Service, and Research at UK. She enjoys working with kids, and in her free time loves going to Keenland and cheering on the Cats! Email: katie.pyne@nulluky.edu

Madelyn Roeder is a senior at the University of Kentucky and is majoring in Political Science.  After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in teaching and international education development before returning for graduate school and working in education reform.

Meriah Rose is a senior at the University of Kentucky. She is currently in her sixth semester with the P20 motivation and learning research lab. This academic year, Meriah is working on her senior honors thesis with the aid of her mentor, Dr. Ellen Usher. Thus far, Meriah has presented on college-going self-efficacy among Appalachian students at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR), the Spring Research Conference twice (SRC), and the American Educational Research Association (AERA) conference. She is a psychology and sociology double major. She is a member of the University’s Honor’s Program and Psychology Scholar’s Program. Meriah is an active brother in the co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, serving as Vice President of Membership this year. Meriah has also been a FUSION site leader, a K Crew leader, an Honors Peer Mentor in the Living Learning Program, and is currently working as a service representative for the University’s student center. In her free time she enjoys reading, Pinterest, and trying new recipes. Email: Meriah.rose@nulluky.edu

Taleisha Ross is currently pursuing her Master’s of counseling psychology at Eastern Kentucky University. She majored at UK in Psychology and minored in Family Studies. Afterward she plans to continue her education to obtain her doctorate. She enjoys music of most genres and enjoys spending time playing her guitar and singing. She also loves watching sports and cheering on the wildcats. In her free time she likes to spend time listening to music, playing basketball, or reading. She enjoys the times she gets to spend with her family and friends. Email: taleisha.ross3@nulluky.edu

Whitney Shipman

Betsy Snyder is a Psychology and Spanish major from Louisville, KY. Betsy is also the Assistant Philanthropy Chair for her sorority Delta Delta Delta where she helps coordinate and run events on campus to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. When she’s not busy with work or school, she enjoys reading, shopping, hanging out with sisters and cheering on the Cats! Email: elizabeth.snyder@nulluky.edu

Tiffany Thomas is a junior at the University of Kentucky who is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. She is from a small town called Eminence located in Kentucky. This is Tiffany’s second semester being involved in the P20 Motivation and Learning Research Lab, and she is eager to engage with others who share common interests. She plans to get her masters in some area of psychology after graduation. In her free time she enjoys coloring, watching Chopped, and hanging with friends.

Alex Thompson is currently a Family Youth Specialist/Case Management at Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth. She is  attending graduate school at Eastern Kentucky University. She plans on getting two Masters degrees; The first in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the second in School Counseling. Alex also plans on getting her play therapy certification while at EKU . Email: jami.thompson@nulluky.edu

Ciara Thompson currently works at Sunrise Treatment Center in Cincinnati, OH as an addiction counselor. She has been working there since February 2014 and loves it! She is also a full time graduate student in the rehabilitation counseling in clinical mental health counseling at Wright State University in Dayton, OH. Email: ciara.thompson@nulluky.edu

Jesse Toler is a senior majoring in Psychology at the University of Kentucky. Though originally from Columbus, OH, she has lived in Kentucky a little over ten years. This is her first semester in the P20 Motivation and Learning Lab, and she’s looking forward to gaining all the experience and knowledge that the lab has to offer! She intends to use her experience in the lab to aid her in the pursuit of a doctoral degree in either clinical psychology or addictions counseling. Her hobbies and interests include hiking, golfing, reading, crafts and as a huge anime fanatic, binge watching and enthusing about all things anime!

Jaclyn Turpin graduated from UK in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She started a full time position at a psychiatric hospital in Louisville. She hopes to enter a PhD program in either Counseling or Clinical Psychology. Email: jatu223@nullg.uky.edu

Joshua Wakefield is currently a senior studying Psychology at the University of Kentucky. He will be returning for his second semester in the P20 Motivation and Learning Lab. This opportunity will give valuable insight into the research world as he plans on attending Graduate School for Counseling. In his spare time you will most likely find him at CSF where he spends a good portion of it! A fun fact is that he is an identical twin, which always invites some form adventure! He also loves music, photography, and enjoys playing different instruments.

Taylor Willett graduated from UK in 2013 with a BA in Psychology. She is currently a 2nd grade special education teacher through Teach For America Baltimore and is pursuing her Master of Science in Education, with a focus in elementary education, at Johns Hopkins University. Email: willett.taylor@nullgmail.com

Arlena Wilson is a senior at the University of Kentucky and is studying in Psychology. Arlena is originally from Cincinnati Ohio and recently moved to Lexington last summer. Her goal is to be in the DPT program at UK. She enjoys running and training for a variety of events. Email:arlenawilson1@nullgmail.com

Christy Baker is a non traditional student. She has been married for fifteen years and has two sons ages 14 and 8. She is enrolled as a double major in Education and Psychology. Email: cba246@nullg.uky.edu

Courtney Cole, BA, 2011

Kim Haney

Julien Perrault, French student intern

Joe Reser, BA, 2012