Our Students

Curious what types of students join our Psychological Sciences MS Degree program? Check out the following bio summaries for our current students (2022-2023):

Spencer Baker

What are your research interests?  

I study the psychology of religion, with an emphasis on evolutionary paradigms and the influence of beliefs on behavior. I am interested in understanding views about god, the development of religious traditions, harmony, and fundamental beliefs about the world. My thesis focuses on the impact of beliefs about god on attitudes towards personal and institutional punishment. 

What are your career goals?  

The Psychological Science program has given me a strong foundation of research skills and data management skills which I hope to leverage in industry positions.  I am pursuing positions in data analysis, data science, or market research. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program?  

I have always had a passion for understanding people through empirical research.  I chose this program in particular in order to work with Dr. Hood on issues in science and religion. I appreciate the program’s focus on hands-on research skills, and how coursework leads directly to marketable skills for people wanting to move on in academic careers.   

Ciara Carl

What are your research interests? 

My research interests include topics related to intersectionality, social cognition, prejudice thinking, influences on society, intergroup relations, and implicit biases in relation to stereotype threats. My thesis is aiming to detect gendered age language bias within selected online job listings. Specifically, to what extent does hiring discrimination based on the intersection of gender and age vary across different industries (e.g., white-collar vs. blue-collar jobs) in hopes of revealing language underlying implicit biases that perpetuate stereotypes leading to discrimination. Thus, to foster a better understanding of this issue to educate employers and organizations on how to detect and identify bias within job descriptions and posts. Also, to create more inclusive job ads to recruit a more diverse applicant pool.  

What are your career goals? 

My future career goal is to become an Experimental Social Psychologist. My plan is to work within academia; however, I am open to other avenues in the industry. I am passionate about research and advocating for marginalized groups to combat negative implicit biases, stereotypes, and discrimination in the real-world. With intentions to make progressive changes towards organizational policies and lives.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program?  

The direct research supervision and mentorship led by faculty to aid in my learning and success is what initially led me to the UTC Psychological Science program. The program’s focus on developing evidence-based solutions to solve real-world—problems truly resonate with my professional goals and values. There is a plethora of educational opportunities as well as resources made readily available to students such as teaching experience, supervised research, collaboration on projects, and attending psychology conferences to further educational and professional development.

Claudia Colpo

What are your research interests? 

I have multiple research interests in Psychology. During my undergraduate, I had the chance to volunteer in a psychopharmacology lab and clinical health psychology. Currently, I am interested in researching the field of neuropsychology, addiction, cognition, and clinical psychology, specifically how trauma and brain injuries combined with substance abuse can impair an individual.  

What are your career goals? 

In the future, I would like to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology and work as a clinician. I would also like to continue researching in the field, as I put a lot of value in the mutualistic relationship between the clinical and the research field of Psychology.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

My original intention was to start a Ph.D. program after my undergraduate, but I soon found out that the field is incredibly competitive. I decided to apply to UTC because they had a strong master's program for students interested in both the research and clinical field. After two semesters, I feel like I have already advanced so much. I love my cohort, my professors, and the community in Chattanooga, and I know that at the end of this journey I will have their support and the skills to succeed in whatever career I choose. 

Jonathon Dinsmore

What are your research interests? 

My primary research interests are spiritually transformative experiences (STEs), the worldview changes they tend to cause, and the relationship between worldview and well-being or psychological health more generally. I am also passionate about mixed methods and the integration of qualitative research into the sciences, especially related to STEs. My primary research has been the investigation of mystical luminosity experiences and their effects on the lives of those who have them. 

What are your career goals? 

I anticipate a career in research and higher education, although I am open to the possibility of working in the private or nonprofit sectors.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose UTC for the opportunity to work with Dr. Ralph Hood and research topics of interest. 

Christian Ishak

What are your research interests?  

My research interests lie at the intersection of psychology, theology, and philosophy. I’m interested in investigating religious claims through an empirical, psychological framework. Particularly, I am interested in mystical experiences and their relation to self-concept and mental health.   

What are your career goals?  

I intend to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and balance my work time between being a researcher and clinician. In a clinical psychology program, I would like to investigate how psychedelics change the fundamental beliefs a person has about themself and how those beliefs impact mental health. One day I hope to open my own wellness center that incorporates both physical and mental health practices.   

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program?  

I chose UTC specifically so I could work with Dr. Ralph Hood. He developed the M-Scale to assess reports of mystical experiences, and he is one of the most recognized scholars within the psychology of religion. 

Kendall Jackson

What are your research interests?  

I have a strong curiosity pertaining to human behavior and wanted to be part of research involving developmental psychology and psychology and law. The focus of my thesis project is to determine if there are differences in the way people perceive responses to a Behavioral Analysis Interview by individuals with autism. Additionally, I have completed other projects related to student success, disability education, and police training. As a graduate student in research psychology, I have become increasingly interested about the intersection of education and neurodivergent youth, and the impact of the school environment on student wellbeing and academic achievement. 

What are your career goals?  

Upon completion of my degree in the Psychological Science program, I intend to pursue an Ed.S. degree in a school psychology program. My ultimate career goal is to become a school psychologist, as I am passionate about working with children to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe that with my background in psychology, experience working with children, and dedication to advocating for individuals with unique learning needs, I can make a positive impact in the lives of students and their families. I am also drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, which allows me to apply my knowledge of psychology, education, and child development in practical and meaningful ways. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program?  

I chose the UTC Psychological Science program for several reasons. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that provides a strong foundation in research methods and statistics, which I felt was important in pursuing a career in school psychology. It was obvious that the faculty’s expertise, guidance, and support would be invaluable as I work toward my goals. Additionally, UTC's autism support program, Mosaic, aligned with my passion for working with individuals with autism to aid in their success and academic achievement in a college setting. Overall, I was confident that the UTC Psychological Science program was the best fit for my personal and professional goals.   

Lindsey Nabors

What are your research interests? 

I am primarily interested in studying the way in which the brain adapts to damage, specifically regarding cognitive and/or emotional functioning deficits. Further, I have special interest in how those deficits affect the individuals’ daily living and how psychologists can better aid the recovery process outside.  

What are your career goals? 

My career goals are to attain a PhD or PsyD degree in Clinical Neuropsychology with the aim of practicing in a clinical setting. My passion is to be able to support individuals with brain damage using treatments, primarily non-pharmacological, that result in the least amount of side effects but the greatest recovery of deficits. In addition to the clinical work, I would also love to be able to conduct research on the development and improvement of those treatments. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose the UTC Psychological Science program because of my love for research and furthering the scientific knowledge of psychology. Additionally, I had grown to love the Psychology department faculty members while earning my bachelor's degree in psychology here, and I wanted to continue my collegiate journey under their tutelage.

Skylar Oxford

What are your research interests?  

My research interests are aligned in the area of Psychology of Law. Specifically, I research the impact of pretrial publicity on juror verdict decisions and juror memory. In addition, I also investigate biases that individuals hold against re-integrating exonerated individuals into society, based on race and gender. Lastly, I am also interested in evaluating CIT training sessions for police officers, in order to promote a better understanding of mental health and developmental disabilities. 

What are your career goals?  

After my graduation from UTC, I plan to pursue a doctorate in Legal Psychology from the University of Alabama. I plan to be a professor and extend my research in these areas while also being heavily involved in the courtroom setting. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program?  

I chose this program because I love the city of Chattanooga! Another reason I chose this program is because I immediately knew Dr. Shelton and Dr. Warren were invested in my well-being as a scholar. Lastly, this program offered the unique opportunity to allow the graduate students to teach their own section of Psychology 1010, which was crucial for my career goals of being an instructor.

Erin Prince

What are your research interests? 

My research interests center around visual disorders and general differences of visual perception and attention. I have also enjoyed learning about decision making and other aspects of executive function. More recently, I have developed an interest in substance use and neurocognitive effects, having incorporated these elements into my thesis.  

What are your career goals? 

After completion of this program, I will be moving on to a doctoral degree focused in neuropsychology or neuroscience to fulfill my primary objective of being a clinical neuropsychologist. My choice of career has always been driven by altruism and I’ve always wanted to find a way to serve my community. Working in healthcare just seems natural and has been my goal for as long as I can remember. Additionally, I would like to continue teaching as I have found a passion for it through this program.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I initially chose this program because I was already familiar with the faculty and how things work here. I also liked the mentorship model adopted by the program and the openness to ideas my advisor has. This program has been very eye opening for me. It has shown me what a graduate school path looks like, provided me with invaluable skills, and has helped me forge lasting personal and professional connections. 

Anna Pusser

What are your research interests?  

My research interests are primarily in visual attention, memory, and aging. I am also interested in translational research methods or how laboratory based studies translate to our everyday lives.  

What are your career goals?  

I intend to attend a doctoral program to study experimental psychology with a focus on cognition. My career goal is to become a cognitive scientist that focuses on improving healthy aging in older adults and individuals with cognitive impairments.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program?  

I chose UTC’s psychological science program because they have such a strong faculty with various research specializations. In addition, there are an abundant amount of teaching opportunities to prepare students for a career in academia.  

Griffin Randolph

What are your research interests? 

My research interests encompass childhood maltreatment and social anxiety. Additionally, I am interested in exploring the significance of resilience and coping strategies on persistent challenges to the health and welfare of children and adults who face adversity, and how these mechanisms exert an affect on later life mental and physical health outcomes. My ultimate research aim is to address and prevent childhood maltreatment, toxic stress, and work to further improve health and well-being, advance equity, and reduce childhood adversities.  

What are your career goals? 

My career goal is to work in the health care field making a difference in mental, emotional, and behavior well-being. I would like to continue conducting research focusing on clinical application and statistics of human behavior and interactions, concentrating on determining how various brain functions and pathways influence our ability to make decisions and other behavioral components. Furthermore, my aim is to provide resources for treatment or therapy and continue to study ways to cope more effectively with life’s challenges and mental health conditions more successfully. There are a wide range of opportunities, so I am open to psychological research, data analysis, clinical psychology, and working in settings that may include clinics, hospitals, counseling centers, schools, or community organizations. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose UTC’s Psychological Science program for the mentorship model and research related to my interests in childhood maltreatment and social anxiety. The research mentorship and advisement allow me to gain insight in my area of interest and develop an extensive understanding of human behavior, data collection and analysis, studying ways to overcome health and developmental challenges, and advance my experience in a laboratory setting.  Overall, UTC’s Psychological Science program is providing me an opportunity for more experience in technical proficiency, statistics and research while working alongside my mentor. 

Morgan Robinson

What are your research interests? 

Morgan's research focuses on applying cognition to education and assessing how individual differences, such as motivation, resilience, and wellbeing, influence educational outcomes for students. Her thesis explored the impacts of experiential service learning on undergraduate student engagement, motivation, and character development. 

What are your career goals? 

Morgan hopes to continue working in mentorship roles with students in higher education after graduating from UTC, whether that be from standpoints of teaching, advising, support, or a mixture of these.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

The Psychological Science program at UTC prioritizes building skills for research and teaching, and these factors are what initially drew me to UTC. I sought a more in-depth understanding of the research process, and this program has provided opportunities to accomplish that goal, both through coursework and individually pursued research projects. Further, UTC provides unique opportunities for undergraduate instruction within this program that I could not have pursued elsewhere. These unique experiences at UTC have solidified my love for both teaching and research within academia. 

Savannah Woods

What are your research interests?  

My research interests are primarily in studying childhood maltreatment populations. I aim to observe possible interventions (e.g., resiliency) for this population in regards to the reduction of negative psychopathology development in later adulthood. Additionally, I am interested in interventions that may reduce feelings of shame and guilt and promote positive social behaviors. I primarily focus on physiological and behavior based methods of measurement.  

What are your career goals?  

I will be attending the University of South Carolina’s Clinical-Community Psychology PhD program beginning fall 23’ to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology from a community based intervention framework. I hope to advance to a career that focuses on promoting resilience towards negative psychopathology in maltreated adolescents and being a part of the academic community.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose UTC since I felt the program offered me ample opportunities to expand my research experience in clinical based psychology. This program has provided me with professional development skills, networking opportunities, a mentorship that has aided me in every step along the way, and a stepping stone to my career end goal.