Meet the RUSSL Team
Thomas Dinzeo, PhD
My research focuses on schizophrenia and the schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. I am interested in understanding the individual risk factors that contribute to the development (or exacerbation) of schizophrenia-related disorders. Over the last several years my lab has specifically examined neurocognitive functioning, personality factors, social/interpersonal functioning, & lifestyle behaviors. Recent research has included outpatients with schizophrenia and high-risk samples (e.g. college students with high levels of schizotypy). Most recently I have focused my attention on the relationship between health behaviors (e.g., substance use, stress management, exercise & nutrition) and outcomes in those with schizophrenia-spectrum conditions. The literature suggests a well-known link between schizophrenia and chronic illness / early mortality with lifestyle factors contributing significantly to these issues. I am interested in identifying 1) how problematic health-behaviors develop, 2) how these behaviors are maintained, 3) whether-or-not these behaviors can be successfully addressed through non-medical interventions.
Adriann Lai
Program: Clinical Psychology PhD
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Year in program: 2nd year PhD student
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Years in the lab: Fall 2023 to present
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Academic Interests: Decision making, visual perception, hallucinations, and oculomics in
schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Professional goals: Psychosis research
Joseph Paul Skinner
Program: Clinical Psychology PhD
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Year in program: 1st year PhD student
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Years in the lab: Fall 2023 to present
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Academic interests: Generally, I aim to understand how health behaviors related to nutrition, exercise, and sleep might be utilized as points of intervention to better outcomes for those with SSD. Currently, I am focusing on the relationship between schizotypy and problematic technology usage as well as the factors that may be important in developing problematic technology usage for those with high levels of schizotypy.
Professional Goals: I am keeping an open mind about where my path with clinical psychology may lead me. Potentially, I see myself working in an academic medical center splitting my time between clinical work and research.
Katie Beck-Felts, MA
Katie Beck-Felts, MA
Program: Clinical Psychology PhD student
​Year in Program: 3rd year PhD student
​Academic interests: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, prodromal symptoms or clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR), health behaviors, social connectedness, social determinants of health, health intervention.
Professional Goals: Continue contributions to clinical research opportunities that enhance and proliferate healthy lifestyle behaviors in schizophrenia spectrum disorder populations; enhance understanding of social determinants of health as psychosis risk and maintenance factors; investigate the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between social disconnectedness and psychosis risk and maintenance.
Thesis: "A Social Ecology Model for Social Determinants of Health as Psychosis Risk Factors"
Sierra Cook
Sierra Attipoe
Program: psychology BA with neuro minor
​Year in Program: senior
​Academic interests: My research interest lies within the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. I am mainly interested in the exposures to a baby prenatally and how these exposures such as air, water, and land pollutants can alter brain structure and chemistry; and, becoming a risk factor for developing schizophrenia later in life. My prenatal exposure research also extends to maternal infection and overall environment.
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Ny'Asia Prilo
Program: Psychology B.A
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Year in Program: Junior
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Academic Interest: I am interested in Abnormal Psychology
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Professional Goal: I hope to go to medical school to become a psychiatrist.
Coming
Sarah-Grace Coren
Program: Biology 3+4 accelerated program
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Year in Program: Freshman
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Academic Interest: I am interested in women's healthcare
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Professional Goal: I hope to become an obgyn
Frances Torres
Program: B.S. Psychological Science
Year in Program: Junior/ 3rd year
Years in the Lab: 1st year
Academic Interests: I want to make sure I'm more than educated enough to make someone feel safe and comfortable in my space in the future. I'm also very interested in art, and how people incorporate it with therapy. I've always loved the expressive aspect of art, and I've always been very passionate about
Professional Goals: Once I graduate and receive my bachelor's, I want to pursue a master's degree in counseling to be able to eventually become an art therapist. It's been my dream for a long time, and I won't stop until I get there. Later in my life I'd like to work in a hospital with children to assist with their mental health needs.
Daniel White
Program: Psychological Science with a minor in Neuroscience​​
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Academic Interest: His research interests lie at the intersection of psychology and neuroscience, and he is passionate about understanding mental health through both biological and social lenses.
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Professional Goal: Daniel aspires to become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor or pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, where he hopes to contribute to research and practice that advance mental health care and accessibility.
Juliet Rojas
Program: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Year in Program: 1st year
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Academic Interest: I am passionate about researching psychosis, with a focus on environmental factors that influence its development, the impact of substance use, and long-term progression. My goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of these influences and their implications for prevention and treatment. Some environmental influences I am interested in are deportation, immigration, childhood traumatic events, history of substance use, etc.
Professional Goal: My goal is to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology, conduct research on psychosis, and establish my own non-profit. Additionally, I would like to work for the VA and research psychosis in Veterans and the progression of psychosis.
Name: Nelly Garcia
Program: Psychological Science B.S
Year in Program: Junior
Academic Interests: Exploring how the brain functions and its connection to severe mental illnesses.
Professional Goals: Attend medical school to earn an M.D. and pursue a career as a psychiatrist.
Bridget Fellona
Program: Psychology B.A.
Year in Program: Sophomore
Academic Interest: Relationships, Religion, and Alcohol.
Professional Goal: I'm still figuring it out, but I know I want to work in a counseling setting.
Isabella Shleweet
Program: Psychology BA
​Year in Program: junior
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Professional Goals: I am hoping to pursue a Masters. After that, I’d like to get a PHD or go to Medical School.
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Isabella Tilghman
Program: Psychology B.A
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Year in Program: Junior
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Years in Lab: <1 year
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Academic Interests: I am interested in how psychological disorders affect brain function.
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Professional Goals: My goal is to work in research and to teach at a college level.
