Graduate Research Assistants
Taylor Himes
Taylor is a second-year graduate student in the MAPR program at Texas State under the supervision of Dr. Rhonda Balzarini. Her research interests include relationship/ sexual satisfaction and sexual minority populations like consensually non-monogamous (CNM) and LGBTQ+ communities. Additional interests include dating behaviors (e.g., mate choice, attraction, and non-verbal signals of sexual interest) and the influence of technology on romantic relationships. After completing her master's, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, where she can continue conducting research in human sexuality.
McKenna is a first-year graduate student in the MAPR program at Texas State University under the guidance of Dr. Rhonda Balzarini. Her research interests include relationship satisfaction and success, BDSM/kink research, pornography research, female satisfaction and pleasure, as well as pregnancy and sexuality. After completing her masters, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. Beyond academics and research, McKenna enjoys reading, writing, the arts, spending time with her friends, and posting content on her YouTube channel Seeking Psyche. To see more, you can go to her personal website: https://www.mckennadion.com/
McKenna Dion Hildebrandt
Pardis Lahouti
Pardis is a graduate student in the MAPR program at Texas State University. Her research interests include human sexuality, relationship satisfaction, personality psychology, and clinical disorders. After completing her master’s, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Beyond research, Pardis enjoys music, playing the piano, going to nature, and spending time with her friends.
Evan Nares
Evan is a graduate student at Texas State University’s Master of Arts in Psychological Research (MAPR). His goal is to have a career in clinical psychology. His current research focus is mental health and romantic/sexual relationships. Evan is also interested in research on the relationship between martial arts and mental health, as well as the psychology of bodily autonomy and surrogate decision-making.
Honors Thesis Research Assistants
Madison Green
Madison is a senior undergraduate at Texas State University majoring in Psychology with minors in Women's Studies, Honors Studies, and Spanish. After graduation she plans to continue her education by attending graduate school. Madison is currently working on her Honors Thesis regarding the effects of regulatory focus and self-expansion on relationships under the supervision of Dr. Rhonda Balzarini. Outside of her thesis, Madison’s research interests include human attraction along with sexual minorities. Beyond research and academics, Madison enjoys reading and practicing Spanish.
Post-Bacc Research Assistants
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Joshua Coignet
Joshua is a Texas State Alumni with a B.S. in Psychology and minor in Biology. He is currently exploring graduate programs and is interested in pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychological Research degree. His research interests include learning and memory, neuropsychology and lifespan development. In his free time Joshua enjoys playing, writing, and learning about music. He is also an avid bike rider.
Catherine Normand
Catherine is a senior undergraduate student at Texas State University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. After graduation she plans to continue her education by receiving a masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Her research interests include developmental psychology and workplace stress. Beyond research and academics, Catherine enjoys hiking, paddle-boarding, and spending time with friends and family.
Dustie Stone
Dustie is a Junior Undergraduate at Texas State University pursuing a BS in psychology with a minor in Biochemistry. After graduating, Dustie plans to continue at Texas State and join the MAPR program. Her research interests include Neuropsychology, Psychopharmacology, and Human Development. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar and hiking.
Ariel Ibuaka
Ariel Ibuaka is a junior here at Texas State majoring in psychology. She is currently participating in research with Dr. Balzarini to expand her research interests and see the different subdivisions of psychology that are available to her. She plans on pursuing her masters in psychological research, then moving on to get her PhD in clinical psychology. She hopes to research more on mental health and the various mental health disorders that many people suffer from. In her free time, she enjoys all forms of exercising and reading.
Faith Swanson
Faith is a sophomore undergraduate currently pursuing a BS in psychology and plans to pursue a PsyD in clinical psychology upon completion of her bachelors degree. She has a passion for learning about psychodynamic theories and psychopathology and enjoys exploring new research. Her research interests encompass topics such as personality psychology, social learning, psychopharmacology, belief systems and religion, creativity, psychotherapy, and social media and the internet. Besides learning about psychological processes, Faith loves to read, learn new languages, and spend time with her family and friends.
Lab Manager's
Abi Vaughan
Abi Vaughan is currently a senior undergraduate at Texas State University. She is pursuing her BAs in psychology with a minor in sociology. After graduating, she plans to continue her education at the University of North Texas. After completing her Masters she plans to pursue her Ph.D. in adolescent psychology. Abi enjoys spending her time reading, baking, and listening to music.
Molly McLaughlin
Molly is a senior undergraduate student at Texas State University studying Psychology with a minor in Studio Art. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school to become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She is passionate about adolescent and developmental psychology and aspires to work with children in a clinical setting. Molly enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with her bunny Watson in her free time.
Abigail Hernandez
Abigail is a Texas State University undergraduate who is pursuing her degree in psychology with a minor in philosophy. She plans on pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well. Her research involves relationships, mindfulness, and human behavior. In her free time, she bakes, reads philosophy, and spends time with her friends.
Rachel Johnson
Rachel is a Texas state undergraduate currently pursuing a BA in Psychology with a double minor in music and sociology. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for discovery, she actively seeks opportunities to engage in research projects and expand her knowledge in her chosen field. Her research interests include sexual wellness and positivity, feminism, and sexuality research. Outside of academia, Rachel enjoys challenging puzzle games, plants, and organizing.
Itzel Hernandez
Itzel is a senior undergraduate at Texas State University pursuing a BA in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Post-graduation, she intends to further her education with an MA in Psychology. Itzel's research interests include interethnic/intercultural relationships, sexual and relationship satisfaction, human sexuality, and long-term relationship outcomes, including divorce rates and the well-being of children. Beyond academia, she enjoys reading, cinema, quality family time, live concerts, and cooking.
Si'an Means
Si’an Is a sophomore undergraduate at Texas State University with a double major in psychology and biology and a minor in chemistry. After graduation she plans to pursue medical school after a gap semester. In that time, she will start her PhD in Neuropsychology. In Si’an’s spare time, she enjoys reading, art, cooking, and playing sports.
Tyrae Collins
Tyrae is currently a senior undergraduate student at Texas State University. She is pursuing a B.A. in psychology with a minor in Family and Consumer Sciences. After graduation she plans to continue her education to obtain a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her research interests include mental health problems and disorders, clinical psychology, family dynamics, and issues that affect romantic relationships. Aside from University and research, Tyrae enjoys strength training, traveling, and photography.
Former Research Assistants
Prabhdeep Mann
Marley Leslie
Hanieh Naeimi
Chris Kinstley
Chris Pena
Maria Bater-Alessandro
Laura Baron
Deborah Mammah
Karen Rofaeel
Nicole Shantz
Melissa Saccutelli
Savannah Lamons
Kaitlin Brunett
Alessanda Rizzo Esposito
Megan Tracy
Averi Floyd
Angie Gonzalez
Chantelle Ivanski
Stephanie Raposo
Jordan Frank
Nathan Smith
Oscar Fumero