Graduate Research Assistants
Brandi Reynolds
Brandi Reynolds is a second-year student in the MAPR program. Her research interests include the role of sexuality within romantic relationships as well as how gender impacts sexual experiences. Her current thesis project focuses on how partner responsiveness impacts the relationship between unmet sexual ideals and sexual desire. In the fall, Brandi will be pursuing a PhD in Social Psychology at the University of Georgia where she will continue to investigate factors that influence sexual desire within romantic relationships.
Selena’s primary research interests fall within clinical psychology and social psychology. Broadly, she is curious about romantic and sexual partnerships and mental health. More specifically, she is interested in the rising popularity of AI romantic companions, why people may opt for AI partners instead of human relationships, and potential mental health outcomes associated with tech-mediated relationships. After completing the master’s program here at Texas State, Selena plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology to become a therapist and continue research.
Selena Piercy
Chelsea Trejo is a first-year graduate student in the MAPR program at Texas State under the supervision of Dr. Rhonda Balzarini. Her research interest center around human sexuality. She is interested in investigating the dynamics of sexual satisfaction among couples. Specifically, her current research includes self-expansion theory and how it relates to satisfaction using sexual recreational devices. After completing her master's program at Texas State, she plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology with an emphasis on helping individuals struggling with sexual satisfaction.
Research Assistants
Chelsea Trejo
Stormy is an undergraduate student at Texas State University pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology. She hopes to pursue a career in research and is interested in the development of identities—specifically relating to sexual and gender minorities—across adverse conditions such as those in childhood and the Covid-19 pandemic. As well as examining the significance of acceptance on mental health, dating behaviors, relationship satisfaction, and effective therapeutic practices for these individuals. Outside of academia, she enjoys thrifting, crafting, being in nature, and spending time with friends and family.
Stormy Lindsey
Steven Marchan
Steven Marchan is a senior at Texas State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Health Communications. He is actively involved on campus as an officer in the Texas State Psychology Associations Organization, where he helps support student engagement and professional development within the field of psychology. After completing his undergraduate studies, Steven plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with the long-term goal of earning a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
Julia Aymond is a fourth year Psychology student with a minor in Anthropology. She is currently working in the Mental Health Field and is interested in obtaining her masters in clinical psychology in the future. She hopes to help young people and adolescents work through their trauma and their mental health battles. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her cats and family.
Julia Aymond
Dylan will be a first year in the MAPR program at Texas State University. His research interest includes forensic psychology and clinical psychology. Dylan is also interested in research on mental health assessments as well as psychopathology. After completing his master’s, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
Dylan Gudeczauskas
Peyton Angelo
Peyton is a psychology major with a double minor in social work and women's studies graduating in 2027. Her research interests include psychopathology, anxiety-related disorders, and psychosocial traits. After graduation, she hopes to get her MSW/LCSW and become a licensed therapist and social worker.
Fiona Mcbride
Fiona McBride is studying Psychology as well as Human Development and Family Sciences. On a journey to open my own series of clinical treatment programs for families struggling with adverse experiences. Thus, providing the promotion of success in family outcomes and relationship stability
Bo Witzel
Bo is a Texas State University undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Psychology and Spanish, with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sex studies. His research interests include the intersectionality between traumatic experiences, sex, and queer identity. In his free time, Bo enjoys reading and working with fiber arts including knitting, crocheting, and spinning.
Lab Manager
Faith Swanson
Faith Swanson is an undergraduate psychology student at Texas State University with interests in clinical mental health counseling. Faith has extensive research experience in clinical and relationship science, where her research has been presented at local and national conferences and has contributed to manuscripts currently under review. She is the recipient of multiple academic honors including the Texas State Upper-Level Presidential Award, the William James scholarship, and the Scott Emerson Health Innovation award. She has been the manager of the SPARC Lab for the past 2 years where she oversees research assistants, study operations, and data collection. After obtaining her B.S. in Psychology, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to support youth and adults navigating mental health challenges and life transitions.
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