top of page
Sparc FINAL_3.png

Graduate Research Assistants 

processed-8133BE43-D57A-48D1-B6EB-FE7E9267393F.jpeg

Chelsea Trejo

Chelsea is a Second-year graduate student in the MAPR program at Texas State under the supervision of Dr. Rhonda Balzarini. Her research interests 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 job in public health/government.

IMG_2866.jpeg

Selena Piercy

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.

Dylan G.jpeg

Dylan Gudeczauskas

Dylan is a first-year MAPR student at Texas State University under Dr. Osborne. His main  research interest includes forensic psychology and clinical psychology. Dylan is also interested in research on mental health assessments, eyewitness testimonies, psychopathy, police cynicism, as well as psychopathology. After completing his master’s, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology to become a forensic psychologist. 

IMG_1168.jpeg

Steven Marchan

Stephen is currently a Professional Counseling student with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is passionate about understanding the experiences that shape individuals and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Looking toward the future, he aspires to work in spaces where he can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly women who may be navigating difficult or underserved circumstances.

Liz Wilburn.png

Liz Wilburn

Liz's research explores how social perceptions, stigma, and interpersonal processes shape self-concept, psychological well-being, and mental health outcomes. Building on her undergraduate research examining depression and stigma resistance, her current interests include diagnostic authority, perceived legitimacy, discrimination, and judgments of deservingness, with broader interests in women's health and mental health disparities. She aims to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, integrating research on psychosocial influences on mental health with clinical practice.

Erica ZJ.jpeg

Erica Zanello Jackson

Erica is a first year student in the MAPR program at Texas State. Her research interests surround romantic and sexual relationships, specifically identity fulfillment, satisfaction and self esteem, Kink/BDSM behavior and dynamics, and modern dating. After completion of the MAPR program, Erica intends to pursue a PhD in Social Psychology to continue her work in research and academia. 

Lab Alumni & Collaborators

reynolds,brandi-10.jpg

Brandi Reynolds

Brandi received her BS in Psychology from the University of Florida and her MA in Psychological Research from Texas State University. She is currently a doctoral student in Social Psychology at the University of Georgia. Her research broadly focuses on the role of sexuality within romantic relationships, and specifically how couples can enhance sexual desire and satisfaction. Her research also explores current trends such as the sex recession and dating outlooks.

IMG_0774.jpeg

Fiona Mcbride

Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family sciences. Currently exploring graduate program opportunities while gaining in-field experience and maintaining contributions to research within our lab. On a path to opening her own series of mental and behavioral health treatment centers, and promoting cognitive diversity within our communities.

Lab Manager

Stormy L.JPG

Stormy Lindsey

Stormy is an undergraduate student at Texas State University pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with minors in Biology and Honors studies. 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 social acceptance on mental health, sexual and gender minority dating behaviors and relationship satisfaction, and effective therapeutic practices for these individuals. 

Undergraduate Research Assistants

IMG_6147.jpeg

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.

IMG_0630.jpeg

Julia Aymond

Julia 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.

Former Research Assistants 

Taylor Himes.jpeg

Taylor Himes, M.A.

Former Graduate Student
Ph.D. Student, Purdue University

reynolds,brandi-10.jpg

Brandi Reynolds, M.A.

Former Graduate Student
Ph.D. Student, University of Georgia

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

Catherine Normand

Rachel Johnson

Dustie Stone

Molly McLaughlin

Itzel Hernandez

Ariel Ibuaka

Tyrae Collins

Madison Green

McKenna Hildebrant

Pardis Lahouti

​

Faith Swanson.jpeg

Faith Swanson, B.A.

Former Student & Lab Manager
M.A. Student

bottom of page