Our Team
- ABILITY Research Lab |
- Our Team
Graduate Students
Undergraduate Students
Alumni
McKenzie Burns
McKenzie Burns received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Au.D. Degree from Auburn University. She joined the Ability Research Lab in 2021 and presented a poster entitled "Cultural Similarities and Differences in Functioning and Disability among People with Hearing Loss: Lesson from a HEAR-COMMAND Tool" at Auburn's 2023 Student Research Symposium. The poster was Recognized and Awarded. Her professional goal is to improve children's and their families' quality of life by improving their communication abilities.
Kelleen Wegener
Kelleen Wegener received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Ohio University. Kelleen was involved in a research project to develop an international questionnaire that evaluates hearing loss, communication, and vestibular difficulties. She joined the Ability Research Lab in 2021 and presented a poster entitled “Problems in Functioning Related to Dizziness and Balance Difficulty in Individuals with Hearing Loss in a Biopsychosocial Context Underpinning the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)” at the 2023 American Balance Society Conference. Her professional goal is to continue specializing in vestibular diagnostic testing for patients of all age ranges.
Mahmoud Salah Eldien Mokhtar Hammady
Mahmoud received his Bachelor degree in Medicin and his Master's degree in Audiovestibular medicine at the Audiovestibular medicine unit, at Sohag University Hospitals, Egypt. He joined the Ability Research Lab in 2021 and presented a poster entitled "Disabling Hearing Loss in the Middle East: A Need for a Comprehensive Examination through the Lens of the International Classification of Functioning and Disability (ICF) Model" at the 9th Scientific Conference for Young Researchers in Egypt. His professional goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Audiovestibular medicine and continue specializing in improving the quality of life of individuals with hearing loss.
Caroline Snow
Caroline is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at Auburn University and is currently in her first year of the master's program for Speech-Language Pathology. She graduated in spring of 2023 with a B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies.
Emma Childs
Emma graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in 2023. She is currently in her first year of the master's program for Speech Language Pathology at Auburn.
E'Keema McCray
E’Keema earned a BS in Business Administration (Supply Chain Management) from Auburn University. Currently, she is completing biomedical science courses to prepare for medical school. E’Keema plans on pursing an MD and becoming an attending physician.
Lilah Donnelly
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2021
B.S. Mercer University
Research interests: leadership, organizational commitment, organizational culture
Victoria Badalto
My name is Victoria Badolato, and I am currently attending Auburn University's Graduate Program for Speech-Language Pathology. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, I attended Auburn University for my undergraduate education where I received a Bachelor's of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. These two degrees have shaped my perspective as a growing Speech Language Pathologist, and I am eager to use my Spanish as a resource in the work force.
Katelyn Gilson
Katelyn is an undergraduate student majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and minoring in English. Katelyn joined the SNAP lab because of her interest in pediatric Speech-Language Pathology and fluency disorders. After graduation, Katelyn’s plans include obtaining a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Katelyn hopes to one day continue to find solutions for children with disfluencies.
Sharlinda Guillaume
Sharlinda is a post-baccalaureate student at Auburn University and received her bachelor's in biology from Florida Atlantic University. She joined the lab this year and will be assisting as needed. Sharlinda plans on attending the graduate program for speech-language pathology at Auburn University.
Carley Rickman
Carley is an undergraduate student majoring in Pre Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Auburn University. She joined the lab in fall 2022 of her sophomore year. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology in hopes to have a career as a speech therapist.
Sophie Spano
Sophie Spano is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences degree at Auburn University. She joined the SNAP lab at the beginning of the 2022/2023 school year. After graduating she plans on pursuing a degree in Speech Language Pathology.
Meghan Stinnette
Meghan Stinnette graduated from Radford University with a B. S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2022. While at Radford, Meghan was able to complete an undergraduate capstone project with the honors department and Dr. Diane Millar on nonverbal communication and body language. Meghan is currently a graduate student studying Speech-Language Pathology at Auburn. She has been apart of the lab since fall 2022.
Prachi Shukla
Prachi has her Master's of Education in school psychology from Indiana State University. She is currently enrolled in the post-baccalaureate program (SLP) at Auburn University. Her clinical interests include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Stuttering and specific learning disorders. She has worked at an ABA clinic as a registered behavior therapist and has experience working with a diverse population. Prachi will be applying to graduate schools during the coming year in hopes of starting school speech language pathology in the fall of 2024.
Anna Pusser
Anna received her B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Science from the University of Memphis. In addition, she received her M.S. in Psychological Sciences at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Anna has research experience in prospective memory, visual attention, eye tracking, cognitive offloading, and applying cognition to education. Currently, she is interested in visual attention, memory, and aging in linguistic contexts. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her cat Tater Tot.
Reena Falisi
Reena is from Gainesville, FL and currently pursuing a degree in neuroscience with a minor in Spanish. She played for the Auburn Softball team for two years before medically stepping back, and has plans to attend medical school after graduating in hopes of following a career in dermatology. In her free time, Reena enjoys spending time with her best friend, going on walks with her dog, and is a proud member of the Christian sorority Sigma Phi Lambda.
Siobhan Mullins
Siobhan is a sophomore majoring in psychology. She hopes to pursue an M.S. degree in I/O Psychology after graduation.
Adin Rossi
Adin is a junior majoring in neuroscience from Huntsville, Alabama. He hopes to attend medical school after getting his undergraduate degree. He is also involved with the Honors Serves organization, and TigerDev video game development club on campus. In his free time, Adin likes to compose music, draw, and run.
Abby Chomos
Abby is a sophomore majoring in biomedical sciences with a pre-medicine concentration. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend medical school to one day become a pediatric surgeon. In her free time, Abby enjoys being outside and cheering on the Auburn Tigers at basketball and baseball games.
Douglas Jensen
Douglas Jensen is a Ph.D. candidate in the joint Ph.D. Program in Public Administration & Public Policy at Auburn University. His dissertation research focuses on leadership in the United States Congress. Douglas has personally communicated with the offices of every U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative over the course of his research.
Douglas is an Air Force combat veteran with three deployments and has directly worked with coalition partners or diplomats from France, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Norway, Latvia, Spain, Greece, and Afghanistan, among others.
His experience as an instructor includes Federal Continuity of Government; Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications; and Airborne Communications Officer technical training.
Tracks: American Politics & Policy, Global Politics & Policy
Areas of Interest: Leadership, Political Leadership, American Government, International Relations
Education:
Master of Science in Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Master of Business Administration, Trident University, Cyprus, CA
Basic Communications Officer Training, Keesler Air Force Base, MS
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics and Astronautics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Astin Cole
Astin received his Master of Public Administration degree from Auburn University and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Montevallo. He received his joint bachelor's degree in history and political science from the University of Montevallo. Now a doctoral candidate in the joint Ph.D. Program in Public Administration & Public Policy in the Department of Political Science at Auburn University, he is completing his dissertation. He has taught an undergraduate American government course. He has presented at the Academy of Management Annual Symposium, the Southern Management Association Annual Conference, and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Conference with research topics on turnover intention, stress management, survey design, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Track: Nonprofit, Global
Areas of Interest: Intergovernmental Relations, Health Disparities, Human Resources, Comparative Government, State and Local Government, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Education:
Master of Public Administration, Auburn University
Master of Business Administration, University of Montevallo
Bachelor of Science, History & Political Science, University of Montevallo
Katherine Steele
Jessie Stirling
Jessie is an undergraduate student majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Spanish. Jessie is interested in pursuing clinical Speech-Language Pathology and joined the lab because of her interest in advocating for communication and stuttering. She hopes to obtain her master’s and become a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist.
Joseph Himmler
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Pell City, AL
B.S., University of Alabama at Birmingham
Research Interests: Work-life enrichment, Work-Family conflict, OHP
Joseph is currently a doctoral student in Auburn University's Industrial/Organizational Psychology program. Joseph is a part of the Work-Life and Organizational Effectiveness (WLOE) Lab. His current research is focused on OHP related topics, AI-Human collaboration, and the work-family interface. Joseph attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.
Tatiana Guevara
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Long Island, NY
B.A., La Salle University
Research Interests: Occupational Health Psychology, Employee Well-being, Stress
Abigail Baker
ABM Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Spanish Fort, AL
Research interests: employee attitudes, motivation and teamwork
Bailey Hunter
ABM Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Fairhope, AL
Research Interests: Work-life balance, Motivation, Workplace relationships
Emily Findlay
ABM Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Madison, AL
Research Interests: Virtual work, leadership and personality
Kenyana Whitehorn
ABM Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Fort Lewis, WA
Research Interests: Work-life quality, training
Kyla Graba
ABM Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Auburn, AL
Research Interests: Leadership, Personnel Selection, OHP
Olivia Eckhardt
ABM Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Altamont, Illinois
Research Interests: employee training and recruitment
Savannah Atkins
ABM Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Research Interests: personnel selection, training and development, and recruitment
Zach Goldman
ABM Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Sandy Springs, GA
Research Interests: Artificial Intelligence in the workplace
Eva Grace Spencer
Eva Grace Spencer is a senior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a Psychology minor. Her other involvements on Auburn's campus include Auburn Dance Marathon, Emerge, and her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta.
Hope Hartley
Hope is a Senior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Her other involvements include Greek life at Auburn, the Honors College, and she is a research fellow in the College of Liberal Arts.
Maddie Moore
Maddie is a junior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. She is the social media chair for the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA). She is also a member of the Sign Language Club at Auburn.
Kathrine Cranford
Katherine is a junior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. Her other involvements include being a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and the National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (NSSLHA), an IMPACT Project Coordinator, Project Uplift mentor, and serving as a kids volunteer for Auburn Community Church.
Morgan Lasseter
Morgan is a senior at Auburn University currently majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She is an active member of the Auburn University chapter of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA).
Francie Shore
Francie Shore is a senior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Her other involvements on campus include serving as the Vice President for the Gamma Beta Phi Honor society and participating as a member in the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and Auburn Sociology Club.
Hayley Platt
Hayley Platt, a freshman at Auburn University, is majoring in Speech, Hearing, and Language Sciences with plans to become a speech pathologist. She will return to her hometown, Chatom, Alabama, this summer to give back to the community that helped her be where she is today. Hayley is excited about the opportunity to dive deep and learn more about the community that helped define her character.
Colette Whitney
Colette Whitney, a sophomore studying Political Science at Auburn University, plans to work in community planning. Coming from the small town of Eva, Alabama, she is looking forward to a summer of rural and civic engagement in Collinsville. As she works with the Hispanic community there, she hopes to broaden her language and communication skills.
Elisha Oyola
Elisha Oyola is a freshman from Opelika, Alabama, majoring in Political Science with a double minor in Psychology and Philosophy. He plans to pursue a career in law and public policy. Elisha is excited to work in Elba this summer, where he intends to learn and develop new skills that will create lasting relationships in Elba and provide him with experience he will use in the future.
Naomi Taylor
Naomi Taylor, a junior from Homewood, Alabama, is pursuing her bachelor’s in Global Studies with a minor in Nonprofit and Philanthropy Studies. After graduation, Naomi plans on pursuing an MBA in Cultural Heritage from the University of Alabama Birmingham with plans for a career working in art museums. This summer, Naomi will be spending her time in the community of Camden, where she is excited to immerse herself in the local culture as she works with the Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center.
Emily Thrower
BA: University of Alabama
Current MS Student at Auburn University
Clinical and Research Interests:
- Pediatric neurodivergent populations
- Pediatric feeding and swallowing
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Kerri-Halland Laro
I chose to become a part of the SLLAC lab because I want to contribute and advocate for children with speech sound disorders, and help those children be successful in their education.
Clinical and Research interests:
- Articulation
- Phonology
- Cleft Lip/Palate
- Structural deficits
Abby Craddock
I wanted to gain research experience as well as learn more about literacy difficulties in children while forming relationships with colleagues.
Clinical and Research Interests:
- Motor Planning of Speech
- Phonology
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Fluency disorders
Addison Garrott
Participating in research at Auburn University has been something that I have always wanted to do, and having the opportunity to do so through the SLLAC Lab is such an honor. I chose to participate in SLLAC Lab because I have always loved working with kids! SLLAC Lab is a great way to gain knowledge and experience about speech sound disorders, as well as surround yourself with people who are passionate about advocating for the pediatric age group in the area of literacy.
Clinical and Research Interests:
- Child Language Disorders
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sawyer Courington
I chose to join SLLAC Lab because I want to advocate for all children and their own early learning experiences that promote long-term academic achievement.
Clinical and Research Interests:
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Early intervention
- Pediatric feeding and swallowing
- Augmentative and alternative communication
Maggie Eddins
I chose SLLAC to gain more knowledge about pediatric literacy and to meet new people who are passionate about the same thing I am!
Clinical and Research Interests:
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Child Language Disorders
- Articulation
Emily Powell
I chose SLLAC Lab to gain a better understanding of literacy difficulties. I am excited to be an advocate while gaining research experience.
Clinical and Research Interests:
- Articulation
- Structural Deficits
- Speech Disorders
- Phonology
Shelby Knight
I decided to join SLLAC Lab because I want to gain a better understanding of speech sound disorders. I am so excited to contribute to discovering more about these disorders and what we can do to have a positive impact.
Clinical and Research Interests:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Language Disorders
- Speech Perception
Lily Mason
Lily Mason is a Junior Undergraduate Student at Auburn University, pursuing a Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences degree. In the Spring Semester of 2024, she became a part of the Ability Research Lab. Lily focuses on exploring the facets of physical, social, and emotional health, with a keen interest in the well-being of audiology patients. Her involvement in the ABILITY Research Lab gives her a unique opportunity to actively participate in projects that align seamlessly with her interests, allowing her to gain valuable hands-on experience. Lily is enthusiastic about broadening her expertise in audiology and actively contributing to interventions that foster healthier aging. Looking ahead, in five years, Lily aspires to complete her 4th year as a Doctoral Audiology Student and embark on her career as a dedicated Audiologist.
Madeline Bellocchio
Madeline Bellocchio is a Doctoral Audiology Student at Auburn University. She received her undergraduate degree at Miami University in Oxford Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She joined the ABILITY Research Lab as a Graduate Research Assistant in 2024. After beginning her first year as a student, she became interested in working on research that focuses on the connection of Auditory, Balance, and Mobility Functions. She is committed to providing older adults with tools that contribute to their overall health and independence. Madeline is currently serving in the Ohio Army National Guard as an Infantry officer. She hopes to one day serve the veteran community as an Audiologist.
Rebecca Dunterman
Rebecca Dunterman received her B.S. and M.S. in Psychology from Western Illinois University. Presently, she is pursuing a Ph.D in the Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences department. Rebecca has research experience in a variety of areas including cognitive aging, visual attention, eye-tracking, and perceptions of aging. Her research here at Auburn University will focus on changes in visual attention associated with age and their impact on driving safety. Rebecca enjoys keeping in touch with family and friends in her free time.
Andrew Luu
Andrew Luu received his B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. His prior research examined the impact of technology on learning outcomes. Andrew has experience working with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), galvanic skin response (GSR), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. Currently, he is interested in examining cognition, memory, and language acquisition to improve learning outcomes. In his free time, he enjoys cooking four-hour meals that taste completely average.
Emma Cox
Emma joined the lab in the Fall of 2020 after spending several years as an undergraduate research assistant. Emma graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Auburn, and then spent time working as a puppy developer for Auburn's Canine Performance Sciences. Her research interests include factors impacting detection dog search performance, as well as other predictive factors of success in working dogs.
Adam Davila
Adam joined the lab Fall 2018. Originally from Bristow, Virginia, Adam earned a BS at the University of Mary Washington and an MS from Villanova, studying the functional relationships of abstract concept learning. Adam is also interested in temporal perception as well as working memory. Outside of science, Adam enjoys learning new recipes and has a love/hate relationship with sports, and also has a bad habit of buying far more books than he has time to read.
Jordan Smith
Jordan joined the lab in the Fall of 2019. Jordan graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC and then spent time as a research assistant at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center in Philadelphia, PA. Her research interests include the impact of olfactory stimulation during early development in canines as well as other indicators of career success in working dogs.
Peter J. Lusche, M.D.
Peter J. Lusche, M.D., graduated from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, and completed training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the U.S.C. - Los Angeles County Medical Center. For over thirty years, he has dedicated a significant amount of his practice to developing and coordinating community mental health programs for children, including children in protective custody and foster care. For his contributions in clinical and academic practice, program development and community service, he was made a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association in 2003.
Angelyn Harrell, M.S.
Angelyn Harrell, M.S., is a BCBA who graduated from Auburn University’s ABA Master’s program in 2015. Her expertise includes working with individuals with autism, severe problem behavior, foster youth, and caregiver training.
Jodi Robeson, M.S.
Jodi Robeson, M.S., is a BCBA working with the APMRT. She graduated from Auburn University in 2018. Jodi’s areas of experience include working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders, foster youth, incarcerated adolescents, problem behavior, and staff training.
Heatherly Williford, M.S.
Heatherly Williford, M.S., is a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst working with the APRMT. She earned her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Developmental Disabilities (ABA-DD) from Auburn University in 2015. Her expertise includes the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior in residential treatment facilities, schools, homes and clinical settings, as well as working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders, children and adolescents in foster and adoptive care, curriculum development and implementation, registered behavior technician staff training and parent-caregiver training. Outside of APMRT, her professional interests include the relationship between behavioral treatments and neural dysfunction, neural plasticity of individuals with autism spectrum disorders or trauma backgrounds, and operating an online publication.
Wayde Morse
Education
- BS, University of New Mexico, 1991, Economics & Political Science
- MS, Colorado State University, 1996, Agricultural and Resource Economics
- PhD, University of Idaho, 2007, Conservation Social Sciences (NSF IGERT Fellow)
Research Interests
- Linked social and ecological systems
- Recreation, environmental services and conservation incentive programs
- Landowner decision-making, rural livelihoods and the process of interdisciplinary research
- Research interests are for the US and Latin America
Selected Publications
- Cox, C., W. Morse, C. Anderson and L. Marzen. 2014. Using public participation geographic information systems to identify places of watershed service provisioning. Journal of the American Water Resources Association DOI:10.1111/jawr.12269.
- Cox, C., W. Morse, L. Marzen and C. Anderson. 2014. Applying public participation geographic information systems to wildlife management. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 19:200-214.
- Lowery, D., W.C. Morse and T. Steury. 2014. Exploring Saturation of themes and spatial locations in a qualitative PPGIS study. Society and Natural Resources. 0:1-15.
- Lupoli, C., W.C. Morse, C. Bailey and J. Schelhas. 2014. Assessing the impacts of international volunteer tourism in host communities: A new approach to organizing and prioritizing indicators. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 22(6):898-921.
- Stern, M.J., C.A. Martin, S.A. Predmore and W.C. Morse. 2014. Risk tradeoffs in adaptive ecosystem management: The case of the U.S. Forest Service. Environmental Management, 53(6):1095-1108.
- Stern, M., C.A. Marin, S.A. Predmore and W.C. Morse. 2014. Risk tradeoffs in natural resource planning: the case of the U.S. Forest Service. Environmental Management, 53(6):1095-1108.
- Stern, M. J., S.A. Predmore, W.C. Morse and D.N. Seeholtz. 2014. Project risk in the US Forest Service: Factors predicting appeals of environmental assessments and their outcomes. Environmental Impact Assessment Review. 42:95-104.
- Morse, W. C. 2013. Integration of frameworks, theories and models across disciplines for effective Cross-disciplinary communications. In: Enhancing Interdisciplinary Communication. Eds. Stephen Crowley, Sanford Eigenbrode, Michael O'Rourke, and J. D. Wulfhorst. Sage Publications.
- Morse, W. C. 2013. Changing stakeholders and the planning process. In: Urban-Rural Interfaces: Linking People and Nature. Eds. David Laband, Lockaby, B. G., Zipperer, W. C. American Society of Agronomy, Madison, WI.
- Lowery, D., and W. C. Morse. 2013. A Qualitative method for collecting spatial data on important places for recreation, livelihoods and ecological meanings: integrating focus groups with public participation geographic information systems. Society and Natural Resources. 26:1422-1437.
Katie Wallace
Katie is a Senior at Auburn University majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with minors in Spanish and Psychology. Her other involvements include the National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (NSSHLA), the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), and volunteering.
Erica Ramey, DNP, PMHNP, PMHS
Erica Ramey, DNP, PMHNP is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and an associate professor in the school of nursing at UAB. She completed her doctor of nursing practice at Vanderbilt University and completed her psychiatric nurse practitioner preparation at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research and experience focus on child and adolescent mental-health, deprescribing, and drug-gene compatibility.
Deepika Chandel
Deepika Chandel is a Ph.D. candidate in the joint Ph.D. Program in Public Administration & Public Policy at Auburn University. Deepika earned her bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery from India. During her time in India, she worked full-time as a dentist and frequently served nonprofit hospitals that provided free dental services. She also worked with multiple nonprofit entities to take oral health care and hygiene awareness to the grass-root level, provide mass education, and provide affordable professional services to people in rural areas. She received her Masters in Public Administration from Auburn University at Montgomery in the spring of 2016.
Deepika is passionate about being a change agent for healthcare policy. She is also a strong proponent of a proactive versus reactive approach to health policies. Her dissertation examines how the state executive policies and responses influence death rate outcomes in the U.S. during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Track: Public Administration, Nonprofit Organizations & Community Governance
Areas of interest: Public Administration & Policy Adoption, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Nonprofit Management, Research Methodology, State Politics and Policy
Education:
Master of Public Administration, Auburn University at Montgomery, AL
Bachelor of Dental Surgery, CCS University, India
Kate Henvey DeMoss
Kate is a student in the joint Ph.D. program in Public Administration and Public Policy at Auburn University. She holds a MA from the Georgetown School of Foreign Service, and a BA in political science from Trinity University, Texas. Serving as a policymaker and researcher in international economics, trade and development for over fifteen years, Kate has worked at the World Bank Group, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of International Affairs and the North American Development Bank.
Track: American Politics & Policy, Global Public Policy
Areas of interest: Trade policy, foreign aid policy, public opinion, political behavior
Education:
Master of Arts, Georgetown School of Foreign Service
Bachelor of Arts, Trinity University
Malerie Goodman
Malerie Goodman is a Ph.D. candidate in the joint Ph.D. Program in Public Administration & Public Policy. Malerie has worked as a Graduate Research Assistant for the Hunger Solutions Institute (HSI) in Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences since January 2020, where she researches college student hunger, supports innovative projects to address food insecurity with data-based approaches, and contributes to HSI’s growing bi-partisan impact on federal policy to address hunger nationwide. Malerie’s academic interests center on using mixed-methods research to inform family policy and child welfare policy decisions, especially at the state level.
Track: Public Administration, Nonprofit Organizations & Community Governance
Areas of Interest: Child Welfare Policy and Administration; Family Policy; State-level Policymaking; Political Culture; Hunger and Food Policy; Policy Framing
Education:
Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology, California State University, Fresno
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California
Ryan Hankins
Ryan Hankins is a Ph.D. candidate in Public Policy. He is executive director of PARCA, the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to inform and improve the decision making of state and local leaders in Alabama through objective research and analysis.
He is active in local and statewide nonprofit work and serves on numerous boards and committees including the Executive Team of the Alabama Committee for Grade Level Reading, the Alabama Counts! 2020 Census Committee, and the advisory boards for the Master of Public Administration at Auburn University and both the Master of Social Work and Department of Human Development and Family Science at Samford University. He has previously served on the board of the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, the Birmingham-Jefferson Food Policy Council, the Medicaid Citizens’ Advisory Board, the Bold Goals Workforce Development Council, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, and is past president of the Alabama Association of Free Clinics.
He is a graduate of the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute, Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Alabama, and a Birmingham Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 Honoree. He has taught courses in nonprofit management and has guest lectured in classes in nonprofit management and fundraising.
Track: Public Policy
Areas of Interest: Nonprofit theory and administration, nonprofits in policy making, philanthropy, faith-based organizations, state and local government, applied research
Education:
Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management Executive Education, Harvard Business School
Graduate Studies in Public Administration, University of Alabama, Birmingham
Master of Divinity, Samford University
Post-baccalaureate studies, Oxford University
Bachelor of Arts, Ouachita Baptist University
Steven Nelson
Steven Nelson is a Ph.D. candidate in the joint Ph.D. Program in Public Administration & Public Policy. His professional experience spans almost 30 years in the environmental field and includes work as a consultant and contractor in private industry, performing environmental site investigations and cleanups. For the past 25 years he has focused on environmental health and safety management in higher education and currently serves as the Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Auburn University. His dissertation involves comparative state water quality policy to address emerging contaminants. His published work has appeared in Review of Policy Research, The Extractive Industries and Society, and Risk, Hazards, & Crisis in Public Policy.
Track: Public Policy
Areas of Interest: Environmental and natural resources policy, sustainability, and environmental justice.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Southern Illinois University
Master of Business Administration, Georgia State University
Noemí Oeding
Noemí Oeding graduated with a B.A. in Vocal Performance and a Master's in Arts Administration, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the joint Ph.D. Program in Public Administration & Public Policy at Auburn University. Prior to beginning her graduate studies, her career was spent in the arts, first as an opera singer and music teacher, and then as an administrator. She has worked with various arts nonprofits, most notably as Executive Director of the Montgomery Music Project in Montgomery, Alabama.
Noemí’s research interests revolve around nonprofits (specifically in the arts), American political behavior, and the intersectionality between the two. Her dissertation focuses on the impact Black operatic works have on mitigating racial bias. She has presented her research at multiple conferences, including the Southern Political Science Association, the International Society for Third Sector Research, and the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations & Voluntary Action.
At Auburn, Noemí teaches undergraduate courses in American Government and Political Participation. She has an applied background in nonprofit management, leadership and governance, fundraising and grant writing, and volunteer and event management. Noemí has successfully secured funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the Florida State Arts Council, the Alabama State Department of Education, and various private foundations. She also has experience as a grant reader, including serving on the music grant review panel for the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Tracks: Nonprofit Organizations & Community Governance, American Politics and Policy
Areas of Interest: Nonprofit funding and sustainability; Nonprofit management and best practices; Politicization of arts & culture nonprofits; Public opinion and political messaging; Political behavior and polarization
Education:
Master of Arts in Arts Administration, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Lane Montgomery
Lane Montgomery joined the lab in Fall of 2022. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Lane graduated with her B.A. in Psychology from Auburn University in 2021. After earning her Bachelors, Lane worked as an assistant at the Auburn University MRI Research Center and as a research assistant with Auburn’s Canine Performance Sciences program. Her research interests include the role of procedural memory in working dog success and the neurological structures underlying dogs’ scent memory.
Courtney Collins Pisano
Courtney joined the lab in Fall 2022. Originally from Boston, Courtney graduated from Wesleyan University with a B.A. in Neuroscience & Behavior, Biology, and Psychology in Spring of 2022. Her research interests include improving the training and selection of working dogs and indicators of working dog success.
Brittany Branyon
An Alabama native, Brittany Branyon graduated from Auburn University with a BA in Political Science in 2009 and earned a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 2013. She is currently a doctoral student in Public Administration and Public Policy at Auburn University where her focus is nonprofit education, civil society, and gender equity. Her passion for the third sector and community engagement drives her work both professionally and academically, as well as beyond campus where she serves on the Associate Board of Directors at Storybook Farm.
Shamyla Taylor
Shamyla Taylor, a graduate of Opelika High School, is studying computer science at Auburn University. She is the illustrator of the coloring book “Plants and Trees at Pebble Hill.”
Aria Brusch
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
ABM Program Entry Year: 2022
Research interests: performance appraisal, employee learning
Jordan Everett
PhD Program Entry Year: 2023
Hometown: Suwanee, GA
B.A., Auburn University
Research Interests: Selection, Training, Onboarding, Socialization, Artificial Intelligence
DuBois Barnes
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2022
B.S. Baylor University
B.S. University of Houston
Research interests: work stress and recovery, work safety, workplace injustice and health, disadvantaged groups and workplace diversity
Julia Barrett
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2022
B.S. Florida State University
Research interests: work-life, work-family, telework
Julia is a doctoral student in the Industrial Organizational Psychology program at Auburn. She is working under Dr. Jesse Michel in the Work-Life Organizational Effectiveness Lab. Her research interests and recent work have centered around work/family, DEI, and quiet quitting. Julia completed her undergraduate studies at Florida State University, where she received a B.S. in psychology and a B.S. in sociology.
Kyle Benbow
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2021
B.A. Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis
M.A. Ball State University
Research interests: organizational and coworker support, workplace incivility, social identity threats, employee silence
Peter Cook
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2020
B.S. Virginia Tech
Research interests: telework, stress, occupational health psychology
Isabelle Couvillion
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2021
B.S. University of Alabama
M.S. University of New Orleans
Research interests: personnel selection
Austin Cunningham
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2019
B.S. Virginia Tech
M.S. Auburn University
Research interests: occupational stress, employee recovery, work-life balance, workaholism
Brielle Johnson
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2021
B.S. Grand Valley State University
M.A. Miami University
Research interests: stereotypes, discrimination, intergroup dynamics, occupational stress
Soonyoung Kim
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2022
B.S. Virginia Tech
Research interests: personnel selection, leadership, artificial intelligence, emotional intelligence
Jingyi Li
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2020
B.S. Soochow University
Research interests: personnel selection, machine learning, vocational interest
Kendall McGoey
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2020
B.S. Louisiana State University
Research interests: telework, burnout, workaholism, turnover, and turnover intentions
Kendall received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Louisiana State University. In the WLOE lab, her current research is focused on the interplay between job demands and resources with employees’ burnout, workaholic, and work-family conflict experiences. Kendall also works as a graduate assistant for data analytics in the Office of Academic Insight, where she assists in the data analytics and reporting of general education assessment by providing insights regarding student success at and beyond Auburn University.
Lauren Postier
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2020
B.A. Marquette University
Research interests: work-life dynamics, burnout, telework, psychometrics
Lauren is a Ph.D. student whose research focuses on burnout, scale validation, and the work-family interface. She is a research fellow at the Army Research Institute, where her projects revolve around training and improving learning outcomes. Lauren is passionate about bridging academic insights and practical solutions for enhancing workplace well-being.
Jonah Richardson
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2021
B.A. DePaul University
Research interests: personnel selection, telework, workplace boredom
Faith Shannon
Ph.D. Program Entry Year: 2021
B.S. Spelman College
Research interests: work-family, occupational health psychology, leadership, DE&I
Faith Shannon is a student in Auburn University’s Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD program. She works under the direction of Dr. Jesse Michel in the Work-Life and Organizational Effectiveness Lab. Her research interests include work-family topics, occupational health psychology, leadership, DEI, and turnover, with her latest project focusing on The Great Resignation. Faith completed her undergraduate studies at Spelman College, where she earned a B.S. in psychology. She hopes to continue researching her areas of interest throughout the remainder of her studies at Auburn.
Tori Holcomb
Tori is a sophomore at Auburn University from Peachtree City, Georgia, who is majoring in biomedical sciences and neurosciences on the pre-med track. She hopes to continue her time in the LAM lab for several semesters! Tori is involved in many campus organizations including Alpha Epsilon Delta, Active Minds, Women in Science, and her social sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Fun fact: Tori used to drive a golfcart to school because her city was a golf community!
Callie Coxwell
Callie is a senior pursuing her degree in Neuroscience and will graduate in the Spring of 2024. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school with the goals of obtaining a PhD in neuroscience and working in cognitive neuroscience research.
Amatallah Saulawa
Amatallah is a junior studying international studies with a minor in public health. She plans to pursue a graduate degree and career in public health. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction.
Cole Elsea
Cole is a junior Biomedical Science: Pre-medicine major with a minor in Spanish here at Auburn. He plans to go to medical school once graduating. He enjoys running, volunteering at his church and watching Auburn basketball.
Madeline McCormick
Madeline is a junior majoring in Biomedical Sciences - Pre Medicine, with a minor in Business. She hopes to attend medical school upon graduation in order to become an anesthesiologist. She enjoys going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, and being a Young Life leader in Auburn!
Faith Miller
Faith is a junior majoring in psychology with an interest in neuroscience. She hopes to attend graduate school in the future where she wishes to eventually obtain her Ph.D. and one day lead research in Alzheimer's.
Gracie Farmer
Gracie is a junior majoring in biomedical sciences planning to attend medical school after graduation. She hopes to become an obstetrician. In her free time, Gracie enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with my family and friends.
Lainie Doyle
Lainie is a senior in biomedical sciences with a concentration in pre-med, graduating spring 2024. She plans to go to medical school in the fall of 2024 with the hope of becoming an emergency room doctor or trauma surgeon.
Gracie Mae Hundley
Why did you choose the SLLAC Lab?
I chose the SLLAC Lab because of my interest in working with children with speech sound disorders. I am excited to gain experience in promoting academic achievement and look forward to expanding my knowledge in speech, oral language, and literacy.
Clinical and Research Interests:
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Fluency Disorders
- Dysphagia
Grace Leverett
Grace Leverett graduated with a B.A. in Communicative Disorders from the University of Alabama in 2022. She is now enrolled in Auburn University’s M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program and serves as a graduate research assistant for Dr. Gregory Spray in the SNAP Lab. Prior to coming to Auburn, Grace practiced as a licensed speech-language pathology assistant and treated pediatric clients with a variety of communicative disorders. Her interests within the area include acquired neurological communication disorders, swallowing disorders, and aural habilitation/rehabilitation. Grace is excited to be a part of the wonderful things happening within the SNAP Lab and is eager to add value in any area she can.
Carson Huerta
Carson Huerta graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in Theatre and a B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Embracing the intersection of these two diverse yet complementary fields, Carson seeks to explore how effective communication, both in its study and artistic expression, can empower individuals and enrich lives. His clinical interests include Autism Spectrum Disorder, professional voice, and gender affirming voice care. Carson is currently a graduate student studying Speech-Language Pathology at Auburn University.
Gracyn Holt
Gracyn Holt is a Doctoral Audiology Student at Auburn University. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Education in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She joined the ABILITY Research Lab as a Graduate Research Assistant in 20022-2023. After beginning the program and working with patients in the clinic, she becomes interested in working on research that focuses on the importance of empathy in the field of audiology, especially for audiology patients living with comorbid health conditions affecting their physical health. With the innovation of virtual reality, her project is “A Mile in the Patient’s Shoes Who Are Living with Hearing Loss and Arthritis: Audiologist’s Empathy Through Embodied Virtual Reality.” Five years from now, Gracyn hopes to be working with the Veteran community to serve those who served our country.
Hope Hartley
Hope is an undergraduate student majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Hope joined the SNAP lab because of her interest in fluency disorders and music. After graduation, Hope plans to obtain a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and go on to become an SLP in the school system.
Lily Dunaway
Lily Dunaway is a Junior Undergraduate Student at Auburn University, pursuing a Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences degree. In the Spring of 2024, she became a part of the Ability Research Lab. She became interested in working on research that focuses on validating hearing tools that can contribute to helping individuals navigate everyday life with hearing impairments/language barriers. Her involvement in the ABILITY Research Lab allows her to explore her interests in the field of audiology and gain further experience while working with a team.
Caroline Tucker
Caroline Tucker is a freshman at Auburn pursuing a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Family Sciences and Child Development. Outside of research, she is a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and involved in FBO's student college ministry.
Calli McAdams
Calli is a junior at Auburn majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Counseling. She is a member of the Phi Mu Sorority and enjoys volunteering through various organizations on campus!
Lauren Reed
Lauren Reed is a junior at Auburn majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Psychology. Her campus involvements include her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, a campus ministry, and the National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association.
Jeffrey Manord
Jeffrey is a graduate student at Auburn University in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. His research interests includechildhood language development, APD, cultural aspects of language, speech perception, and ADHD.