Current Mentored Student Researchers

Updates from our Lab Alumni

Katie Axford, M.A. - Katie graduated from the Masters of Arts in Psychological Science, Clinical-Counseling program in 2017 and went on to a counseling PhD program at the University of Utah. 

Natalina Slaughter, M.A. - graduated from the Masters of Arts in Psychological Science, Clinical-Counseling program in 2018. Her master's thesis examined the effectiveness of an intervention to help medical students recognize and reduce victim-blaming attitudes toward trauma patients. After UMD Natalina accepted a position as a clinician for Project Pathfinder, an intensive outpatient treatment program for sex offenders.

Emily Bates, B.A.Sc. - Emily graduated from UMD in 2018 and went on to a masters counseling program at Bethel University.

Allison Fairchild, B.A.Sc. - Allison graduated from UMD in 2018 and went on to a PhD program in School Psychology at the University of Arizona. 

Kalley Waller, B.A.Sc. - Kalley graduated from UMD in 2018 and went on to PsyD program at the University of St. Thomas. 

Olivia Salinas, B.A.Sc. - Olivia graduated from UMD in 2019 and went on to graduate school at the University of Michigan for Elementary education.

Jeremy Jamieson, M.A. - Jeremy graduated from the Masters of Arts in Psychological Science, Clinical-Counseling program in 2020. His master's thesis (referred to as a "Plan B") was on the development and initial validation of a trauma-related blame measure. He currently works in Behavioral and Mental Health at the Minnesota Correctional Facility.

Urvashi Dixit, M.A. - Urvashi graduated from the Masters of Arts in Psychological Science, Clinical-Counseling program in 2020 and went on to the Clinical-Counseling PhD program at the University of South Alabama. 

Arielle Emerson, B.A.Sc. - Arielle graduated from UMD in 2020 and went on to a master's of social work program in New Mexico.

Alix Brezinka, B.A.Sc. - Alix graduated from UMD in 2021 and went on to graduate school at Adams State University.  

Erin Casanova, B.A.Sc. - Erin graduated from UMD in 2021 and went on to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA program at Roosevelt University.

Susan Lokhorst, B.A.Sc. -  Susie graduated from UMD in 2021. Her  undergraduate research opportunities program (UROP; Scholarship Award: $1,500 and $300 research budget) project was on perceptions of the working alliance between therapists and their clients. Her UROP was published in a peer reviewed journal. 

Naseem Farahid, B.A.Sc. - Naseem graduated from UMD in 2021. Following graduation they worked at Northwoods Children's Services and went on to the master of social work program at UMD.

Kelly McKnight, M.A. - Kelly graduated from the Masters of Arts in Psychological Science, Clinical-Counseling at UMD in 2021.  Her master's thesis was on client perceptions of the therapeutic alliance and alliance ruptures and is published in a peer-reviewed journal.  After UMD Kelly accepted a clinical position at DHS.

Grace Pegel, M.A. - Grace graduated from the Masters of Arts in Psychological Science, Clinical-Counseling program in 2022. Her master's thesis was on client expectations of therapy.  After UMD Grace went into private practice in Duluth.

Connor Eickhoff, B.A.Sc. - Connor's undergraduate research opportunities program (UROP; Scholarship Award: $1,500 and $300 research budget) was on therapist self-doubt and received an award at the UMD Undergraduate Research and Artistic Showcase.

Claire Clifton, M.A. - Claire graduated from the Masters of Arts in Psychological Science, Clinical-Counseling program in 2023. Her master's thesis (referred to as a "Plan B") is on trauma-related blame. After UMD Claire was accepted into the Clinical Psychology PhD program at University of South Dakota. 

Ana Knighten, M.A. - Ana graduated from the Masters of Arts in Psychological Science, Clinical-Counseling program in 2024. As a "Plan C" student she completed a practicum on integrating nature-based approaches into mental health treatments through the  MEED program at UMD. After UMD Ana went into private practice in MN.

Brian Clow, M.A. - Brian is expected to graduate from the Masters of Arts in Psychological Science, Clinical-Counseling program in August 2025. His master's thesis (referred to as a "Plan B") is on trauma-related blame among military veteran who have experienced combat and/or been exposed to war. After UMD Brian accepted a counseling job in Indianapolis.