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Dr. Zina Trost
Dr. Trost is a clinical health psychologist and new associate professor in the TAMU Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, where she leads an innovative research program focusing on adapting virtual reality and gaming technologies to address pain and rehabilitation. Her work also addresses the role of injustice appraisal in pain and health outcomes, and its intersection with health disparities. Dr. Trost earned her Bachelor's degree from Fordham University in New York City and her PhD in Clinical Health Psychology in 2010 from Ohio University. She completed her internship at University of Washington, and her postdoctoral work in pain research at McGill University. Her work has received national and international research support, including funding from the American Pain Society, International Association for the Study of Pain, National Institutes of Health, Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, and Department of Defense. Dr. Trost is mom to toddler Misha and baby Luca, as well as a very enthusiastic dog, Leo, who collectively keep her very busy.
Clinical Trial Coordinators
Clinical Trial Coordinators
Ami Lisenbee
Ami is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology. She joined the Futures Lab in the Spring of 2025. Currently, she is co-leading all DoD-funded studies related to spinal cord injuries (SCI) as well as research on knee pain. In addition, she assists with grant management, lab expenditures, and mentoring current students.
Emma Tillery
Emma recently graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience. Emma is dedicated and passionate about research, and plans to continue her education through applying to Texas A&M's Clinical Psychology PhD Program. Emma is the lead coordinator for all non-clinical trial, virtual reality or CLBP related studies.
Eric Bocciardi
Eric is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a B.S. in Psychology. He joined the Futures Lab in the Summer of 2025. Eric's interest lies in working with individuals who are suffering with PTSD, addictions, suicide, and depression. He plans to continue his education seeking a doctoral degree .
Mathew Avendaño
Mathew is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a B.S. in Psychology. He joined the Futures Lab in the Summer of 2025 as a full-time employee, and has now transitioned to part-time as he begins graduate training to complete a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Currently, Mathew contributes to all studies related to SCI (spinal cord injury) and knee pain.
Current Lab Members
Current Lab Members
Peter Norris
Peter is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Houston. He joined the lab in Spring 2026 because of his interest in pain and injustice, and his desire to grow in research competencies. He begins graduate school in the Texas A&M Counseling Psychology program in Fall 2026, and he is interested in serving in academia upon graduation – as a professor or in a university counseling center. In a former life, Peter was a tanker in the U.S. Army for 23 years.
Lydia Kang
Lydia is an honors second-year Psychology major from Houston, Texas. Motivated by a desire to investigate futuristic non-pharmacological treatments for neurological conditions that utilize advancing technological methods, she joined the Futures Lab in the Summer of 2025. Following her graduation, she aims to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology. When not occupied with either studying or volunteering, Lydia loves to read, write stories, and listen to various genres of music, all over a hot cup of coffee.
Jacy MacKenzie
Jacy is a sophomore at Texas A&M University majoring in Psychology. She joined Futures Lab in Spring 2026 due to her interest in clinical psychology. Jacy plans to further her studies by pursuing either a Masters in Psychology with a specialization in marriage and family counseling or a Doctorate in Psychology.
Natalie Nashed
Natalie is a sophomore business major at Texas A&M on the pre-medicine track. She joined the Futures Lab in Spring 2026 because of her passion for psychology and neuroscience. Natalie plans to attend medical school after graduating to pursue pediatric psychiatry.
Elle Gillespie
Elle is a sophomore at Texas A&M University in the Business Honors program with minors in dance and neuroscience. She joined the Futures Lab in Fall 2025 because of her passion for medicine, rehabilitation, and the psychology of pain. Elle plans to pursue a career in healthcare.
Tim Quismorio
Tim is a Junior Biology Major at Texas A&M on the pre-medicine track. He joined the lab the summer of 2026. Tim plans to pursue a medical degree after he graduates.
Ali Hubbard
Ali is a sophomore at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in Biology. She joined the lab in the fall of 2026. After graduation, Ali plans to become a Physicians Assistant.
Akash Vaidyan
Akash is a sophomore at Texas A&M University majoring in Psychology. He joined Futures Lab in Fall 2026 due to his interest in understanding how psychological factors influence the experience and treatment of chronic pain. Akash plans to further his studies by pursing medical school to become a psychiatrist.
Alex Wright
Alex Wright is a junior majoring in Nutrition at Texas A&M University. He joined the Futures Lab in fall 2026. After completing his degree in Nutrition, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology before attending medical school, with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist.
Jordan Flood
Jordan is a senior at Texas A&M University majoring in Psychology. He joined Future Labs in Fall 2026 due to his interest in Virtual Reality in Health Care. Jordan plans on contributing his education by pursuing Medical School for Psychiatry.
Kirk Egbe
Kirk is a senior at Texas A&M majoring in Biomedical Science. Kirk joined the lab in 2026 due to his interest in the clinical intersection of pain and psychology. Kirk plans to further his studies by pursuing a medical degree focused on pain and rehabilitation.
Past Lab Members
Past Lab Members
Berit Zuch
Berit is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned a B.S. in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. Berit is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman’s University and is deeply passionate about advancing social justice in healthcare.
Misha Shah
Misha is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned a B.S. in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. She joined the Futures Lab in the Fall of 2023, driven by her interest in the intersection of neuroscience and physical therapy, particularly in the study of pain. Misha plans to further her education by pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at Duke University.
Sriram Koneru
Sriram is a sophomore at Texas A&M University, majoring in Business on a pre-medicine track. Sriram joined the lab in the Fall of 2024, and after graduating, Sriram plans to attend medical school to get his medical degree.
Jackson Gutierrez
Jackson is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a B.S. in Psychology. He joined the Futures Lab in Summer 2024. Jackson plans to pursue a PhD in Counseling or Clinical Psychology with a focus on trauma rehabilitation. His research interests include resilience, first responder trauma, and the psychological factors that support recovery.
Rachel Smet
Rachel is a senior at Texas A&M University majoring in Psychology, with minors in Sociology and Pre-Medicine, as well as a Certificate in Applied Behavioral Health. She joined the Futures Lab in Spring 2025 due to her passion for psychology and its connection with physical health. Rachel plans to pursue a Masters in Social Work with a focus on child welfare.
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