People


Ryon C. McDermott Ph.D.

My research interests revolve around the intersections of culture and individual differences to understand real-world problems. A central premise of my program of research is that the most accurate and complete picture of any real-world problem can only be obtained by analyzing the systemic (i.e. cultural or external) and individual-level (i.e. individual difference) variables. Because my background is in college counseling centers, many of the real-world problems I am trying to address are related to college student populations such as sexual-assault, academic retention and persistence, and college student well-being.  You can learn more about my research by checking out my Google Scholar page here, and I've recorded a video for prospective students here

I am full faculty and the associate Director of Clinical Training in the Combined-integrative Clinical and Counseling Psychology PhD program. I am also an affiliate faculty in the Clinical Mental health program and their coordinator of research. 

B.A., Psychology, University of Kansas, 2004

M.Ed., Counseling, University of Houston, 2006

Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, University of Houston, 2012 


Emilio Santa Cruz 

Emilio Santa Cruz is a graudate student in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Minor in Philosophy. Emilio’s interests are varied but circulate around the intersections of ADHD and Masculinity in emerging adults, as well as LatinX community issues and immigrant populations. 

Amy Huff

Amy is a student in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program. She completed a M.Ed. in Counseling and Career Development at Colorado State University, and a B.A. in Creative Writing at the University of Washington. Her research interests include the integration of mental health and career identity within collegiate student-athlete departments and the transition between high school and college and how that impacts college student mental health. Outside of school, you can find Amy curled up on the couch with a good book, in the pool or at the gym, cooking, trying to journal and write, and with friends and family.

Boriana (Bonny) Lassiter

Bonny is a student in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Dominican University of California and her M.S. in Psychology from the University of South Alabama. Bonny’s research interests include the role of socialization in suicide risk, the intersection of adult attachment and masculinity variables, and resilience and help-seeking in immigrant and minority populations. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and exploring restaurants with her husband. She also loves having friends over, playing darts, watching Netflix, and playing with her cat Meow. 

Callie Mims

Callie is a student in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program. She completed a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Women’s Studies at the University of Florida. Her research interests focus on how gender roles and perceptions of masculinity/femininity impact individual well-being and experiences of mental illness, particularly issues of body image and disordered eating. When not in the classroom or clinic, you can usually find Callie hiking the campus trails, downtown with friends, or cozied up on the couch with a streaming service and her pit bull Kona. 

Jennifer Barinas, M.A.

Jennifer is a student in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology doctoral program. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Tufts University and her M.A in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. Jennifer’s research interests include exploring how cultural and individual factors impact health outcomes (particularly for those living with chronic health conditions), as well as health promotion and intervention aimed at reducing health disparities. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, and trying new restaurants and foods. 

Jennifer Currently working as a predoctoral intern with the Henry Ford Medical Center focused on behavioral health. 

Kyle M. Brasil, M.S.

Kyle is a doctoral student in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. He comes to Alabama from Idaho, where he was working as a Licensed Professional Counselor since June of 2017. His research interests encompass masculinities and men’s issues, disordered eating, Terror Management Theory, rural populations, and severe and persistent mental illness. When not studying or conducting research, Kyle is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys spending his time with friends and family.

B.S., Psychology, Boise State University, 2014

B.A., Philosophy, Boise State University, 2014

M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2017

Kyle is currently a predoctoral intern at the Utah State University Counseling and Psychological Services

Lab Members Who Have Moved On 

Nicholas C. Borgogna, Ph.D.

Dr. Borgogna is now an Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at Texas Tech University. 

April T. Berry Ph.D.

Dr. Berry is now the Director of Veterans Recovery Resources in Mobile Alabama.


Nathan Booth Ph.D.

Dr. Booth is now a staff psychologist at the University of Missouri Counseling Center. 

Daniel McKelvey Ph.D.

Dr. McKelvey is now an Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at Austin Peay State University.



Matthew Kridel Ph.D.

Dr. Kridel is now an Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Georgia.