Lira is an Associate Professor in the Human Services Psychology (Clinical) program at UMBC. She received her doctoral degree from Northwestern University and is licensed in Maine. Her main research interest lies in the interaction between cognition and emotion in the context of psychological disorders, mainly anxiety and depression. To this end, her experimental psychopathology research focuses on cognitive processes (e.g., biases in interpretation, working memory, and autobiographical memories), biological and psychological stress responses, and emotion regulation in emotional disorders. Her research program integrates biological and psychological lines of inquiry.

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Ethan is a third-year graduate student in the Human Services Psychology (Clinical) program at UMBC. Ethan's research interests center around the fixed mindset of emotion and the ways that it relates to emotion regulation. In his spare time, Ethan likes to read and play guitar. 

Aidan is a second-year PhD student in the Human Services Psychology program (Clinical Psychology track) at UMBC. His research is focused on the interplay of cognitive and emotional processes in the development, maintenance, and comorbidity of depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. In particular, he is interested in the dynamic relationship between memory and transdiagnostic processes (e.g., repetitive negative thinking and emotion regulation) that are observed across psychopathology.

Prior to attending UMBC, Aidan worked as a research technician at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center for three years. Here, he conducted diagnostic interviews of veterans seeking treatment for alcohol and substance use, provided administrative and research support to various  projects, and served as the Chair of the local Research and Development Committee. In this role, he also supported research at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia, where he primarily worked as a project manager for a pilot randomized controlled trial to improve health outcomes in acutely hospitalized veterans. Aidan received his BS in Kinesiology (Psychology double major) from Temple University in 2017 and his MS in Psychology from Villanova University in 2020. 

Aidan is a first-generation college student and is happy to answer any questions about applying to graduate school and life as a graduate student. He can be reached at aflynn3@umbc.edu.

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Julia is a second-year PhD student in the Human Services Psychology program (Clinical Psychology track) at UMBC. Julia graduated from Dartmouth College in 2020 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Environmental Studies. At Dartmouth, Julia worked as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Luke Chang’s Computational Social Affective Neuroscience Laboratory and completed her thesis on behavioral mechanisms underlying interpersonal expectancy effects in clinical settings. During college, Julia became a registered behavior technician while working at an applied behavior analysis (ABA) clinic providing ABA services to children with autism spectrum disorders. After graduating, Julia worked as a research assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Dr. Katherine Burdick’s Mood and Psychosis Research Program. Julia managed a longitudinal study focused on identifying immune mechanisms underlying differential neurocognitive trajectories in bipolar disorder. Her research interests include 1) whether and how cognitive and emotional factors may prolong physiological and psychological stress responses, 2) biological embedding of stress through neuroendocrine and inflammatory processes, and 3) biological markers and environmental stress risk factors for the onset and recurrence of mood disorders. In her free time, Julia enjoys running, attending concerts, and thrifting. She can be reached at jpotter1@umbc.edu.  

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Ibi Adewunmi is a junior from Frederick, Maryland, and a psychology major. After graduating, she is interested in applying to a graduate program in counseling psychology. In her free time, she likes to draw and read.

Ana Delariva is a third-year Psychology B.S major at UMBC. She is a first generation Mexican American and grew up here in Baltimore, MD. During her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, grabbing lunch with friends, and watching badly written movies. Ana hopes to get her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology after she graduates.

Sonia Hug is a junior psychology student pursuing the B.S. track. She plans to go to graduate school to study clinical psychology; she is particularly interested in emotional disorders. Her hobbies include listening to music, drawing, and reading. 

Colleen Libcke is a (super) senior returning to UMBC to complete their Psychology B.A. with a specialty in Human Services Psychology. They aspire to continue their education with ambitions to someday earn their PhD in Clinical Psychology. Through their own long journey of recovery and continued maintenance, they are committed to applying psychology and compassion to help others thrive. Outside of school, as a deemed “Jack of All Trades” their hobbies include and are not limited to… having more hobbies.

Ericka Lowery is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, diving into the world of neuropsychology. Ericka has her sights set on earning a doctorate in neuropsychology and starting her own practice. She recently graduated from the Community College of Baltimore County, where she originally studied vocal music, but graduated with an associate's in general studies. Outside of classes, Ericka loves exploring new places through travel.

Amina Muhammad is a junior from Bowie, Maryland. She is majoring in Psychology with a Sociology minor. She is a part of the scholarship program and research study STEMBUILD which is for students who are interested in biomedical and behavioral sciences research. After graduating she is interested in getting her PhD in Clinical Psychology. 

Trisha Tomcy is a sophomore biochemistry major with a minor in psychology and music. Her academic journey is fueled by a strong aspiration to pursue a Ph.D. in neurobiology. She is a part of the UMBC STEM BUILD program to make this aspiration a reality! She specifically wants to understand the connection between behavior/ stimuli and how that can impact the biology of the brain. Beyond the lab, Trisha enjoys writing music, immersing herself in poetry, and playing an absurd amount of Stawdew Valley to embrace a simpler life.  

Vanessa Salazar is a third-year Psychology undergraduate student from Germantown, MD. After graduation, Vanessa hopes to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, long walks, and journaling.

Robinho Valdivia is a second-year psychology major with a Spanish minor. He lived his whole life in Maryland, and he is very interested in becoming a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. He hopes to explore a career in the mental health field where he can give back to the community. He likes to play a bit of volleyball and likes to socialize.