Hi everyone! My name is Taylor Claxton. I am first-year graduate student in the Psychological Science Master’s program. I recently completed my undergraduate studies at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, during which I began working with Dr. Walker’s BESTEST Lab. I am currently collaborating on a study investigating how perceptions of the bereaved may differ based on the sexuality, gender, and age. I am also assisting with a qualitative study on perceptions of masculinity in middle-aged to older men. My research interests entail social psychology focusing on well-being, LGBTQ+ issues, perceptions of traumatic events, and risk factors of intimate partner violence and methods of intervention. Aside from studying and research, I enjoy working outside, caring for houseplants, and spending time with friends and family.

My name is Hannah Barger and I am a first-year student in the Psychological Science MS program. I graduated from Tennessee Tech in 2021 with a BS in Psychology and minor in Religious Studies, and currently work as an Academic Advisor for undergraduate Psychology and Communication students here at UTC! As an undergraduate, my research focused on the application of social psychology: personality traits and their correlation with the belief in conspiracy theories and the utilization of shame and guilt to increase organ donor participation were a few of my favorites. My senior thesis covered the categorization of gender-diverse faces to determine how our brains categorize facial features based on perceived gender. Currently, my research focuses on the student experience in higher education. With collaborators across campus, I'm analyzing the advising experience of undergraduate students transferring to UTC using both qualitative and quantitative methods. I plan to stay at UTC and use the research skills I learn in this program to "give voice" to student voices that might traditionally go unheard on campus. 

My name is Taylor Lange, and I am a first-year Psychological Sciences graduate student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I graduated in 2017 with a B.A. in Psychology. I currently work as a software engineer for a national nonprofit organization that develops technologies to empower survivors of human trafficking. My professional experience has centered on supporting individuals impacted by interpersonal violence, community mental health response, and program evaluation for nonprofit organizations striving for social justice and grassroots change.

In the BESTEST Lab, I am conducting a qualitative study on perceptions of masculinity in middle-aged and older men, as well as research exploring perceptions of sexual grooming behaviors based on the age and race of victims. My research interests bridge the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and political science, focusing on qualitative approaches to understanding and providing impactful systemic responses to structural violence and oppression affecting marginalized communities. I am particularly interested in exploring transformative justice approaches for individuals negatively impacted by the commercial sex industry based on theories of capital and symbolic violence.

In my free time, I train as a kickboxer and play goalkeeper for a Chattanooga soccer club.

Hi all! My name is Maya Saxe, and I am a first-year graduate student in the Psychological Science MS program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I graduated from Reed College with a BA in neuroscience. I am interested in preventative research around sexual assault, and more broadly, trauma and PTSD. I am currently working on our sexual grooming project in the BESTEST lab. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. If I am not in the lab, I am likely combing the stacks of the library downtown, designing elaborate spreads for my bullet journal, or running in the ARC.

Hello! My name is Cassie Almond. I'm an undergraduate senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Innovations in Honors. I'm also in the Psychological Science Joint Undergraduate to Master's Program (JUMP). My research interests are centered around (but not limited to) trauma, stress, and adversity. Recently I have been interested in how these experiences intersect with broader social issues. I'm excited to one day pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, where I hope to integrate research and clinical practice to contribute to meaningful, evidence-based approaches to mental health care. Outside of academics, I'm passionate about advocacy, activism, and civic engagement. I'm also intentional about making time for the things that bring me joy, such as collecting trinkets, traveling, taking care of plants, and dabbling in improv comedy.

Hi! My name is Cassie Wilkins, and I'm a senior majoring in psychology at UTC. After graduation, I plan to pursue a dual master's degree in school counseling and clinical counseling at UTC. My passion lies in working with young children and older adults, and my ultimate goal is to establish a private practice that incorporates music, art, and animal-assisted therapy.

I enjoy conducting research and finding solutions to societal issues. My current research focuses on the relationship between undergraduate students and their assigned undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs). This will involve recruiting 600 undergraduate psychology students across four semesters. For this study, I will examine the impact of UTA-student relationships on student satisfaction and academic performance. This research will also contribute to a broader study exploring undergraduate students' knowledge of psychology careers, their professional and academic development, and student learning outcomes. In the future, I would like to explore the challenges faced by the elderly community.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I am passionate about art and music. I enjoy writing songs, singing, recording, and playing piano and guitar. Additionally, I find great joy in sewing, crafting, building miniatures, and painting sculptures. I am blessed with two wonderful children: my son Evan (20) and my daughter Heidi (2). We also have a pet parakeet named Pippi, who loves to talk! He can say, “You’re so cute!” “Hi, Pippi!” and “What are you doing?

Hi and hello! My name is Ellie Minneci and I am a third year Psychology student with a Liberal Arts concentration and minors in Business Administration and Brock Scholars. When I have finished my undergraduate degree, I will be pursuing a master's degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. My honors thesis will be exploring Catholic Nuns and how their recruitment process works, the dynamics within the convent, and the benefits of the occupation. I love to drink tea, spend time with my friends, and bake! 

Hello! My name is Taylor Cole. I am an undergraduate junior majoring in psychology and minoring in child and family studies. My research interests are in personality, cognitive, and human development, and LGBTQ+ studies. After I graduate UTC, I would like to complete a graduate degree and work either as a therapist or working with or teaching children. In my free time, I love reading fantasy novels, watching romcoms, hanging out with friends, and walking around Coolidge Park. This is my first semester as a research assistant, and I am so excited to be a part of this lab! 

Hello everyone! My name is Olivia Lane. I am a psychology major with a minor in child and family studies, and a concentration in social science. I am a senior at UTC this year and this will be my first time working as a research assistant. I am also working on finishing my third year as a resident assistant on campus. As for my career goals, I aspire to become a school psychologist and I specifically will be applying to UTC’s program for next Fall. In my free time I love to paint, listen to music, and go on car rides. 

HI! I'm Jaxson and I'm a sophomore majoring in psychology with minors in Criminal Justice and Brock Scholars. I am studying to be an immigration lawyer and I currently work as a legal assistant at an immigration firm. This is my first year in this lab and I am very excited to take part in research! My research interests include LGBTQIA+ topics as well as topics relating to immigration. In my free time I love cooking, thrifting, learning new instruments, and spending time with my friends!

Hi! I’m Glen Avelis, I’m a junior majoring in Psychology with minors in Creative Writing and Innovation In Honors, hoping to become a therapist and work with neurodivergent and queer youth. My research interests include bias and discrimination, specifically directed at the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as neurodivergence and disability research. In my free time, I like to crochet, read, draw, and play D&D, and I also volunteer at the ChattState Theatre Department in their scene shop.  

Hi friends! My name is Emma Gilland. I am a psychology major with a concentration in social science and a senior at UTC. This is my first year working in Dr. Walker's B.E.S.T.E.S.T. lab. So far, I have been working with Katy on the Grooming Media Analysis Project. Outside of school, I spend my time thrifting, hiking, going to the creek, and working a serving job at a brunch restaurant.