Welcome to The BESTEST Blog, your window into the work being conducted by undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Psychology, under the supervision of Dr. Ruth Walker. As you navigate through our blog, you'll see posts BESTEST Lab researchers have written about their experiences working in the lab, discussing interesting findings from their work, descriptions of the research methods they are using, and more. Whether you're a curious student eager to explore potential research opportunities or someone interested in our research, we welcome to The BESTEST Blog!
Harnessing AI for Academic Success: Navigating the Fine Line Between Assistance and Plagiarism by Ciara Carl
Beyond the Classroom: The Value of Undergraduate Research in Psychology by Ciara Carl
Field Experiments: Real-World Research by Ciara Carl
Meet Will: A Senior's Journey in Psychological Research by William Higdon
Exploring Qualitative Methods: Content Analysis to Understand University LGBTQ+ Friendliness by Ciara Carl
Publication and Editorial Opportunities: Modern Psychological Studies by Ciara Carl
Bella's Insights from Our University LGBTQ+ Social Media Study by Bella Wills
Navigating Research and Mentorship: Insights from My Journey in the B.E.S.T.E.S.T. Lab by LC Marlatt
Intersectionality and Employment Barriers: Analyzing Age and Gender Bias in Job Advertisements by Ciara Carl
Kay's Undergrad Thesis Adventure by Makayla Hall
Pretty Little Problematic: A Closer Look at Grooming Behavior in TV by Heather Almand
Heather's Time in the BESTSEST Lab by Heather Almand
John’s Journey as the Longest-Running BESTEST Member by John DiClementi
Growing Through the Work: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community by Katherine Johnson
From Corpsman to Clinical Psychologist: My Journey Toward Purpose and PhD by Meagan Tsai
Bella's Thesis Journey by Bella Hooper
Tabatha's Undergraduate Research Journey! by Tabatha Hoyt
Our lab is dedicated to producing open-source, accessible research and resources aimed at promoting equity and supporting vulnerable communities—including women, minorities, children, older adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We believe that knowledge and tools for change should be available to everyone, free of charge.
However, funding for research broadly related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is increasingly being reduced or eliminated. This creates new challenges for researchers committed to studying issues that disproportionately affect underrepresented and marginalized populations.
Your Support Matters:
If our work has been helpful to you, and you are in a position to contribute, your support can help us bridge this funding gap. Every donation—no matter the size—allows us to sustain our research and invest in the next generation of social science leaders.
How Your Support Helps:
Funding Student Research: Your contributions directly support diverse students conducting research on issues that might otherwise go underfunded, including:
Workplace experiences of LGBTQ+ faculty and staff compared to their non-LGBTQ+ colleagues.
The development of a website to help prospective students assess universities’ LGBTQ+ friendliness based on our research.
Workshops to prevent child and adolescent sexual grooming (both digital and in-person).
Barriers men face when seeking orders of protection.
Transformative justice approaches for sex trafficking survivors.
And many other student-driven projects that address the needs of marginalized groups.
Supporting Student Professional Development: Your donation also helps fund conference travel, research training, and career development opportunities—ensuring that students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, gain the skills and networks they need to thrive.
Why Now?
As traditional funding streams for DEI-focused research decline, your support becomes even more critical. It helps ensure that the work of our students and researchers can continue—driving knowledge, influencing policy, and supporting those who need it most.
Join Us:
We remain committed to keeping all our research and resources freely available to the public. If you believe in our mission and have the means to contribute, we would be truly grateful for your support—whether it’s the equivalent of a cup of coffee or a larger gift. If you would like more information on current projects we are working to fund, please contact Dr. Walker at ruth-walker@utc.edu
Together, we can advance equity and ensure this work endures. Thank you for standing with us.