Primary Investigator
Karen E. Wetzel, PhD
Karen Wetzel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas - El Paso. Dr. Wetzel completed her BS in Psychology at Florida State University and her MS and PhD at Kent State University. Her research lies at the intersection of social and health psychology, and her primary research interest is weight stigma through an intersectional lens. She is specifically interested in how identity and self-perception impact coping strategies, health behaviors, and prejudiced beliefs related to weight. In her free time, Karen enjoys all things music, pop culture, movies, and Formula 1. She also spends time hiking, camping, running, horseback riding, and golfing.
Contact Info:
Email: kewetzel@utep.edu
Office: Psychology 118
Phone:
Courses Taught:
Social Psychology (PSYC 2302)
Graduate Students
We are currently recruiting PhD students for the incoming class in Fall 2027. If you are interested in working in the WETSL lab, please email Dr. Wetzel at kewetzel@utep.edu.
Research Assistants
We are currently recruiting undergraduate RAs in the lab for the Spring 2027 semester. If you are interested in working in the WETSL lab, please complete the application form under "Join the Lab" and email it to Dr. Wetzel at kewetzel@utep.edu.
Karina is a senior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Her main interests are in addiction and clinical psychology, and she plans on attending grad school to become a psychologist. Outside of school, she is a very passionate dancer who specializes in the hip-hop style. She also likes to explore new places to eat, enjoys traveling, and loves spending quality time with her loved ones.
Dierany Molina is a Psychology major and Legal Reasoning minor at The University of Texas at El Paso. Her research interests include social media, mental health, body image, and the psychological and societal effects of emerging trends. She is also interested in the intersection of psychology and law and plans to pursue a law degree after completing her undergraduate studies. Through her work in the WETSL Lab, she hopes to develop her research and academic skills while exploring questions that connect psychology, society, and the law.
Sarina is a senior at the University of Texas at El Paso studying neuroscience. Her main interest focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and cognitive performance, and the factors involved in their functions; specifically, how socioeconomic and environmental factors contribute to a decline in the brain and cognition. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, playing video games, and watching movies with her family.
Jessica is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso majoring in psychology with a minor in marketing. Her main interest in psychology is mental health, and struggles such as depression, body image, etc.. And their treatment/ coping mechanisms. She plans on attending grad school and persuing a career in therapy. Other interests are horror movies, halloween and anything spooky! She also loves music, cats and binge watching shows.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Autumn is a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Her main psychological focus is on child psychology; especially how social interactions and expectations can affect development into teenagers and adults. She plans to attend graduate school and ultimately become a child psychologist. Other than school her hobbies include going to the gym, reading, and baking. She also loves her dogs, spending time with friends, and traveling to new places.
Soraya Vasquez is a current undergraduate at the University of Texas at El Paso where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology along with her minor in Creative Writing. She plans to attend graduate school for a Masters in Mental Health and Counseling as another step towards becoming a children’s counselor, her way of serving her community and its members. Her main interests in research are studies in mental health and social psychology, specifically in gender studies. Outside of her academics, Vasquez enjoys writing poetry and fiction pieces, analyzing movies, and listening to music of any genre.
Lab Mascot
Willow W. W. Wetzel
Willow received his doctorate in Barketing from Kent State University. His research interests include destigmatizing muzzles and mental health medications. He received post-doctoral training in scent work and reactivity at the Behavior Clinic in North Olmstead, OH, and is excited for his new life in El Paso! Outside of work, he likes to hike, play with toys, eat cheese, and cuddle with his mama. Some of his favorite "bad boy" pasttimes that he swears he's left in Ohio (but we know he hasn't) are digging through the trash, stealing food off the counter, and barking at his mama when she isn't listening to him.