Our Students

Curious what types of students join our Psychological Sciences MS Degree program? Check out the following bio summaries for our current students (2025-2026):

Second Year Students:

Claire Beach

What are your research interests? 

My research interests include executive function and the process of decision making, the connection between the brain and human behavior, and treatments for neurological dysfunction.  

What are your career goals? 

After obtaining a master’s degree in psychological science, I will pursue a PhD in the field of neuropsychology.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose this program because of the outstanding faculty and student teaching opportunities. The broad range of skill development offered is useful for pursuing a PhD in the future. In addition to this, the mentorship model provides valuable feedback and support from successful cognitive scientists in the field.  

Cooper Mathis

What are your research interests? 

In general I am interested in the intersection between cognitive, clinical and behavioral psychology. More specifically, I am interested in how clinical disorders affect cognition and how that cognitive dysfunction is manifested. I am particularly interested in mood and personality disorders. 

What are your career goals? 

My end goal is to obtain a PhD in clinical psychology and pursue either research in clinical settings or to become a clinician.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

What drew me to the UTC Psych Science program was the mix of research and teaching opportunities. This program has a heavy focus on research, which is something that I am interested in, but it also offers opportunities to explore teaching within psychology.  

Hannah Barger 

What are your research interests? 

My research interests so far in my journey have been interdisciplinary, but I’m most passionate about applied social psychology . I’m currently focusing on applying psychology to strengthen educational outcomes for students across UTC’s campus. For example, the most recent study I’ve directed focuses on student perceptions of the advising “onboarding” experience for undergraduate transfer students coming to UTC.  

What are your career goals? 

My current career goals are to use the skills and knowledge I learn from this program and apply them across campus. I currently work as an undergraduate Academic Advisor, and plan to use this degree to qualify for promotions here at UTC. This program also puts me in a particularly qualified position to provide evidence through research to support and promote policy change for the university. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose the UTC Psych Science program for two reasons. First, this was a great location since I already work on campus (and Chattanooga’s a great city). More importantly, my psychology students would tell me how dedicated the psychology faculty were to student success. I couldn’t help but want to get involved with this program! 

Hannah Daughtery 

What are your research interests? 

My research interests revolve around understanding belief systems. Specifically, I am intrigued by how these systems are developed and maintained throughout a person’s lifetime and how they affect different areas of behavior and decision-making. Within this realm, I am fascinated by how these beliefs can go awry through polarization, extremism, or the influence of misinformation. Our beliefs impact every aspect of our lives, from interpersonal relationships to moral views to what products we buy. I aim to investigate the psychological mechanisms underlying belief-driven behaviors to gain a better understanding of how people construct and navigate complex social realities. My objective is to identify the moments when individuals are most receptive to revising or re-evaluating their beliefs, and how subtle social cues or interventions can promote adaptive changes in belief systems. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to the development of strategies that ameliorate the myriad negative outcomes that stem from beliefs "gone bad," fostering a more empathetic and socially cohesive environment. 

What are your career goals? 

After completing my master’s degree, I plan to pursue a PhD to further specialize in social psychology and build a research-centered career. My long-term goal is to advance the understanding of belief systems and their impact on societal behavior through rigorous, high-impact studies. I am particularly focused on producing research that offers insights into complex psychological phenomena and addresses real-world issues. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to the field by developing evidence-based strategies that foster social cohesion and resilience against polarized beliefs. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose the UTC Psychological Science program because of its strong emphasis on research and the mentorship model that aligns with my career goals. With my interest in studying belief systems and their social impact, UTC’s focus on developing critical evaluation skills and offering hands-on research experience will be invaluable in shaping my future research interests and fostering my ability to make meaningful contributions to the field. The program’s comprehensive approach to data analysis and ethical research practices also provides the foundation I need to advance toward a PhD and a research-centered career in social psychology. 

Izabella Leblanc

What are your research interests? 

I have a broad interest in social psychology, with a continued interest in the intersection of psychology and law. My primary research interests are to understand how social influences—such as peer and familial relationships, and community dynamics—affect mental health and behavior among at-risk youth. I aim to explore social intervention programs for at-risk youth, with the goal of identifying methods that foster positive mental health outcomes. I’m also interested in research concerning the juvenile justice system and rehabilitation, as well as supporting victims of crime.  

What are your career goals? 

I would like to pursue my Ph.D. after graduating, either in social psychology or clinical psychology. Following my Ph.D. I would like to assist with and help develop community programs that support at-risk youth.  

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose the UTC Psychological Science program because of its well-rounded faculty, who have niche research interests. I believe the program has faculty that caters most to my own interests and would provide me with a robust education to prepare me for my future career.  

Luke Hicks

What are your research interests? 

Broadly, my research interests center around clinical and cognitive psychology. Specifically, I have interest in empowerment strategies and positive clinical outcomes related to the autistic community. The focus of my thesis project is to determine techniques of goal attainment among neurodivergent individuals related to social and self-perception. Additionally, I am currently working on projects concentrated on developing a scale related to resilience to trauma for children. I also have special interest in applied qualitative methodology in understanding theory of mind among marginalized adolescent and child populations. 

What are your career goals? 

After completing this program, I hope to pursue a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. My ambition is to become a licensed clinical child psychologist specializing in work with autistic or disadvantaged groups. My passion for a psychological career originates from the paucity of childhood mental health interventions in the Southeast.   

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose UTC’s psychological science program because of the genuine nature of the faculty and the welcoming environment they cultivate. This program also offers a unique experience to work with specific faculty members and learn from their expertise. I believe the mentor modeling in this program creates a structure that fosters immense growth in key skills in psychological research. Also, I love being outside and Chattanooga has countless opportunities to hike, fish, and bike.  

William Moore

What are your research interests?   

I am interested in deepening our understanding of how mental health issues manifest within the body. 

What are your career goals?   

My goal is to complete a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. My dream is to work in clinical practice while also conducting research, ideally in an academic setting. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program?   

I chose the UTC Psychological Science M.S. program for the opportunity to collaborate with enthusiastic and knowledgeable mentors. I had also heard positive feedback about the cohort model, and the idea of having a supportive group of peers sounded like a great thing to be involved in! 

Samantha Dean

What are your research interests? 

My research interests are broad, encompassing clinical, cognitive, and social psychology. I am particularly intrigued by developmental issues, cognitive processes, and aspects of social psychology such as personality and emotions. I look forward to exploring these areas further to refine my focus. 

What are your career goals? 

My primary career goal is to pursue a PhD in psychology, with a broad interest in areas such as clinical, cognitive, and social psychology. I am excited to explore these diverse fields through the UTC Psychological Science program, which I believe will help me identify my specific passions and strengths. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to the field through research and practice, making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose the UTC Psychological Science program because of its strong emphasis on research and practical application. The faculty's expertise and the program's focus on hands-on experience align well with my career goals in psychology. Additionally, the supportive academic environment and the opportunity to engage with diverse communities attracted me to UTC, making it an ideal place for my studies. 

Taylor Claxton

What are your research interests? 

My current research interests primarily entail social psychology. Specifically, I am interested in intimate partner abuse, perceptions of traumatic events, social inequalities, and intersectionality. Through research, I aim to understand risk factors and inform effective prevention and intervention strategies to improve well-being. 

What are your career goals? 

My goal is to become a social psychologist and conduct research to address real-world problems and improve individuals’ well-being. I am considering pursuing a PhD after completing the Psychological Science program. However, I am also open to working in the applied research sector after graduating. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose the UTC Psychological Science program based on my undergraduate experience at UTC, during which the psychology department faculty consistently provided me with opportunities and guidance necessary for my academic and professional development. Additionally, my prior experience on the editorial board for the Modern Psychological Studies journal and the opportunity to serve as Editor-in-Chief played a significant part in my decision. 

Taylor Lange

What are your research interests? 

My research interests focus on the intersection of community psychology, sociology, and political science, with a particular emphasis on understanding how disparate economic and social macrosystems perpetuate structural violence and contribute to injustice and inequity experienced by historically marginalized populations. My goal through research is to contribute to the dismantling of systemic oppression by creating and expanding social theories that can ultimately drive social and political policy changes towards genuine equity and justice. 

What are your career goals? 

Following my graduation from UTC’s Psychological Science program, I plan to pursue doctoral studies to further my research on structural violence and systemic oppression. My long-term goal is to work for a think tank, such as the Urban Institute, where I can contribute to economic and social policy research that promotes impactful policy recommendations. Additionally, I aspire to continue engaging in academia, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of thought leaders who are committed to driving meaningful social change. 

Why did you choose the UTC Psychological Science program? 

I chose UTC’s Psychological Science program because of its strong emphasis on research and the opportunity to work closely with faculty who are leaders in academia and innovation. The program’s mentorship model provides invaluable individualized guidance as I cultivate my own research interests and shape the next phase of my academic and professional journey. UTC’s robust connections to the Chattanooga community provides an incredible opportunity for experiential learning to apply my skills and knowledge in ways that are meaningful to me and reflect my career goals. 

 

First Year Students: