Prospective Volunteer Research Assistants and Directed Individual Study Students
See a graduate student whose research interests you?
Email them directly for details on research opportunities.
Graduate Students
Katie Broshek is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology program. Originally from Long Island, NY, she earned her B.A. in Psychology from the Catholic University of America before working as a full-time research assistant at Uniformed Services University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. Her research focuses on identifying risk factors and mechanisms underlying disordered eating and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with a particular emphasis on the role of minority stress. Outside the lab, you can find her baking, playing with her dog, or re-watching The West Wing.
Nikhila Udupa’s research focuses broadly on the intersection of disordered eating and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including how social behaviors contribute to the development of both. Her work ranges from examining factors that exacerbate suicide risk among those with eating disorders to identifying behavioral biomarkers of disordered eating. Nikhila additionally has interests in uncontrollability of suicidal thoughts and how a lack of perceived control may increase risk for suicidal behaviors. Outside of the lab, Nikhila enjoys doing fiber arts and other crafts, and hanging out with her cat.
Undergraduate Research Assistants: Lyann Cruz; Kendall Bub; Ava Gonzales
Emma Edenbaum studies the effects of negative interpretation biases and episodic autobiographical memory distortions on suicidal thoughts and behaviors. She is also particularly interested in the heterogeneity of borderline personality disorder and understanding motivations behind lifetime engagement in nonsuicidal self-injury. In her free time, Emma enjoys bird watching, training dogs, and preparing animal fun facts for her next zoo trip.
Undergraduate Research Assistants: Emma Oliveras, Nicole Aitchison, Salome Kang
Morgan Robison received her M.S in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University (FSU). She is currently a graduate student and doctoral candidate at FSU, expected graduation 2027. Morgan’s research interests include understanding risk factors that increase the capacity for suicide alongside theories around lethality and ideation to action theories. She is interested in working with vulnerable populations to learn about the cultural and cognitive factors related to suicidal behaviors. Additionally, she is interested in understanding dehumanization’s role as a potential leverage point within suicidal thoughts and behaviors. On the weekends Morgan likes to spend time surfing or painting!
Undergraduate Research Assistants: Gwendolyn Adkins, Alejandra Nunez De Villavicencio, Alexandria Hart, Cassandra Holder, Makenna Jenkins, Skylar Yam
Tyler Rice is interested in studying distal and proximal risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in regard to minoritized groups, military populations, and individuals with substance use disorders. Her overall goal is to improve detection of at-risk individuals to prevent suicide attempts. In her free time, Tyler enjoys being outside and exploring the parks around Tallahassee.
Undergraduate Research Assistants: John Askew; Jay Collar; Chrissy Hardy; Emma Kromm; Robbie Rice; Emma Roth
Sophie Abber received her B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience and Anthropology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of San Diego in 2019, and subsequently received her M.S. in Psychology from Drexel University in 2021. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Florida State University. Her primary research interests include: (1) neurobiological mechanisms underlying eating disorders, disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI; formerly known as functional gastrointestinal disorders), and the interaction between eating disorders and DGBI; and (2) the diagnosis/classification of eating disorders, particularly avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. In her free time, Sophie enjoys reading, cooking, running, and practicing Ashtanga yoga.
Sara Prostko is a first-year doctoral student in the Joiner Lab. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from Lawrence University. Prior to coming to FSU, she worked at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Addiction Psychiatry under Dr. Joji Suzuki. Sara’s research interests are broadly on suicide treatment, prevention, and the factors that contribute to suicidal ideation. In her free time, Sara enjoys paddleboarding, Trivia, and spending time with her cats.
Undergraduate Research Assistants: Olivia Mesa, Olivia Pielak, Ava DeMaio, May Sulema, Elizabeth Quijada
