MICHAELINE JENSEN 

Assistant Professor, Psychology 

​Michaeline earned her Ph.D. in Psychology in 2016 from Arizona State University, and completed her Bachelor's at the University of Arizona in 2008.  Her research focuses on the role of social contexts in adolescent development, with an emphasis on using novel tools to understand the parent-child relationship and the cultural environments within which these relationships are embedded. 

MARIANI WEINSTEIN

Graduate RA

Mariani Weinstein, B.A., is a first year graduate student in UNCG's clinical psychology Ph.D. program.  She completed her B.A in Psychology at Northwestern University as a QuestBridge College Match Scholar. Her specific research interests are in the intersection of family relationships, psychopathology, and culture, with a focus on the Latinx community. Her goal is to contribute to the development of culturally-tailored and accessible interventions for underserved youth, so they can develop into emotionally- and socially-fulfilled adults.
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EMILY HASTON

Post Bac RA

Emily earned her B.A. in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill in 2018, with minors in Hispanic Studies and Social and Economic Justice.  She is serving Teach for America as a Spanish teacher at Grimsley High School in Greensboro. Emily worked as coder of parent-child text message interactions during her time at UNC-Chapel Hill, and her current role in the IRL is as a volunteer post-bac RA.  ​

MICHAEL PUERTO

MA RA

Michael got his BS in Psychology at UNCG, and is currently in UNCG's Master of Science in Informatics and Analytics Program.  He is interested in Social Psychology and non-verbal communication.  Michael enjoys skateboarding and rollerblading.  He says that he is half Honduran, and that in Honduras, he has eaten Iguana eggs.  

XIADANI AVILA ​

Post Bac RA

Xiadani graduated UNCG in 2019 with a major in Psychology, and is currently working as an RA for Strong Minds Strong Communities at UNCG and a Clinical Evaluator with the Mind and Body Institute.  Xiadani loves latin music, writing, and exploring her Mexican heritage. 

LARRY BARNES

Undergrad RA

Larry received his BS in Human Development and Family Studies at UNCG graduating Summa Cum Laude. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work in the JMSW program between UNCG and NC A&T. He is an Army veteran who is proud that his daughter, a UNCG student, is a Air Force ROTC cadet. He enjoys volunteering as a Guardian ad Litem, expressive writing, trying new food and listening to music.

JAKAIA SHEPHERD

Undergrad RA

Jakaia is a senior majoring in Psychology with an interest in Clinical Psychology and Criminal Justice. She is an active member of the military, and enjoys being outdoors, hiking, and riding ATVs.  

HAYLEY ROBERTSON

Undergrad RA

Hayley is an undergrad sociology major, with minors in psychology and music. After graduating with the class of 2021, Hayley plans to continue her education in order to receive her LCSW. In her free time, she loves being outdoors and listening to music. Hayley has a cat named Poppy that she loves very much.

ALLI O'BRIEN

Undergrad RA

Alli is a senior at UNCG, double-majoring in Psychology and Sociology. She is interested in clinical, developmental, and social psychology and plans to pursue graduate training.  She enjoys music, cooking, and cats!

SAMANTHA HYATT

Undergrad RA

Samantha is a senior at UNCG majoring in Psychology. After graduation she plans to pursue her Masters in School Psychology Samantha enjoys traveling, trying new foods and working with special needs children. Her role in the lab will be as an Undergraduate Research Assistant.

SCOTTY FRENCH

Undergrad RA

Scotty is a Sophomore at UNCG majoring in Psychology and Sociology. He is interested in Clinical and Social Psychology and plans to become a therapist in the future. Outside the lab, Scotty enjoys drawing, listening to music and looking at anything cat-related. 

DANI NANCE 

Undergrad RA

Dani is a senior at UNCG majoring in psychology. After her bachelor's degree she plans to take a break from school to gain some experience in the field of psychology, then return to school to earn her doctorate in clinical psychology. Dani enjoys drawing, painting, playing video games, and taking care of her cats.

JASMINE KESSLER

Undergrad RA

Jasmine is a junior at UNCG studying Psychology, and plans to pursue a masters and PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her main interests are personality disorders, trauma, and how socioeconomics and environments influence identity. Outside of the lab Jasmine enjoys finding new music, spending time with close friends, grounding herself in nature, and exploring different spices and herbs from different food cultures. Food really brings people together. 

Aneshia Murrell

Undergrad RA

Aneshia is a senior at UNCG pursuing her B.S. in Psychology and a minor is Sociology.  She works as a summer camp counselor with children that have Autism Spectrum Disorder. After graduating, Aneshia plans to gain more experience in helping children with trauma, mental disorders, behavior disorders, and learning disorders. She plans to earn her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology so she can live her dream of providing hope, care, and to help children. Outside of the lab, Aneshia enjoys spending time with her loved ones and playing with her highly energetic Australian Cattle dog at bark parks.

Sophia Priest

Undergrad RA

Sophie is a Sophomore at UNCG majoring in Psychology. She wishes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology after her undergraduate studies and eventually become a professor. Her main research interests are trauma narratives, PTSD, and the positive effects of video games or other forms of technology on mental health. Outside of the lab, Sophie loves playing video games and hanging out with her three dogs!

Jessica Nnanna

Undergrad RA

Jessica is a junior at UNCG majoring in Psychology, with an interest in counseling psychology and immigrant outreach. Outside of the lab, Jessica enjoys writing, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones. She is also an avid lover of primary colors.