Maurice O. Alsing, MPS. Maurice is a 3rd-year Ph.D. student in the Clinical Psychology program, mentored by Dr. Natalie M. Yarish. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Maryland Global Campus – Europe in 2022 with a B.S. in Psychology and an MPS from the University of Maryland, College Park in Clinical Psychological Science in 2023. Maurice’s research interests include Service Members, their families, and the Veteran population, addressing topics such as loneliness, isolation, and PTSD. In his free time, Maurice enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.
Jessica S. Gebert, MS, CF-SLP. Jessica is a second-year PhD student in the Kinesiology and Rehabilitation program at ODU, advised by Dr. Natalie M. Yarish. She earned a BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in 2023 and an MS in Speech-Language Pathology in 2025, both from ODU. Jessica currently works as a medical speech-language pathologist in the acute rehabilitation unit of a local hospital, where she evaluates, diagnoses, and treats adults with acquired speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing impairments. She is particularly interested in studying social connection and communication in individuals with stroke. Outside of research and clinical work, Jessica likes trying new coffee shops, streaming movies and shows, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.
Fatemeh “Ella” Onsoriasl, B.S. Ella Onsoriasl is a final-year master’s student in Exercise Science at Old Dominion University and will begin her Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation in Fall 2026. Ella earned her B.S. in Midwifery, which shaped her strong interest in women’s health and physical activity across the lifespan. Her research focuses on physical activity, wearable devices, heart rate variability, and the role of social connection and isolation in health outcomes, with particular interest in menopausal and postpartum populations. She is especially interested in how exercise, wearable technology, and social support can be used to better understand and support women’s health during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the menopausal transition. Outside of her academic work, Ella enjoys cooking, photography, hiking, spending time at the beach, and reading.