Maurice O. Alsing, MPS. Maurice is a 1st 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 a 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 cohesion, isolation, and resiliency. In his free time, Maurice enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.
Samantha A. Fitzer, M.S. Samantha is a 5th year Ph.D. student in the Health Psychology program and is mentored by Dr. James M. Henson. She graduated from North Dakota State University in 2020 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. Her research interests include risky health behaviors among college students and young adults, specifically in the field of vaping nicotine and cannabis. During her free time, Samantha enjoys exploring local events and coffee shops. She also loves to read, relax at the beach, and bake goodies for her friends and family.
Josh Lawton, M.S. Josh is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in the Kinesiology and Rehabilitation program and is co-mentored by Dr. Christopher Rhea. He graduated from East Carolina University in 2021 with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. In 2023, Josh graduated from East Carolina University with a M.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Biomechanics and Motor Control. His current research interests include sub-concussions in the active military population, and heart-rate variability in the veteran population.
Ella Onsoriasl is a master’s student in Exercise Science at Old Dominion University, mentored by both Drs. Natalie Yarish and Heather Hamilton. She graduated from Azad University in 2022 with a B.S. in Midwifery, and her research interests include the effects of physical activity on prenatal and postpartum health, as well as the impact of heart rate variability during pregnancy and menopause. Outside of her academic pursuits, Ella enjoys a variety of hobbies. She has a passion for cooking and exploring new recipes, finds relaxation in photography, and spends much of her free time at the beach and hiking. Ella also enjoys reading and values quality time spent with friends.
Ilianna Natalia Romanzo, B.S. Ilianna graduated from Old Dominion University in 2023 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Addiction Prevention & Treatment while being a part of the D1 Women’s Rowing team. On the road to a doctorate in Sports Psychology, Ilianna seeks research experience following 10 years as a coxswain. She is currently training for the Coastal Rowing World Championships and has a passion for working with athletes. Originally from New York state, Ilianna loves to spend time at the beach, read, and cook for her family.
Alumni
Rachel Ayala Guzman, B.S. Rachel is a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Health Psychology program and is mentored by Dr. Abby Braitman. Her research interests include identifying potential psychosocial risk factors (e.g., emotional well-being) related to problematic alcohol use among young adult college students as well as examining racial differences in alcohol use behaviors. Her non-academic interests primarily involve visiting local coffee shops and restaurants or attending local events during the weekend to support her favorite small businesses. As a native Californian, she also loves any excuse to go to the beach and is a proud plant mom who is always happy to introduce new members to her ever-growing plant family!
Jennifer L. Shipley, M.S., M.P.H. Jennifer successfully defended her Ph.D. in the Health Psychology program and was mentored by Dr. Abby Braitman. She graduated from California Lutheran University in 2014 with a B.S. in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology. In 2016, Jennifer graduated from The University of Arizona with an M.P.H. in Health Behavior Health Promotion. Her current research interests include health behaviors in the college student population, especially in the area of high-risk alcohol and cannabis use.
Elin Kata Sigurgeirsdottir, B.S. Elin graduated from Old Dominion University in 2023 with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Chemistry where she was a part of the women’s NCAA division I swimming team. Elin sought research experience following several years of working in a clinical setting with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. She is currently a medical student. Originally from Akureyri, Iceland, Elin is always happy to be in the warm weather near the beach and spend time outdoors. She also enjoys baking for herself and her roommates as well as taking care of her plants.