Lab Director
Dr. Albanese is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Psychology program of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Texas A&M University. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University after completing a pre-doctoral internship at the Charleston Consortium/Medical University of South Carolina. His program of research employs a multi-method approach (e.g., event-related potentials, heart rate variability, skin conductance, virtual reality, self-report) to better understand risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) with the ultimate goal of identifying novel intervention targets. In particular, Dr. Albanese utilizes lab-based paradigms in concert with ecological momentary assessments to better understand how neural mechanisms contribute to stress sensitivity and stress-elicited increases in PTSD, STBs, and related psychopathology. Dr. Albanese’s research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH T32) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA F31), in addition to several internal funding programs.
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Graduate students
Alexis Berry
Alexis is a first year clinical psychology doctoral student at Texas A&M University. Her previous experience as a study coordinator at The Ohio State University was running a project on the neural mechanisms of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including EEG and fMRI. Her research interests are to better understand the neurobiological methods of PTSD so that we may improve treatment methods for trauma survivors, particularly women assault victims and first responders. In her free time, Alexis enjoys rock climbing, weight lifting, swimming, hiking, reading, watching movies, going to concerts and spending time with her partner, Evan and mini goldendoodle, Suki.
David Johnson
David graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Biology. Prior to joining the RISC Lab at Texas A&M, David worked as a research coordinator for UT's Anxiety & Health Behaviors Lab under Drs. Jasper Smits and Richard Brown. David's research interests include studying both known and novel risk factors that intersect anxiety disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. |
Research Assistants
Daniela Porro - Lab Manager
Daniela graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she was a lead research assistant in the CONGAlab under Dr. Joseph M. Orr studying reward reinforcement and cognitive flexibility in neurotypical populations. Daniela’s primary research interest is in the neural and cognitive underpinnings of avoidance behaviors in stress and anxiety. In her free time, Daniela plays tactics and strategy games.
Daniela graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she was a lead research assistant in the CONGAlab under Dr. Joseph M. Orr studying reward reinforcement and cognitive flexibility in neurotypical populations. Daniela’s primary research interest is in the neural and cognitive underpinnings of avoidance behaviors in stress and anxiety. In her free time, Daniela plays tactics and strategy games.
Jacqueline Sifuentes
Jacqueline is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. Prior to joining the RISC Lab, Jacqueline worked with Dr. Rachel Smith as a Research Assistant studying habitual and compulsive cocaine seeking in rodents. Jacqueline’s research interests include understanding the relationship between avoidance behaviors and PTSD while learning about the underlying neural mechanisms of PTSD, specifically in children and adolescents. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. During her free time, Jacqueline enjoys weightlifting, collecting vinyl records, and attending metal concerts. Natalie Barretto
Natalie is a senior psychology major minoring in neuroscience and sociology. In addition to the RISC lab, Natalie is also part of Aggie Best Buddies and Helpline. Her research interests include using fMRI and EEGs to determine risk factors associated with psychopathy as well as mental disorders. She plans on applying to PhD forensic psychology programs in Fall of 2023. In her free time, Natalie likes to watch documentaries and read. Samuel Deupree
Sam is a junior psychology major from Bryan, Texas. He plans to get his Master's degree in Cognitive, Social, or Developmental Psychology after he graduates. His primary focus is in PTSD research, but he is also interested in exploring developmental research for his Master's degree or beyond. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, spending time outdoors (hiking, working, etc.), or country western dancing. |
Griffith Greenwood
Reed Lenderman
Reed is a senior B.S. psychology major with a minor in anthropology. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a Ph.D in clinical psychology with a focus on the effects of physical training on mental health. In his free time, Reed enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with his friends.
Reed Lenderman
Reed is a senior B.S. psychology major with a minor in anthropology. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a Ph.D in clinical psychology with a focus on the effects of physical training on mental health. In his free time, Reed enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with his friends.
Saoirse Noelle
Saoirse is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. After she graduates, she plans to get her PsyD in clinical psychology with an emphasis on trauma psychology; she also plans to attain a postdoctoral Master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology. Her aspiration is to help veterans who suffer from PTSD.
Saoirse is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. After she graduates, she plans to get her PsyD in clinical psychology with an emphasis on trauma psychology; she also plans to attain a postdoctoral Master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology. Her aspiration is to help veterans who suffer from PTSD.
Omar Yacoub
Amber Nussberger
Amber is a senior psychology major graduating in fall 2023. After graduating, she plans to take a gap year to work on a cruise liner before getting her Master's in clinical psychology. Amber has been fencing for over a decade and she is now one of the coaches for the Texas A&M fencing club.
Sarah Galvan
Amber is a senior psychology major graduating in fall 2023. After graduating, she plans to take a gap year to work on a cruise liner before getting her Master's in clinical psychology. Amber has been fencing for over a decade and she is now one of the coaches for the Texas A&M fencing club.
Sarah Galvan
Mira Shah
Mira is a sophomore studying Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, with minors in Psychology and Health Humanities. Her areas of research interest includes the mechanisms behind different disorders as well as neurological factors behind certain behaviors in order to better understand and improve treatment methods. After graduation, she plans to pursue professional or graduate school, focusing specifically on psychology and neuroscience. In her free time, she loves to dance, read, and spend time with her Doberman, Rocco.
Mira is a sophomore studying Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, with minors in Psychology and Health Humanities. Her areas of research interest includes the mechanisms behind different disorders as well as neurological factors behind certain behaviors in order to better understand and improve treatment methods. After graduation, she plans to pursue professional or graduate school, focusing specifically on psychology and neuroscience. In her free time, she loves to dance, read, and spend time with her Doberman, Rocco.
Hannah Lee
Hannah is a junior psychology major with an interest in exploring the effects of PTSD on stress behaviors. She is also interested in unraveling the role of genetics on mental health and investigating brain development. Beyond academics, Hannah enjoys hiking, playing golf, baking cookies, and getting in her cardio by walking around H-E-B for countless hours. With aspirations of attending graduate school, her ultimate goal is to establish her own therapy practice, where she can contribute to the mental health of her community.
Hannah is a junior psychology major with an interest in exploring the effects of PTSD on stress behaviors. She is also interested in unraveling the role of genetics on mental health and investigating brain development. Beyond academics, Hannah enjoys hiking, playing golf, baking cookies, and getting in her cardio by walking around H-E-B for countless hours. With aspirations of attending graduate school, her ultimate goal is to establish her own therapy practice, where she can contribute to the mental health of her community.
Alumni
Dorothy Dreelin - Lab Manager
Dorothy is a senior majoring in Psychology. She is interested in studying stress related conditions such as PTSD and how the body processes stress and anxiety. She is also interested in studying the relationship between stress, anxiety, and substance abuse. After graduation, she plans to continue her education in a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program. In her free time, Dorothy enjoys riding horses competitively for the Auburn Eventing Team.
Madeleine Rein
Maddie is a sophomore majoring in Psychology. She is interested in understanding the different behaviors involved in mental disorders such as PTSD. Her post-graduation goals include pursuing a doctorate degree in Psychology.
Johanna Branham
Johanna is a junior studying Psychology, Counseling, and HDFS. In the future, she hopes to attend graduate school to pursue a career in Counseling Psychology.
Lauren Danzey
Lauren is a senior majoring in Psychology. She is interested in examining the efficacy of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for preventative treatment in adolescent populations. Lauren aspires to attend graduate school to purse a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
John Elmer
John is a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program at Auburn. He is interested in learning the effects of trauma and stress from a medical and humanistic perspective to better provide care to his future clients. Upon graduation, John plans to pursue a Ph.D. in either Counseling Supervision and Education or Counseling Psychology.
Jared Montague
Jared graduated from Auburn with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, and he is currently getting his Master's in Counseling at UAB. After completing his Master's, Jared plans to get a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on trauma, crisis intervention, and victimology.
Cheyenne Burkhalter
Cheyenne is a senior majoring in Psychology. She is interested in examining how certain factors affect those more at risk of developing PTSD and suicidal ideation. Cheyenne is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology after graduation.
Josh Tubbs
Josh is a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business and Leadership. He is interested in understanding the different factors in motivation and human efficiency. He plans to continue education with a focus in Industrial Organizational and/or Human Factors Psychology Ph.D. programs.
Lacy Kennedy
Lacy is a junior studying Psychology, Counseling, and Public Health. Lacy plans to plans to continue her education in a Masters program before continuing on to a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program.
Dorothy is a senior majoring in Psychology. She is interested in studying stress related conditions such as PTSD and how the body processes stress and anxiety. She is also interested in studying the relationship between stress, anxiety, and substance abuse. After graduation, she plans to continue her education in a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program. In her free time, Dorothy enjoys riding horses competitively for the Auburn Eventing Team.
Madeleine Rein
Maddie is a sophomore majoring in Psychology. She is interested in understanding the different behaviors involved in mental disorders such as PTSD. Her post-graduation goals include pursuing a doctorate degree in Psychology.
Johanna Branham
Johanna is a junior studying Psychology, Counseling, and HDFS. In the future, she hopes to attend graduate school to pursue a career in Counseling Psychology.
Lauren Danzey
Lauren is a senior majoring in Psychology. She is interested in examining the efficacy of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for preventative treatment in adolescent populations. Lauren aspires to attend graduate school to purse a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
John Elmer
John is a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program at Auburn. He is interested in learning the effects of trauma and stress from a medical and humanistic perspective to better provide care to his future clients. Upon graduation, John plans to pursue a Ph.D. in either Counseling Supervision and Education or Counseling Psychology.
Jared Montague
Jared graduated from Auburn with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, and he is currently getting his Master's in Counseling at UAB. After completing his Master's, Jared plans to get a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on trauma, crisis intervention, and victimology.
Cheyenne Burkhalter
Cheyenne is a senior majoring in Psychology. She is interested in examining how certain factors affect those more at risk of developing PTSD and suicidal ideation. Cheyenne is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology after graduation.
Josh Tubbs
Josh is a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business and Leadership. He is interested in understanding the different factors in motivation and human efficiency. He plans to continue education with a focus in Industrial Organizational and/or Human Factors Psychology Ph.D. programs.
Lacy Kennedy
Lacy is a junior studying Psychology, Counseling, and Public Health. Lacy plans to plans to continue her education in a Masters program before continuing on to a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program.
If you are interested in joining the RISC lab, find application information on the "Join us!" page.