University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Department of Psychology

SARAH ARIEL LAMER
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Principal Investigator
Dr. Lamer earned her Ph.D. in Social, Affective, and Cognitive Psychology from the University of Denver. Prior to that, she earned her B.A. in Psychology with a certificate in Public Policy and Community Action from Connecticut College. Her primary research interest is in examining the ways that social inequity develops and is maintained in sociocultural environments. Outside of research, she enjoys playing with her cats, doing yoga, playing volleyball, and waiting for new leaves to grow on her calatheas. CV Contact Google Scholar ResearchGate
DARLA BONAGURA
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Graduate Student
Darla is a second-year doctoral student who earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Critical Sexualities Studies from Rutgers University. She is interested in how stereotypes and cognitive biases influence prejudice and discrimination towards individuals based on their gender, race, and sexual orientation. She is particularly interested in how outgroup member’s perceptions of intermediate groups (bisexual/pansexual, transgender/non-binary, and biracial individuals) influences how they disclose their identities in different social contexts. Darla is also interested in interpersonal, legal, and health implications of prejudice towards LGBTQ+ people. CV Contact
GILLIAN PRESTON
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Lab Manager
Gillian recently graduated from UT with a major in Psychology! She is interested in research because she wants to better understand the impact of technology on social behavior and cognition within children and adults. In her free time she enjoys watching crime documentaries, spending time with her cats, and going on nature walks!
CLAUDIA LUU
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Post-Bacc Research Assistant/Project Manager
Claudia recently graduated from UT with a major in Psychology. She became interested in psychology research because she wanted to explore and understand gender dynamics in gaming culture. In her free time, she enjoys baking desserts not offered in Knoxville, playing board/video games, and going on adventures with her friends.
GIGI PETRELLA
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Advanced Undergraduate Research Activity Scholar/Research Assistant
Gigi is a third year undergraduate student majoring in psychology with a double minor in sociology and political science. She really enjoys studying the formation of racial stereotypes and how those stereotypes affect policy making and are reinforced through our social systems. She hopes to eventually take this information to join activist initiatives that fight against racial inequality and injustice. In Gigi's free time, she loves hiking, eating at different restaurants, and seeing live music!
TANNER LAPERE
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Research Assistant
Tanner recently graduated from UT. He started to favor psychological explanations for social and interpersonal phenomena. He thought that the opportunity to be involved with this lab would be a fascinating hands on experience, eventually leading to developing explanations and answer questions of his own. Outside of school, he enjoys gardening, knitting, hiking, and being outdoors.
HAYLEY SIMPSON
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Honors Thesis Student
Hayley is a second year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and minoring in leadership studies. She is interested in social psychology research, specifically the formation of attitudes towards conservation and environmental stewardship behaviors. In her free time, she loves hiking with friends, doing crossword puzzles, and practicing yoga.
TIERANNY MCNAMEE
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Research Assistant
Tierrany is a third-year undergraduate at UT majoring in psychology. She became interested in psychology research because she wanted to learn more about how people think and perceive the world and what impacts the perceptions people have. She plans to become a child psychiatrist. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and pet rabbit.
LYDIA RATLIFF
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Research Assistant
Lydia is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Italian and Psychology. She is interested in research because she finds it fascinating how people influence the behavior of other people. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
KAITLYN KILBURN
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Research Assistant
Kaitlyn is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. She is interested in how subject presentation affects judgment and responsiveness to questions. Kaitlyn plans to continue her education in France and strives to become a neuropsychologist.
ABIGAIL MORGAN
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Research Assistant
Abigail is a fourth year undergraduate student studying Psychology and Middle Eastern Studies with a concentration in Arabic. She is interested in research because she wants to gain experience and knowledge that will further help her pursue a career in Forensic Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, friends, and boyfriend.
SARAH LERNER
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Research Assistant
Sarah is a third-year undergraduate student at UT majoring in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. She became interested in psychological research because she wants to understand how identity is shaped by family relationships and social culture. In the future, she hopes to become a family therapist. In her free time, she loves reading, hiking, and trying new things with her friends.