University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Department of Psychology

SARAH ARIEL LAMER
She/Her/Hers
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 two cats, playing volleyball, and gardening. CV Contact Google Scholar ResearchGate
DARLA BONAGURA
She/Her/Hers
Doctoral Student
Darla is a fourth-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 Google Scholar
GILLIAN PRESTON
She/Her/Hers
Doctoral Student
Gillian is a second year doctoral student with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She is interested in studying how children develop racial and gender stereotypes from their social environments and peers. Specifically, she is interested in applied and intervention-based work aimed to help reduce children’s development of harmful biases to foster better inter-group relations and life outcomes among individuals with marginalized identities. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking fun recipes, spending time with her cat, and discovering new music! CV Contact
MEGAN RUSKEY
She/Her/Hers
Doctoral Student
Megan Ruskey is a first year doctoral student who has earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Rutgers University. She is interested in how stereotypes about social groups can impact how those groups are arranged in space. In particular, she is focused on studying how the Spatial Agency Bas influences the arrangement of people of various races. She is also interested in stereotypes regarding women and the LGBTQ+ community. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, reading, and supporting Philadelphia sports teams. CV Contact
MYRSINE KOSTOULAS
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Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student | Advanced Research Assistant
Myrsine is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and currently conducting an honors capstone with Darla and Dr. Lamer. She is interested in various research aspects, including the exploration of the impact of stereotypes, and how speaking multiple languages affects how people communicate. In the future, she hopes to become a family therapist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, trying new foods, and finding new musical artists.
Clara Bunnell
She/They
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student | Advanced Research Assistant
Clara is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with minors in Child and Family Studies and Neuroscience. She is interested in studying how prejudice develops in children and how social norm information impacts people's behavior. After graduation, she plans to pursue research in social developmental psychology. Outside of the lab, she loves to explore nature, cook new things, and hang out with her cat.
BARRETT WELCHONS
He/Him/His
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student | Advanced Research Assistant
Barrett is a third year undergraduate student at UT majoring in Psychology. He is hoping to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology post-undergrad, with a current focus on how the environment an individual is raised in affects mental health outcomes. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, oil painting, and reading.
KILEY SHUMPERT
She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student
Kiley is a third year undergraduate student studying Psychology with a minor in Hispanic Studies. She aspires to work in Industrial Organizational Psychology post-grad and earn her Masters. Kiley is interested in studying workplace behaviors and perceptions and their impact on job fulfillment and wellbeing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, singing, and yoga.
Linda Le
She/Her/Hers
Research Assistant
Linda is a senior undergraduate student majoring in BCMB with minors in Psychology and Public Health. She is a pre-med student interested in both pediatrics and family medicine. She is especially interested in learning more about how patients think and how biases may form in healthcare to ensure she provides equitable care. After graduation, she plans on taking gap years to gain more clinical experience and spend time with her family. In her free time, she likes to watch shows, play games, and build legos.
JULIA BOSS
She/Her/Hers
Research Assistant
Julia is a third year undergraduate student at UT majoring in psychology with a pre-medical focus. She is interested in research because she will be working one on one with people, so it is important to understand their behaviors and attitudes. After UT, she plans to attend medical school for oncology. In her free time, she likes to be outside with friends and family.
Alexandria Jay
She/Her/Hers
Research Assistant
Alexandria is a second-year undergraduate student studying Psychology with a minor in Art History. She plans to earn her doctorate in Psychology with her primary research interest in the relationship between development and the integration of the arts into everyday learning and life. Alexandria seeks to improve the quality of learning through research-supported programs in the future.
Madeline McColl
She/Her/Hers
Research Assistant
Madeline is a second year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology. She is interested in multiple research aspects, including how individuals understand nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone, to gain insight and communicate with others. After undergrad, she plans to pursue a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, hoping to make a positive impact on individuals and communities. In her free time, she enjoys running and reading.
Meg Fink
She/Her/Hers
Research Assistant
Meg Fink is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Psychology. She is passionate about health and wellness, with a specific interest in promoting minority wellbeing in the workplace. After undergrad, Meg plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Industrial Psychology. In her free time she enjoys yoga, writing, and thrifting clothes.