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! CV
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!
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.
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.
RACHEL GILLHOUSE
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Research Assistant
Rachel is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business Administration. She is interested in research because she wants to improve her understanding of behavior and attitudes affecting intersectionality in different environments. In the future, she plans to pursue a career in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. In her free time, Rachel enjoys listening to music and spending time outdoors.
MYRSINE KOSTOULAS
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Research Assistant
Myrsine is a first-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology. 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.
JULIA BOSS
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Research Assistant
Julia is a second 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.
WILLEM TOUZEL
They/Them
Research Assistant
Willem is a fourth year undergraduate with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. They’re interested in research that relates to social identities and the way they play a role in the formation of self-image/mental health outcomes. Their immediate plan is to attend a graduate program on their way to being a therapist/counselor. In their free time they like to play video/tabletop games, chat with friends, and find new music.
EMMANUEL BROCK
He/Him/His
Research Assistant
Emmanuel is a fourth year undergraduate student at UT majoring in Psychology. He is interested in how addiction affects relationships and mental health. He plans on becoming a Psychiatrist specializing in addiction. After graduating, he intends to go to medical school following a gap year to gain connections and additional experience. In his free time, he loves traveling and learning about advancements in psychiatric research.
ADELINE BRADY
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Research Assistant
Adeline is a second year undergraduate student at UT majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Psychology. She is on a Pre-Medical track aspiring to become a Psychiatrist or Neurologist. She has a particular interest in psychological disorders and hopes to learn more about the stigma around mental health. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature.