Dr. Isha W. Metzger
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Briana Spivey
Graduate Research Coordinator
University: University of Georgia
Year: 4th Year Doctoral Student
Major: Clinical Psychology
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Research Interests: Examining the implications of Strong Black Woman Schema (SBW) and cultural coping mechanisms on the mental health outcomes in African American women. Development of culturally-adapted interventions for African Americans.
Future Goals: Obtain my PhD in clinical psychology and have a tenure-track position at a university while working as a therapist serving women of color, specifically African American women.
Interesting Fact: I am left-handed!
Ashanti J. Brown
University: Georgia State University
Year: 2nd Year Doctoral Student
Major: Clinical-Community Psychology
Hometown: Stone Mountain, Georgia
Research Interests: Improving culturally-tailored interventions for racial/ethnic minorities, risk and resiliency for Black youth and women, and the impact of racial and intergenerational trauma on Black individuals PTSD outcomes.
Future Goals: Obtain my PhD in clinical-community psychology and work in mental health research centers while also serving as a practicing clinician.
Interesting Fact: I love all things pink, glittery, and Beyoncé!
Niara J. Carrenard
University: Georgia State University
Year: 3rd Year Doctoral Student
Major: Clinical-Community Psychology
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Research Interests: I am interested in examining the long-term effects of racial, interpersonal, and intergenerational trauma and their impact on PTSD outcomes in Black-American adults. I am also interested in reducing the stigma of mental illness in the Black community through outreach and integration as well as intervention development, modification, and adaptation that target the needs of Black individuals.
Future Goals: Obtain my PhD in clinical psychology and open a nonprofit organization that provides free access to therapy for Black people in the community and serves as a research center for Black psychology.
Interesting Fact: I am a Mixed Martial Arts fighter!
Tyquavious Kelley
University: Howard University
Year: 1st Year Doctoral Student
Major: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Research Interests: I am interested in HIV stigma and Black MSM living with HIV. I am also interested evidenced based interventions to that target different forms of stigma.
Future Goals: I plan on working close with community organizations offering my resources to improve the mental health and life outcomes of underserved racial and sexual minority communities and adolescents.
Interesting Fact: I love outdoor activities, traveling to new places, and meeting new people.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Past & Present
Deron Morrison
Year: 4th Year
Major: Psychology (pre-med, neuroscience emphasis)
Hometown: Suwanee, Georgia
Research Interests: I am interested in the neurobiological impact of racial trauma across the lifespan in African Americans.
Future Goals: I plan on attending medical school and pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery.
Interesting Fact: I currently work as a phlebotomist at St. Mary’s Hospital and serve on the executive board for UGA Doctors Without Borders as the CAO/event secretary. In my free time I enjoy playing soccer/working out., and I have a mini Yorkie named Daisy.
POST-BACCALAUREATE STUDENTS
Gifty Ayawvi
Jahi Hamilton
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Lilburn, Georgia
Research Interests: I study the impact sexual orientation has on mental outcomes such as depression and suicidality.
Future Goals: I plan on attending a clinical or counseling Ph.D. program.
Interesting Fact: I own a red-tailed boa constrictor!
Devon Slaughter
LAB ALUMNI
Lacey Walker
Destin Mizelle
Barbara Walcot-Ceesay
© 2022.