Dr. Isha W. Metzger
Dr. Isha W. Metzger
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
LAB MEMBERS
STAFF
Julie Nguyen
Position: Research Coordinator
Year: Postbac
Major: Psychology Hometown: Lilburn, GeorgiaResearch Interests: Examining how sociocultural factors impact behavioral health outcomes among racial/ethnic minority trauma survivors.
Future Goals: To obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Interesting Fact: I’m learning American Sign Language (ASL).
Wes Unruh
Position: Digital Media Strategist
Hometown: Twin Falls, Idaho
Experience: From 2014 through 2020 I served as webmaster for The Peabody Awards.Research Interests: Understanding how online interactions can support the health of a diverse community.
Future Goals: Developing safe, engaging online spaces for emotionally charged issues.
Interesting Fact: I am a private adoptee and I've found both my mother and father.
Liana Giglio
Position: Social Media Manager
Major: PsychologyHometown: Roswell, GeorgiaResearch Interests: Studying the varying personality development paths and mental health disparities that emerge in different groups of people
Future Goals: Obtain a PhD in clinical psychology, become a practicing clinician, and then earn a teaching/research position at a university.
Interesting Fact: I love to play soccer and I have a kitten named June.GRADUATE STUDENTS
Briana Spivey
Graduate Research Coordinator
Year: 2nd Year Doctoral Student
Major: Clinical PsychologyHometown: 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!
Latisha Swygert
Year: 2nd Year Doctoral Student
Major: Clinical PsychologyHometown: Clinton, Mississippi
Research Interests: I am interested in behavioral and mental health outcomes due to interpersonal and racial trauma in African American adolescents.
Future Goals: I'll be here for a while- so we'll see!
Interesting Fact: I can fall asleep anywhere!
Ashanti J. Brown
Year: 1st 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
Year: 1st 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!UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Past & Present
Jahi Hamilton
Undergraduate Research Coordinator
Year: 4th Year
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!
Gifty Ayawvi
Year: 4th Year
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Stone Mountain, Georgia
Research Interests: I am a Spring 2021 graduate of the University of Georgia, and I am interested in the impact of psychosocial stressors such as racial discrimination and immigration history on the mental and physical health outcomes of people of African descent, with some emphasis on psychotic disorders and the prodromal stage.
Future Goals: I plan on attending a Clinical or Clinical Health Psychology Ph.D. program.
Interesting Fact: I am a first-generation from Takoradi, Ghana and I speak four languages, three of which are tribal Ghanaian languages.
Tyquavious Kelley
Year: 4th Year
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Research Interests: I am interested in psychological outcomes in the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.
Future Goals: I plan on attending a clinical or clinical psychology Ph.D. program
Interesting Fact: I have been to London and Paris!
Deron Morrison
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Psychology (pre-med)
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 have a mini yorkie named Daisy.POST-BACCALAUREATE STUDENTS
Devon Slaughter
Major: PsychologyHometown: Atlanta, GeorgiaResearch Interests: I am a Fall 2019 Georgia State graduate, and I am interested in the impact of generational trauma among the African American community. I hope to examine the negative physical and psychological outcomes associated with high trauma exposure on economically disadvantaged African American men. Additionally, I am interested in community-based interventions and its implications as it relates to resilience and healing in the African American community.Future Goals: I plan on attending a clinical or clinical psychology Ph.D. program.Interesting Fact: I enjoy challenging myself by learning about topics that are outside of my comfort zone. If you join me for a car ride, my stereo is always tuned into NPR.LAB ALUMNI
Lacey Walker
Major: Psychology, Minor in Human Services
Hometown: Chatsworth, Georgia
Research Interests: I am interested in the Red Zone and and the impact that sexual assault on college campuses has on the emotional, physical, and social well-being of female college students.
Future Goals: I plan to obtain a clinical psychology PhD.
Interesting Fact: I have a service dog named Sugar Ray!
Destin Mizelle
Year: 1st Year Doctoral Studeent
Major: Psychology, Minor in African American Studies
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Research Interests: I am interested in researching masculinity, racial socialization, Black resilience and protection
Where is he now? I recently began my training as a Doctoral Student in the University of Kentucky's Counseling Psychology Program!
Interesting Fact: I love to travel! I have been to 5 countries in the past year (Jamaica, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, and Brazil).
Barbara Walcot-Ceesay
Year: Post-Bac
Major: Psychology, Minor in Women's Studies
Hometown: Lithonia, Georgia
Research Interests: I am interested in understanding the intersection of race, physical health, and mental health in people of African descent.
Future Goals: I plan to get my Ph.D. in clinical psychology
Interesting Fact: I am a first-generation American!
