Our Team
Lab Director
Dr. Lucybel Mendez (She/Her/Ella) is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Area of the Department of Psychology at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She received her Clinical Psychology Ph.D. from the University of Utah and completed her predoctoral internship at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Dr. Mendez's research focuses on: 1) trauma-informed developmental trajectories to mental health and behavioral problems among marginalized and minoritized youth; 2) socioecological risk and protective factors underlying these pathways; 3) trauma-focused prevention and intervention outcomes; 4) trauma-informed care in youth-serving systems; and 5) policy and advocacy efforts that promote access to mental health services and wellbeing for youth and their families. In her free time, Dr. Mendez enjoys spending time with her loved ones, reading, exploring new restaurants, and being outdoors.
Graduate Students
Saúl is a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Area of the Department of Psychology at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at SUNY Binghamton. Saúl’s research interests consist of examining certain contextual factors (i.e., life stress, traumatic experiences) and cultural factors of the Latinx community (i.e., familismo, machismo, marianismo) and how they contribute to teenage dating violence (TDV) and partner violence among Latinx adolescents and young adults. For example, elucidating how certain traumatic situations, such as child maltreatment, may impact TDV and partner violence among Latinx adolescents and young adults. Saúl’s clinical focus revolves around assisting individuals who have experienced trauma as a result of various factors, including racial prejudice, acculturation, and child maltreatment, particularly those who belong to marginalized and minoritized communities. In his free time, Saúl enjoys spending time with his friends and family, playing tennis/basketball, being outdoors, and listening to music.
Grace Parker (she/her/hers) is a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Area of the Department of Psychology at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at the University of Florida. Grace’s research interests involve exploring how trauma and posttraumatic stress impact psychological and behavioral outcomes among marginalized and minoritized youth (e.g., LGBTQ+ youth, youth of color, justice-involved youth). Additionally, she is interested in knowing how certain factors across the various levels of the social ecology, such as internalized stigma, housing instability, and community connectedness, may function to increase or decrease youths' risk for adverse psychological and behavioral outcomes. In terms of clinical interests, Grace hopes to provide therapy and assessment services to children and adolescents who have been impacted by trauma, stress, anxiety, and related pathologies, especially those from historically underserved communities. Outside of her academic and clinical pursuits, Grace enjoys rock climbing, hiking, weightlifting, running, and generally being outdoors. She also loves to read, visit coffee shops, and watch Rupaul's Drag Race with her friends.
Research Assistants
Jacob Finch (He/Him/His) is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Jacob is interested in researching the effects of an unsupportive parental environment on LGBTQ+ children and adolescents. He hopes to continue his studies beyond the undergraduate level and attain a PhD in Clinical Psychology to become a Clinical Psychologist specializing in Child and Adolescents. Jacob enjoys watching films and TV shows, trying as many new restaurants as possible, and spending time with his pets.
Quinn Summey (they/them/theirs) is a senior undergraduate in the Department of Psychology at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Their research focuses on understanding LGBTQ+ youth and exploring how negative factors impact their well-being. Quinn aspires to further their education with a Master’s Degree in counseling, with the goal of supporting LGBTQ+ youth and other minority communities. In addition to their academic pursuits, Quinn is actively involved in several student organizations, including the Campus Event Board, where they collaborate with a team of executives to organize campus events. Outside of their academic and clinical interests, Quinn enjoys board games, weightlifting, and spending time with friends.
Dierra Arnold is a fourth-year Psychology student minoring in Neuroscience at the University of Tennessee. She has studied abroad for a summer in Sweden navigating Child and Family Policies. This past summer 2024 she completed an internship for Youth Villages residential program with other teacher-counselors to help at-risk youth cope with issues with inappropriate physical and sexual behaviors, as well as self-harm and suicidal ideation. Dierra is interested in counseling and plans to attend a graduate school for Social Work to become a clinical therapist for women of color. Outside of class, you may see her traveling, trying new recipes, or hanging out around campus!
Ana Maria Subtirelu (she/her/hers) is a senior at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She is majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Spanish and Child and Family Studies. Ana’s research interests involve the effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on specific communities and how individuals cope with IPV. Ana is also interested in research focusing on ADHD in children and the neurobiological basis of the diagnosis. After graduating she hopes to get her PhD in clinical psychology. Outside of her academics, Ana enjoys weightlifting, snowboarding, and rollerblading. She also enjoys reading, crocheting, and nature walks.
Reagan Burleson (she/her/hers) is a senior at the University of Tennessee Knoxville majoring in Psychology and minoring in philosophy of science and medicine as well as Neuroscience. She hopes to go on to graduate school and obtain her PhD in clinical psychology. Her research interests involve exploring addiction within the social and ecological context and its impact on behavior. In the future, she hopes to work with adolescents who struggle with addictive behaviors, specifically those struggling with eating disorders and substance abuse disorders. In her free time, she enjoys going to the mountains, listening to music, and reading.
News
August 29, 2024Read more...Dr. Mendez reunited with colleagues (Dr. Lynda Gibson and Psychology Intern Laura Saldana) at...August 4, 2023Read more...Dr. Mendez, and colleagues, Drs. Gaona and Edyburn, present and hold a critical conversation on...
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