
Patricia N. E. Roberson, PhD
Lab Director
Dr. Roberson is a faculty member in the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee. When she is not obsessively watching romcoms or the latest period drama, she teaches graduate statistics courses and leads a team of undergraduate research students from psychology and nursing. Her research focuses on how marriages and families impact health among low-income and rural populations. Ongoing projects include the role of these close relationships in diabetes management for families in rural Appalachia, as well as strategies to improve the close relationships for pain management among breast cancer patients living in Appalachia.

Holly is a senior at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Pre-Health Professions. She will attend Lincoln Memorial’s Physician Assistant Program in Knoxville after graduation. Holly is an active volunteer with Clinic Vols and is a member of the UTK Physician Assistant Student Association. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and cheering on the Vols.

Olive Schubert is a University of Tennessee graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. At UTK, they focused on research in mental health and relationship dynamics while contributing to peer-reviewed publications. Since graduating, Olive has worked at the University of Utah and the University of Colorado, coordinating and conducting research, specifically in cancer clinical trials, neuropsychology, and health access studies. Before joining the lab, Olive helped with statistical analysis, manuscript preparation, and research methodology in collaboration with Dr. Roberson. Outside of work, Olive enjoys rock climbing and exploring the outdoors.

Laney Puhalla is a University of Tennessee graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. During her time at UT, she stayed busy as the feature twirler for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, First-Year Council, and Boss Dance Society—all while working as an emergency room medical scribe. Since graduating, Laney has researched and gained hands-on experience shadowing in various departments at UTMCK. She also co-owns Studio Orange Baton and Dance in Knoxville, TN, where she shares her love of baton with the next generation. She recently applied to graduate school to pursue a master’s in pathology assistance studies and is excited to see where this next chapter takes her.
When she’s not teaching or in the lab, you’ll likely find Laney reading, hanging out with friends, or attempting to conquer the New York Times games.

Diana is a fourth-year student at UTK studying Psychology on a Pre-Med track. She is double minoring in Leadership and Pre-health. Diana is passionate about mental health awareness and takes every opportunity she can to learn about processes in the medical field. Her favorite part of human psychology is our innate curiosity that pushes us to theorize and explore answers to our questions. She hopes to put her own curiosity to use and is excited for all the possibilities that lie ahead.

Presley is a senior at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Neuroscience with an Honors concentration. She is currently President of the Undergraduate Research Ambassadors and Editor-in-Chief of the PURSUIT Undergraduate Research Journal at UTK. Following graduation, Presley aspires to attend medical school and pursue her M.D. One fun fact about her is that she has two older sisters!

Dimara is a senior at The University of Tennessee, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Pre-Health Professions. She is currently a Registered Yoga Teacher teaching at TRECS on campus, along with other off-campus studios. Her interests blend fitness, psychology, and well-being, and she hopes to continue her journey in a sports psychology master’s program after graduation.

Kendl is a senior at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Pre-Health Professions. She is currently a part of MedLife and Sigma Phi Lambda on campus. After graduating, she aspires to attend medical school in hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Outside of school, she works as an ER tech and enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching hockey, and cheering on the Vols.

Aritzy is a junior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Neuroscience. She is a student leader for Bridges International on the UTK campus. After graduation she wishes to take a gap year to join the Peace Corps before attending medical school. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, reading novels, and learning to cook new dishes.

Maya is a senior at the University of Tennessee who is majoring in neuroscience with a minor in Pre-Health Professions, and her goal is to pursue medical school after undergraduate school. On campus, she is a part of Clinic Vols, Spanish Club, and Chi Omega. Maya spends time volunteering with Remote Area Medical, Make-A-Wish, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, and the animal shelter. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her friends, go on walks, and loves to travel.

Hibah graduated with her BA in Psychology from UTK. She is currently working as the administrator for Tayseer Seminary in Knoxville while pursuing research. She hopes to further her studies in psychology, and has a particular interest in Islamic psychology. She is passionate about community work, is a volunteer medical assistant for Shifa Medical Clinic, as well as a licensed community health worker. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and spending time with family and friends.

Omar is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Biomedical Engineering on the Pre-Med track. He is currently involved with the Wood Mentoring program, assisting upcoming Engineering freshmen. He works at National Fitness Center (NFC) as a childcare attendant. He volunteers with Centro Hispano as an ESL tutor. He is also a part of an Intramural soccer and basketball team here at UTK. After graduation, he wishes to attend medical school. In his free time, he loves to watch sports, try new foods, and travel.

Mariah McDonald is a junior at the University of Tennessee. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Pre-Health, with the goal of attending Physician Assistant school after graduation. She is a member of the UTK Pre-Physician Assistant Student Association and the Healthy Families Research Lab. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with friends, watching movies, going to the lake, snowboarding, and trying new restaurants!

Addison is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee studying Neuroscience with a minor in American Sign Language. After graduation, she hopes to go to medical school and become a Pediatric Oncologist. On campus, she’s involved in Delta Gamma Sorority and the Society of Future Women in Medicine. This past summer, Addison studied abroad in Italy and can’t wait to keep traveling and discovering new places!

Kawthar Aouda is a senior at the University of Tennessee majoring in Neuroscience with plans to apply to medical school after graduation. During her time at UT, she has been involved with Clinic Vols, volunteered with Remote Area Medical, and served as Nurse Tech Council Chair at UT Medical Center while working as a nurse technician on the vascular and transplant floor. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family.

Kaitlin is a junior at the University of Tennessee studying Neuroscience with a minor in American Sign Language. After graduating she hopes to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a pediatric neurologist. Outside of school she works as a pharmacy technician and loves shopping, traveling, and spending time with friends!

Kelsey is a fourth year at the University of Tennessee, majoring in the Nursing honors track. She is also double minoring in Nutrition and Psychology. Her goal is to pursue higher education and earn her CRNA license after gaining experience in the ICU. Outside of education, she is a member of Tennessee Crew rowing, Clinic Vols, and Student Nurses Association. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her cats.

Angie is a junior at the University of Tennessee majoring in Nursing. She is a member of the Student Nursing Association, volunteers at the Humane Society, and works as a technician in the hospital on an oncology unit. After graduating, she hopes to work in the ICU and eventually further her career in nursing. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and cheering on the Vols.

Angela is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee. She is majoring in neuroscience with a minor in Pre-Health professions. She plans to get her accelerated bachelor’s in nursing after graduation with hopes of working in the neuro-ICU. She is a member of best buddies at UT, society of future women in medicine, and Sigma Kappa. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, skiing, and going to the lake!

Harper Robinette is a freshman at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Biology with a minor in Public Health. She is on a Pre-Med track and hopes to attend medical school after graduation. She is also currently a member of Chi Omega and volunteers with Clinic Vols. Outside of school, she works as a CNA, enjoys spending time with friends, and loves being outdoors!

Alice Grace is a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Food Science with a concentration in Medicine and a minor in Pre-Health Professions. She is deeply interested in how chronic illness connects across disciplines such as Agriculture, Nutrition, and Medicine to help better understand health outcomes. Her undergraduate research experience spans clinical oncology, food chemistry, and nutrition science. She is currently working as a Cardiovascular Nursing Technician at UT Medical Center, helping in the Cardiovascular Recovery Unit. Alice Grace is the Founder and President of the University of Tennessee Healthcare Ambassadors, UT Ambassadors, UT Herbert Ambassadors, UTK National IFT Representative, and the Student Alumni Associates, where she has held various leadership roles. Following graduation, Alice Grace plans to get her Master’s in Food and Nutrition post graduation, focusing on the impact of food systems regarding illness.

Aashvi is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Nursing with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, she hopes to work as an ICU nurse before returning to school to become a CRNA. In her free time, she likes to bake, hike, and travel with friends and family.

Sam is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee studying Nursing. After graduating, she plans to work in critical care nursing. On campus, she is involved in Zeta Tau Alpha and the Student Nursing Association. Outside of school, she enjoys going to the gym, traveling, and cheering on the Vols!

Laine is a senior at the University of Tennessee studying Nursing. After graduation she hopes to work as a nurse for several years before returning to school to become a DNP. On campus she is involved in Delta Gamma Sorority and is a Peer Mentor in the First Year Experience Program. She also volunteers in several locations including Young Williams Animal Center. Outside of school she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family!

Megan is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Nursing with a minor in Spanish. Following graduation, she aspires to start a career in travel nursing and earn her DNP in graduate school to then practice as a nurse practitioner. On campus, she is very involved in Delight Ministries and is a member of both the National Society of Leadership and Success and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Outside of her studies, she spends her free time volunteering, practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends!

Samantha is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Nursing. After graduation, she plans to work as a Pediatric Nurse before returning to school to obtain a specialty in either Radiology, or Aesthetic Nursing. She is actively involved with volunteering on campus. In her free time, she likes to read, spend time with loved ones and enjoys watching new movies!
Graduate Students

Msgana is in her fifth year here at UT pursuing my masters in philosophy with a focus on bioethics. As she finishes out her last year of collegiate athletics, she is working on a masters thesis that will highlight the underrepresentation of minorities in medicine/clinical settings. Msgana is also a teaching assistant for Philosophy 101.
Lab Alumni
Class of 2021
Hallie Coleman, Lab Manager | Psychology
Neil Stolzfuz, Graduate Student | Psychology
Grayci Amason, RA | Kinesiology
Lauren King, RA | Psychology
Jon Nguyen, RA | Neuroscience
Alex Ralston, RA | Neuroscience
Rachel Rannazzisi, RA | Neuroscience
Katie Reif, RA | Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Class of 2022
Nethemi Hewavithana, Lab Manager | Neuroscience
Jordan Tasman, Lab Manager | Neuroscience B.S. & MPH
Saahit Adabala, RA | Neuroscience
James Griffith, RA | Neuroscience
Katie Gray, RA | Neuroscience
Class of 2023
Joelle Giron, Graduate Student
Colten Carver, RA | Neuroscience
Ahmed Elshalzy, RA | Neuroscience
Merrel Irion, RA | Neuroscience
Carter Satterfield, RA
Class of 2024
Kendall Brady, Project Coordinator | Neuroscience
Ellen Oaks, Graduate Student
Ashlyn Holt, RA | Neuroscience & Psychology
Emily Hearn, RA | Neuroscience
Natalie Marker, RA | Neuroscience
Azia Compton, RA | Neuroscience
Class of 2025
Kylie Buono, Lead RA | Nursing
Lily Bynum, RA | Psychology
Hana El-Messidi, RA | Neuroscience & Psychology
Cristian Salazar, RA | Neuroscience
Lauren Smith, RA | Neuroscience
Class of 2026
Tallulah Bond, RA | Neuroscience
Jodi De Jongh, RA | Neuroscience
Ethan Elder, RA | Psychology
John Hamilton, RA | Neuroscience
Nicholas Stevens, RA | Neuroscience
Nasser Yousef, RA