BALL@UT Team Members
*We are currently accepting RA applications for Spring 2022 and Summer 2022. Please contact [email protected] for additional information.
Jennifer (Bolden) Bush, Ph.D.
Director / Principal Investigator
Associate Professor of Psychology
I joined the Department of Psychology at the University of Tennessee in Fall 2012. I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida and completed my clinical internship at the University of Mississippi Psychology Residency Training Program, a consortium between the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC) and G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center. I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and African American Studies at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida and completed an internship in the Department of Psychology at the University of Oregon.
Research: My translational research program seeks to understand the complex interplay among memory, behavior, and learning to inform the development of impairment-specific interventions for individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Specifically, we use objective physiological and behavioral measures to understand the underlying processes and mechanisms associated with cognitive failures (and successes!) to assist individuals with attention and learning problems. Having a strong background in providing empirically-supported assessment/treatments in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and academic settings, I am excited about assisting children and adults diagnosed with ADHD living in Rocky Top Tennessee! When I am not working with my dynamic team of graduate and undergraduate research assistants, I enjoy family time, food tours, running, and March Madness.
Undergraduate Courses: Graduate Courses:
Childhood Psychopathologies (PSYC 432) Clinical Supervision (PSYC 673)
Supervised Research (PSYC 489) Developmental Psychology (PSYC 511)
Psychological Assessment I (PSYC 594)
Previous Teaching Experience: Clinical Psychology, Women's Mental Health, Psychology of Women, Child Psychopathology
Research: My translational research program seeks to understand the complex interplay among memory, behavior, and learning to inform the development of impairment-specific interventions for individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Specifically, we use objective physiological and behavioral measures to understand the underlying processes and mechanisms associated with cognitive failures (and successes!) to assist individuals with attention and learning problems. Having a strong background in providing empirically-supported assessment/treatments in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and academic settings, I am excited about assisting children and adults diagnosed with ADHD living in Rocky Top Tennessee! When I am not working with my dynamic team of graduate and undergraduate research assistants, I enjoy family time, food tours, running, and March Madness.
Undergraduate Courses: Graduate Courses:
Childhood Psychopathologies (PSYC 432) Clinical Supervision (PSYC 673)
Supervised Research (PSYC 489) Developmental Psychology (PSYC 511)
Psychological Assessment I (PSYC 594)
Previous Teaching Experience: Clinical Psychology, Women's Mental Health, Psychology of Women, Child Psychopathology
Current Graduate Research Assistants
McKenzie Martin, M.A.
Predoctoral Intern - Pediatric and Child Clinical Psychology
Predoctoral Intern - Pediatric and Child Clinical Psychology
I am currently completing my predoctoral internship at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. I defended my dissertation in July 2024 examining the relation between socioeconomic indicators, early parental cognitive stimulation and emotional support, and 3rd grade reading outcomes. I also graduated with a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Tennessee in 2019. My honors thesis examined the association between reading abilities and ADHD symptoms, specifically inhibition, impulsivity, and inattention, in school-aged children. My master's thesis focused on examining the effects of caregiver stress and parenting strategies on child externalizing behaviors. Broadly, my research interests include utilizing assessment techniques to study behavioral disorders, neurocognitive dysfunction, and learning problems to inform psychological research and to help develop targeted intervention programs involving the family system. I served as the Senior Student Representative in the UT Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program. Additionally, I served as a TN AHEC Scholar, a program designed to develop, prepare, and sustain a culturally sensitive healthcare workforce, with emphasis on training rural and underrepresented minority, and educationally disadvantaged students for practice in rural and/or underserved areas in interdisciplinary settings. I have utilized this training by serving as the project coordinator of the Strengthening Underserved Communities by Cultivating Engagement and Supporting Scholars (SUCCESS) program, where we provide trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) to children enrolled in an after-school program in the East Knoxville community. I am particularly interested in refining my psychological assessment skills and continuing to provide evidence-based treatment to children, adolescents, and families. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking the beautiful trails in the Knoxville area, watching Vol football, and spending time with my wonderful cohort members!
Faye Domokos, M.A.
5th Year Graduate Student
I am a 5th year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. I successfully proposed my dissertation in October 2024, which combines several of my interests across both clinical and research domains, particularly the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional factors that influence learning and academic functioning across the lifespan. Specifically, my dissertation will examine if time management and mindfulness can serve as protective factors for college students with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Prior to my time at UTK, I graduated with a B.S. in Biology and Psychology from Loyola University Chicago in 2017. Shortly after, I started as a psychometrist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to broaden my understanding of how thinking and learning are impacted by differences in development and, more generally, of brain-behavior relations. This experience at Lurie Children’s directly impacted both my research and clinical interests, which continue to center around psychological assessment and the creation of empirically-based interventions that support individuals with learning difficulties. I defended my master’s thesis in 2023, which examined the moderating effects of inattention, motivation, and learning strategies on academic functioning in college students. I have also presented posters at the annual conferences for the International Neuropsychological Society and Association for Psychological Science on studies of how various components of cognitive functioning (e.g., processing speed, working memory, set-shifting) relate to children’s mathematical problem-solving.
On the clinical side, I have garnered a wide array of experiences in assessment and psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults with various presenting concerns. In my time at UTK, I helped to establish two new assessment rotations – an external practicum at the Knox County Juvenile Court conducting court-ordered evaluations of both adolescents and adults and an internal rotation with the UT Psychological Clinic aimed at the neuropsychological assessment of adults and older adults with neurodegenerative/neurological concerns. I am excited to continue building on the breadth and depth of empirically-based clinical work in my training. In my spare time, I enjoy biking, discovering breweries, playing card/board games, and raising two very spoiled cats.
On the clinical side, I have garnered a wide array of experiences in assessment and psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults with various presenting concerns. In my time at UTK, I helped to establish two new assessment rotations – an external practicum at the Knox County Juvenile Court conducting court-ordered evaluations of both adolescents and adults and an internal rotation with the UT Psychological Clinic aimed at the neuropsychological assessment of adults and older adults with neurodegenerative/neurological concerns. I am excited to continue building on the breadth and depth of empirically-based clinical work in my training. In my spare time, I enjoy biking, discovering breweries, playing card/board games, and raising two very spoiled cats.
Zanned Rodriguez Dantin, B.S.
3rd Year Graduate Student
3rd Year Graduate Student
I am a 3rd year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program. I graduated with a B.S. in Psychology, minor in Child Development, and TESOL certificate from the Florida State University (FSU). Shortly after, I worked as a Researcher at the Learning Systems at FSU where I learned to manipulate and manage extensive databases. Seeking to expand my clinical skills, I then worked at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development as a Clinical Research Specialist where I helped administer screenings and assessments for children with Autism and ADHD. Throughout my time in the Ph.D. Program, I worked on the PiPES/Imaging Possibilities project providing information about STEMM careers and college awareness to high school students in Rural Appalachia. Currently, I am part of the Strengthening Underserved Communities by Cultivating Engagement and Supporting Scholars (SUCCESS) where we provide trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) at an after-school program in East Knoxville. Relatedly, in my current research, I am looking at the relationship among spirituality, inhibitory control, and trauma symptoms among children and adolescents. In my free time, I like to read, workout, eat cookies (or any other sweets), and spend time with family and friends.
Current Undergraduate Research Assistants
Madison Schletzer
I am a senior here at the University of Tennessee- Knoxville with a major in Honors’ concentration in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. After graduating with my B.A. in Psychology, I want to pursue my graduate degree in Pediatric Occupational Therapy in hopes of working with children with special needs in a clinical setting. I have been in the lab for 3 years, and through this experience, I have worked with an afterschool program in an underserved community in Knoxville. My passion for child success stemmed from working with these children, and sparked my interest in especially those with special needs. In my free time, I adore playing with my English bulldog, Betty, collecting candles, and drinking iced coffee.
I am a senior here at the University of Tennessee- Knoxville with a major in Honors’ concentration in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. After graduating with my B.A. in Psychology, I want to pursue my graduate degree in Pediatric Occupational Therapy in hopes of working with children with special needs in a clinical setting. I have been in the lab for 3 years, and through this experience, I have worked with an afterschool program in an underserved community in Knoxville. My passion for child success stemmed from working with these children, and sparked my interest in especially those with special needs. In my free time, I adore playing with my English bulldog, Betty, collecting candles, and drinking iced coffee.
Olivia Upchurch
I am a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in child and family studies. This is my third year in the lab! My favorite part of the BALL lab is getting to work with the children in Shora. I especially love helping the scholars practice relaxation strategies such as progressive muscle relaxation. Through the lab I have been able to gain many valuable skills such as presenting a poster at EURēCA, learning how to score intake assessments, and researching for a meta-analysis. On campus, I am involved in the psychology honors society, intramurals, and a campus ministry. My current career goal is to attend a clinical mental health master’s program and then work as a licensed professional counselor specializing in family counseling. In my free time I enjoy hiking, watercoloring, and exploring Knoxville’s many great coffee shops!
I am a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in child and family studies. This is my third year in the lab! My favorite part of the BALL lab is getting to work with the children in Shora. I especially love helping the scholars practice relaxation strategies such as progressive muscle relaxation. Through the lab I have been able to gain many valuable skills such as presenting a poster at EURēCA, learning how to score intake assessments, and researching for a meta-analysis. On campus, I am involved in the psychology honors society, intramurals, and a campus ministry. My current career goal is to attend a clinical mental health master’s program and then work as a licensed professional counselor specializing in family counseling. In my free time I enjoy hiking, watercoloring, and exploring Knoxville’s many great coffee shops!
Brendan LeStrange
I’m a sophomore at UTK currently majoring in philosophy with a concentration in science and medicine. I recently joined BALL lab to learn about the brain and people in a much deeper way. I love understanding and empathizing with others. I think I’ve found the perfect lab this as I find myself getting invested in the WHY behind behavior. Lucky for me there are many likeminded folks here at the lab and I get to discuss my interests with them. After college I currently plan to go to medical school and study psychiatry or neurology as most my interests revolve around how the mind works. In my free time I love working out, laughing with my friends, and exploring different hobbies or habits.
I’m a sophomore at UTK currently majoring in philosophy with a concentration in science and medicine. I recently joined BALL lab to learn about the brain and people in a much deeper way. I love understanding and empathizing with others. I think I’ve found the perfect lab this as I find myself getting invested in the WHY behind behavior. Lucky for me there are many likeminded folks here at the lab and I get to discuss my interests with them. After college I currently plan to go to medical school and study psychiatry or neurology as most my interests revolve around how the mind works. In my free time I love working out, laughing with my friends, and exploring different hobbies or habits.
Interested in joining our research team?
If you are interested in becoming a Research Assistant (RA) in our lab, please complete the application and
send it to [email protected]. Applications are reviewed on Wednesdays during our weekly lab meeting. Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply. Course credit may be available!
*Please Note: Research Assistants must be able to commit 8-10 hours per week, and will be required to undergo a background check.
If you are interested in becoming a Research Assistant (RA) in our lab, please complete the application and
send it to [email protected]. Applications are reviewed on Wednesdays during our weekly lab meeting. Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply. Course credit may be available!
*Please Note: Research Assistants must be able to commit 8-10 hours per week, and will be required to undergo a background check.
| URA Application |
Former BALL@UT Research Assistants
Emily Mariotti, Ph.D., Pediatric Psychologist - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
I am a graduate of the Clinical Psychology program. I graduated with a B.S. from Penn State University, and afterwards spent two years working as a psychometrist and research assistant at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. My experiences at Nationwide Children’s led me to pursue a master’s degree in psychology at Loyola University Maryland. At Loyola, I completed my master’s thesis that examined potential links between executive functions and social skills proficiency in young children to illustrate some of the less explored factors that may lead to kindergarten retention. Currently, my research focuses on temperamental and cognitive foundations of behavior related to attention and learning. I am also interested in psychological assessment, and the relation between executive functioning and socio-emotional development as both relate to ADHD, disruptive behaviors, learning, and academic achievement. I love live music, Pittsburgh sports, Penn State football, dystopian/sci-fi novels, travel, yoga, and cycling.
I am a graduate of the Clinical Psychology program. I graduated with a B.S. from Penn State University, and afterwards spent two years working as a psychometrist and research assistant at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. My experiences at Nationwide Children’s led me to pursue a master’s degree in psychology at Loyola University Maryland. At Loyola, I completed my master’s thesis that examined potential links between executive functions and social skills proficiency in young children to illustrate some of the less explored factors that may lead to kindergarten retention. Currently, my research focuses on temperamental and cognitive foundations of behavior related to attention and learning. I am also interested in psychological assessment, and the relation between executive functioning and socio-emotional development as both relate to ADHD, disruptive behaviors, learning, and academic achievement. I love live music, Pittsburgh sports, Penn State football, dystopian/sci-fi novels, travel, yoga, and cycling.
Jonathan "Parks" Fillauer, Ph.D., Staff Neuropsychologist - Neurocognitive Speciality Group (Houston, TX)
I am a graduate of the clinical psychology program. I completed my APA accredited Clinical Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Michael E. Debakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. I defended my doctoral dissertation, which focused on the interaction between process-related variables of working memory and working memory capacity. My master's thesis examined the effects of frustration and delay intolerance on working memory. My primary research and clinical interests include psychological assessment as well as studying the associations between attention problems, mood disorders, and working memory processes across the lifespan to inform evidence-based treatments and psychological science. I am particularly interested in refining my psychological assessment skills and learning about transdiagnostic interventions such as the Unified Protocol. I graduated with my B.A. in psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2015. In my free time I am an avid fiction reader, dog parent, Law & Order: SVU aficionado, ultimate frisbee novice, and coffee connoisseur.
I am a graduate of the clinical psychology program. I completed my APA accredited Clinical Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Michael E. Debakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. I defended my doctoral dissertation, which focused on the interaction between process-related variables of working memory and working memory capacity. My master's thesis examined the effects of frustration and delay intolerance on working memory. My primary research and clinical interests include psychological assessment as well as studying the associations between attention problems, mood disorders, and working memory processes across the lifespan to inform evidence-based treatments and psychological science. I am particularly interested in refining my psychological assessment skills and learning about transdiagnostic interventions such as the Unified Protocol. I graduated with my B.A. in psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2015. In my free time I am an avid fiction reader, dog parent, Law & Order: SVU aficionado, ultimate frisbee novice, and coffee connoisseur.
Abigail Brewer
I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Biology with a concentration in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology and a minor in Neuroscience. Although I am unsure of which medical field I will ultimately pursue, I have always enjoyed working with children and plan to attend medical school. My favorite part of this lab was working with the children at SHORA.
Kendall Harvey
I graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a major in Child and Family Studies with a Community Outreach Concentration and minoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. I plan to attend grad school to obtain a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. From there I hope to do some form of Pediatric or Infant Neurorehabilitation.
Azaria Boyd
I graduated with a major in Psychology and minor in Child and Family Studies. My academic interests surround child development and understanding the ways in which varying factors impact development. My goal is to become a licensed child psychologist and enhance the development of youth.
Tahra Attar
I graduated from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville where I majored in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology on the Pre-Medicine track. I hope to go to medical school and become a pediatric psychiatrist.
Sophie Maple
I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a major in Psychology and hope to earn my PhD in Clinical Psychology. A component of my future practice will focus on increasing the accessibility of mental health services in marginalized communities, specifically deaf and hard of hearing individuals, through ASL-based therapy.
Doug Gaittens, Undergraduate Research Assistant
I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Business Administration. While volunteering to acquire my CNA, exposure to the medical field intrigued my pursuit of involvement in health research. My interests in Clinical Psychology include examining factors associated with social skill development, ADHD, and behavioral disorders.
Regan Carell, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Post-baccalaureate research assistant at Vanderbilt University
Jenna Gilmore, Ph.D.
Private practice psychologist in Knoxville, TN.
Megan Carl, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral fellow in clinical psychology.
Kerry Cannity, Ph.D.
Assistant professor and licensed clinical health psychologist. She currently runs the Communication, Health, and Emotion Lab at School of Health Sciences of Touro University.
Melanie Jacobson, B.A. Research Assistant
Frustration & CE Study Project Manager
Current Position: Helen Ross McNabb Mental Health Case Manager
Holly Flatt, Undergraduate Research Assistant
M.S. psychology student at Lipscomb University
Brock Partlow, PsyD
Psychologist at Cincinnati VA.
Kriston Ramsey, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Danielle Bernhoft, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current Position: Internship (UTK College of Education)
Jessie Anderson, B.A. Undergraduate Research Assistant
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Jama Bettis, Undergraduate Research Assistant
ERcognitive Study Project Manager
B.A in Psychology
Jordan Wines, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Ph.D. Student in Audiology at East TN State University
Brianna Pollock, Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant
Current Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow
Jessica Shultz, General Lab Manager
Current Position: Law student at University of South Carolina School of Law
Rose Conner, B.A Big Orange Research Manager
B.A. in Psychology
Rad Dieter, B.A., Senior Research Assistant
Current Position: Medical student at UTK Medical Center.
Rad Dieter, B.A., Senior Research Assistant
Current Position: Medical student at UTK Medical Center.
Spencer Mccurdy, Undergraduate Research Assistant
B.A. in Psychology
Edward Chung, Little Orange Research Manager
Eddie is currently a Chief Medical Scribe and applying to Medical School.
Ashleigh Mcginnis, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current Position: Assistant Teacher, UTK Early Learning Center
Kellen Huet-Cox, Lab Manager
Current Position: Clinical Psychology - Psy.D. student
Ashley Brown, Research Assistant
Clinical Psychology - Psy.D. student
Christie Thiessan, B.A., Research Assistant
Current Position: Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at Ohio University
Christie Thiessan, B.A., Research Assistant
Current Position: Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at Ohio University
Rachel Mottern, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current Position: Special Education M.A. student at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Tiffany Brooks, Graduate Research Assistant
Graduate: UTK Counselor Education Doctoral Program
Current Position: Assistant Professor in the Department of School of Professional Counseling at Lindsey Wilson College
Jenny Chang, Undergraduate Research Assistant
B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Biological Science.
Ashleigh Barker, Undergraduate Research Assistant
MPA Graduate Program at Western Kentucky University
