Lab Mission
Founded in August of 2017, the AUICRC is dedicated to connecting talented undergraduate researchers with a worldwide network of social scientists to help tackle some of the largest collaborative projects ever undertaken in psychological science and related fields. Learn more: AUICRC website.
Research Scholars
Karley Sauder: Class of 2024
Karley is an Ashland University researcher with a major in psychology and a minor in addictions counseling from Mansfield, Ohio. After graduation, she plans to work in addictions counseling or continue her education to become a licensed psychiatrist.
Amanda Kaser: Class of 2024
Coming soon!
COMING SOON!
Research Assistants
Dana Brunot: Class of 2022
Dana is an Ashland University researcher with a major in psychology from Wadsworth, Ohio. When Dana is not working for the lab, you can catch her working on developing her local sticker business even further. After graduation, Dana plans on continuing her education by getting her doctorate in graduate school.
Jacob Cain: Class of 2023
Jacob is an Ashland University researcher with a major in psychology. Jacob enjoys playing his saxophone when not working in the lab. After graduation, he plans on working in marketing psychology with the hopes of working for the FBI.
Alumni
Nicholas Bloxsom (B.A., Psychology and Criminal Justice, 2019) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio. He earned his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Akron and is currently the Executive Director of Care Management at Coleman Health Services. Nicholas is passionate about helping others build skills for long-term success and continues to apply his clinical and leadership expertise to support individuals and communities in need.
Elizabeth Takas (B.S., Psychology, 2019) is a licensed social worker with experience in mental health counseling, case work, and crisis intervention. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Ashland University, she completed her Master of Social Work at The Ohio State University in 2022. Elizabeth has since worked as a mental health counselor at Family Health Services, LLC, and currently serves in the same role at Charlie Health.
Dana Awlia (B.A., Psychology, 2020) earned her Master of Arts in Applied Clinical Psychology from Penn State Harrisburg and is now a Counselor at PSH Counseling and Psychological Services. As an EMDR therapist, Dana is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to support clients in their healing and personal growth. She is passionate about applying her clinical training to empower individuals and promote mental well-being in diverse communities.
Savannah Lewis (B.A., Psychology, 2020) is a Ph.D. candidate in Experimental Psychology at the University of Alabama, where she also earned her Master’s degree. A first-generation college graduate, she previously served as Assistant Director of Ashland University’s International Collaboration Research Center and now serves as Co-Director of the Psychological Science Accelerator (PSA), a globally collaborative research network founded by her former mentor. Her research focuses on how people think about science and scientists, with particular attention to trust, engagement, and responses to questionable research practices. Savannah is committed to building a more transparent, inclusive, and collaborative scientific community.
Emily Ledbetter (B.A., Marketing, 2020) is a Digital Marketing Consultant who helps entrepreneurs elevate their brands through authentic social media and podcast content. Since graduating, she has developed innovative content strategies that have driven up to 745% increases in engagement, contributed to over $13.75 million in new business revenue, and grown audiences by more than 166,000 followers. Emily now specializes in building strong online communities and guiding clients through every stage of digital content creation.
Julia Paterlini (B.A., Psychology, 2021) graduated from Ashland University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. Passionate about brain and behavior, Julia plans to pursue graduate studies in Neuroscience. She has worked in both educational and clinical-administrative settings in São Paulo, Brazil, including as a Teacher Assistant at Maple Bear Brasil and an Administrative Assistant at NeuroConecte. Through these roles, she has developed skills in bilingual classroom support, individualized learning strategies, client communication, and digital content creation, all reinforcing her dedication to understanding and supporting cognitive and emotional development.
Dr. Brianna Jurosic (B.S., Psychology, 2021) recently earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, where she served as the Trauma and Suicide Prevention Clinic Coordinator. She matched to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric Acute Treatment track, where she will train at the nation’s largest behavioral health facility on a pediatric medical campus. Dr. Jurosic specializes in working with veterans, adolescents, and young adults impacted by trauma and suicidal ideation. She is certified in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Trauma-Informed Care, and QPR gatekeeper training, and has gained valuable clinical experience in a state inpatient psychiatric hospital. Her work continues to reflect a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care that changes, and saves, lives.
Brynna Leach (B.A., Psychology, 2022) is currently a Lead Clinical Research Coordinator at Indiana University, where she supports clinical trials involving adult and pediatric central nervous system conditions, neurology, and sleep medicine. She previously held research roles at MCB Clinical Research Centers and Delta Waves, Inc., and is passionate about advancing clinical science through patient-centered research and coordination.
Jared Metz (B.S., Integrated Social Studies and History, 2022) is currently a Social Studies Instructor at C-TEC of Licking County. Originally from Medina, Ohio, Jared graduated from Ashland University with majors in Integrated Social Studies and History and a minor in Psychology. He is passionate about teaching high school social studies and enjoys spending time outdoors with his friends and family.
Erin Sievers (B.A., Psychology, 2023) graduated from Ashland University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Creative Writing. She aspires to become a clinical psychologist specializing in work with children and is passionate about blending her interests in mental health, storytelling, and mentorship. Erin hopes to one day serve as a high school track coach while continuing to write fiction. Her creative drive and dedication to youth development shine through in both her academic and personal pursuits, check out her first novel here!
Abigail Sanders (B.S., Integrated Science Education, 2024) graduated from Ashland University with a major in Integrated Science Education and a minor in Psychology. Originally from Ashland, Ohio, Abby is passionate about making science engaging and accessible for high school students. She is currently teaching science at West Holmes High School, with a focus on physics and chemistry, and looks forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of scientists through hands-on, student-centered learning.
Dr. Christopher R. Chartier 