Emily Thomas, Ph.D.

(formerly Emily Kroska)

Dr. Thomas is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Iowa. She received her PhD from the University of Iowa in 2018, mentored by Michael O'Hara, PhD. Dr. Thomas completed her pre-doctoral clinical internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2017-2018 and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018-2019 under the mentorship of Zachary Stowe, MD_.

Ti Hsu, M.S.

Ti is a sixth-year student and a doctoral candidate in the clinical science program. She is currently a predoctoral intern at the University of Wisconsin-Madison school of Medicine and Public Health. She received her BA in liberal arts from St. John’s College and her MS in experimental psychology from William & Mary. Ti’s research is focused on the measurement of transdiagnostic processes like psychological flexibility, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. She uses latent variable measurement modeling to evaluate and refine self-report instruments capturing these constructs. She is also interested in associations among these processes and health (e.g., eating behavior, stress) and psychosocial (e.g., supportive social relationships) outcomes in emerging adults. In her spare time, Ti enjoys long runs, large dogs, and good books.

Allie Schneider Carlson, M.P.H.

Allie is a sixth-year student and a doctoral candidate in the clinical science program. She is currently a predoctoral intern at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. She received her B.S. in psychology from Allegheny College, following which she worked at the National Institutes of Health studying psychosocial factors that relate to binge drinking. She then received her M.P.H. from Yale University, where she studied social and behavioral science and focused her thesis on the intergenerational transmission of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) from mother to child in a community-based sample. Allie’s current research is focused on exploring the impact of psychological flexibility on both psychological and physiological outcomes among those who report ACEs. In her free time, Allie enjoys Peloton rides, skiing, watching college basketball, and spending time with her husband, Kory and dog, Emma. 

Tess Filip, M.A.

Tess is a fifth-year student at the University of Iowa's Psychological and Brain Sciences doctoral program in Clinical Psychology in the Mechanisms of Adult and Youth Psychopathology Lab (MAYPL) with Dr. Amanda McCleery. She received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Michigan in 2015. Tess' research interests include utilizing mobile technologies to better detect and understand symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and social/environmental factors that may improve functioning in this population. Tess is a graduate research assistant working with Dr. Thomas on an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention for cardiometabolic conditions in rural veterans. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, nature walks, and learning Korean.

Zoe Sirotiak, DPT

Zoe is a doctoral student at Iowa State University, pursuing majors in immunobiology, kinesiology, and psychology and a graduate certificate in Veterinary Preventive Medicine (epidemiology and population health methods). She received her BS from Iowa State University with majors in kinesiology and psychology and minors in biology and sociology. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa and is a licensed physical therapist. She received her MS in kinesiology with an emphasis in physical activity epidemiology from Iowa State University. Her research focuses on the associations between biological and psychosocial factors in chronic health conditions, with a particular emphasis on medically unexplained conditions such as chronic fatigue and chronic pain. She is also interested in large-scale population health studies and longitudinal analyses of health data. She utilizes a broad range of methodological approaches in her research work, including statistical, epidemiological, qualitative, and mixed methods. She particularly values interdisciplinary projects, drawing on insights from physiology, health psychology, rehabilitation sciences, and public health to better understand and address chronic health conditions. 

Jake Lamartine 

Micah Williams, B.S.

Micah graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in Human Relations and French in 2024. He plans to attend graduate school to work towards a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and to pursue a career in research. Micah's research interests include the conceptualization and structure of psychopathology, network analysis, and transdiagnostic intervention approaches. Outside of academics and work, Micah enjoys playing sports, hanging out with friends, watching movies, and listening to music.

Jules Sweet, B.S.

Jules graduated from Bradley University with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in Criminology and Business Administration in 2025. Her research interests focus on the effects of trauma and adverse life events on behavior across the lifespan, as well as how trauma-related disorders and broader psychopathology influence neural markers and cognitive functioning in women. Jules plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with the goal of integrating research and clinical practice. Outside of the lab, Jules enjoys reading, staying active at the gym, cooking, hiking, and crafting.

Berkley Johnson

Adrianna Prado

Christian Ortner

Kareem Kassas

Kareem graduated from Loras College with a B.A. in Psychology in 2025. He plans to pursue medical school with the goal of a career in psychiatry. His research interests focus on the interaction between stress, emotion regulation, and well-being, particularly in communities that face greater barriers or vulnerabilities. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, cooking, and mastering the art of ping pong.

Caylie James

Caylie is an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa majoring in Human Physiology with an undeclared minor. After graduating, she plans to complete a graduate healthcare or clinical psychology program. Her research interests include improving trauma-informed approaches to maternal healthcare, cultural influences on development, and the relationship between psychological trauma and physical symptoms. Outside of academics, Caylie enjoys practicing yoga, attending live music events, and trying new coffee shops.

Kaylee Olson

Kaylee is an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa pursuing a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Criminology, Law, and Justice. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school to work towards a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Kaylee’s current research interests center on understanding the effects of trauma, with a particular focus on the relationship between trauma and maladaptive coping behaviors. Outside of academics, Kaylee enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, and reading.