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_.

Tess Filip, M.A.

Tess is a sixth-year student and doctoral candidate in the clinical science program. She received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Michigan in 2015 and previously worked in the Cognitive Dynamics Lab at the University of California, San Diego and in the Mechanisms of Adult and Youth Psychopathology Lab (MAYPL) with Dr. Amanda McCleery. 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. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, nature walks, and learning Korean.

Manny Stegall, B.S.

Manny is a first-year and first-generation student in the clinical science program. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minored in Communication Studies at the University of Iowa in 2020. Manny’s research centers around developing and testing community-based, peer-led interventions that promote well-being and positive health behaviors in rural and underserved populations via Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing components in non-traditional clinical settings. Outside of the lab, he enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, hiking, kayaking, and collecting music. 

Micah Williams, B.S.

Micah is a first-year doctoral student in the clinical science program. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in Human Relations and French in 2024. Micah's research interests include employing advanced quantitative methods such as network analysis and ecological momentary assessment in order to develop personalized interventions for health behaviors. Outside of academics and work, Micah enjoys playing sports, hanging out with family and friends, and watching Survivor with his wife and daughter.

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. 

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.

Morgan Zanger

Alyssa Griffith

KayLee Kuehl

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.