Our Team

 

Graduate Students

Cody Lentz, M.A. (he/him)

Fifth-Year Graduate Student; PhD Candidate

Cody is a fifth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program. He graduated from Fordham University in 2016 with a B.S. in Psychology. Previously, he worked at the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, where he managed a number of research projects geared towards developing novel HIV prevention resources for gender and sexual minority populations. His current research interests revolve around the intersection of behavioral and mental health, particularly as they pertain to developing holistic, empirically informed HIV prevention and treatment services to reduce health disparities among underserved populations. Outside of the lab, he enjoys reading, running, and exploring new, affordable restaurants in Philly.

 
 

Ben Dominguez, M.A. (he/him)

Third-Year Graduate Student

Ben is a third-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a B.S. in Neuroscience with Honors Research Distinction. Previously, he worked at Northwestern University's Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing (ISGMH) as a Research Study Coordinator on Dr. Brian Mustanski's RADAR project looking at the intersection of substance use, HIV transmission, and mental health. His current research interests focus on the biological implications of trauma treatment and HIV pathology, specifically looking at mobile health interventions. Outside of the lab, he enjoys sewing, white water rafting, spending time with friends and family, and watching reality TV! 

 

Gowri Sunder, M.Des. (she/her)

Second-Year Graduate Student

Gowri is a second-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program. She completed an undergraduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University (2018) and a Master’s of Design from California College of the Arts (2021). Before joining Temple’s Clinical Psychology PhD program, she worked at the University of California San Francisco and Stanford University, managing studies on health disparities, substance use, PTSD, and mental health interventions among LGBTQIA+ populations. Her research interests include biological and social factors of health related to substance use and adversity, and interventions that improve long-term wellbeing. In her free time, she enjoys painting, hiking, and live music!

 

Devisi Ashar, B.A. (she/her)

First-Year Graduate Student

Devisi is a first-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with degree in Psychology and a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies in 2024. Before joining Temple, she worked as a Research Technician in Boston University’s Sexual, Reproductive, and Mental Health Disparities Program, where she coordinated research across multiple studies and institutions focused on health disparities, HIV and sexual health, substance use, sleep, and women’s health. Her current research interests center on the biological, psychological, and social factors that shape health across the lifespan, with particular interests in women’s health and health disparities. In her free time, she loves spending time with her dog, exploring the city, trying new restaurants, and traveling the world whenever she can.

Undergraduate Students

  • Ryan Davidson

    Ryan is a sophomore undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Health Policy and Management. He aspires to become an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist with a focus on Talent Acquisition and Leadership Development. On campus, he works as a Peer Mentor, actively pursuing his passion for advising and supporting developing individuals. Outside of academics, Ryan enjoys writing poetry and critically engaging with emerging R&B artists.

  • Joshua Gordon

    Joshua Gordon is a sophomore majoring in psychology and working toward a certification in Forensic Psychology. He plans to earn a Ph.D. in psychology and become a licensed clinical or counseling psychologist, focusing on forensic psychology and the self concept. Joshua is interested in how people form and understand their identities, beliefs, and personal qualities, as well as how these shape their actions and choices. Joshua is a student member of the Association of Black Psychologists and regularly takes part in conversations about culture, identity, and the ways psychology can support diverse communities. Outside of school, he enjoys cooking, playing basketball, listening to music, meeting new people, and reading about personal and financial growth.

Alumni Students

  • Connor Franzese

  • Woyhi Tahsin

  • Jay Bradford

  • Tegan Schultz

  • Alexis Henegan

  • Kais Jawawdeh

  • Danielle Sapadin

  • Torriss Madden

  • Sirina Tiwari

  • Julia Coble

  • Max Greenberg

Former Staff

  • Chloe Hinton, B.S.

    Chloe graduated from Spelman College in 2021 with her B.S. in Health Sciences. While at Spelman, she was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society. In 2020, she conducted research regarding Covid-19 and its impact on academic institutions. Her current research interests include behavioral health and mental illnesses, specifically regarding vulnerable populations. She is passionate about providing an empathic and understanding environment to those who are often overlooked in this society. In addition, she is interested in the efficacy of certain drugs used to treat different mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.

  • Megan Adams, Ph.D.

    Dr. Adams is a Qualitative Research Specialist and qualitative consultant. She directs the Academy for Language and Literacy at Kennesaw State University, where she is an Associate Professor. Dr. Adams’ research typically centers around qualitative inquiries into issues impacting marginalized communities, students, and teachers. In addition to consulting on multiple qualitative projects nationally, Dr. Adams enjoys working with young people to foster inquiry and curiosity. In her personal life, Dr. Adams has two children, one partner, one dog, one cat, and three fish. She loves travel, reading, and food, in no particular order.