Our Team

 

Graduate Students

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

Fourth-Year Graduate Student

Cody is a fourth-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.

 

Sydney Telaak, B.A. (she/her)

Third-Year Graduate Student

Sydney is a third-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program. She graduated from Kenyon College in 2019 with a B.A. in Psychology and Gender Studies. Previously, she worked as a post-baccalaureate researcher at the National Institutes of Health, where she helped investigate the role of stigma as it pertains to health-based education, communication, and equity. Her current research interests center around understanding the diverse experiences of sexual and gender minority mental health through an intersectional lens. Outside of the lab, she enjoys crafting, reading, and finding new things to do in Philadelphia!

 

Ben Dominguez, B.S. (he/him)

Second-Year Graduate Student

Ben is a second-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)

First-Year Graduate Student

Gowri is a first-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!

 

Undergraduate Students

  • Connor Franzese, B.A.

    Connor is a master’s student in Temple’s +1 MS in Psychological Research. His research interests include minority stress, eating disorders, neurodivergency, and linguistics. He works on campus with students with intellectual disabilities and autism through a person-centered approach as a Lead Peer Mentor. Connor is a member of Psi Chi and Phi Beta Kappa, and plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology with a focus on social justice issues. In his free time Connor enjoys cooking and playing the guitar.

  • Woyhi Tahsin

    Woyhi Tahsin is a senior at Temple University majoring in Genomic Medicine on the pre-med track. After graduation, he hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career in neuroscientific research. Outside of classes, Woyhi serves as a Peer Learning Assistant for General Chemistry and works as an EMT. In his free time, Woyhi enjoys sketching, photography, reading manga, and boxing.

  • 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

  • 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.