Doctoral students
Shelby Hunter, MS
Research interests: Forensic neuropsychology and social science evidence in the courtroom
Hello! I am a third-year graduate student in the clinical psychology (law track) program. I completed an undergraduate (B.A.) degree in psychology at Butler University and a masters (M.S.) degree in psychology at Arizona State University. My research interests include the use of neuroscience and neuropsychological assessments in courts and other forensic settings, assessment validity, traumatic brain injury and violence/violence intervention. I plan to complete a forensic clinical psychology internship and forensic clinical neuropsychology post-doctoral program. Ultimately, my goals are some combination of forensic neuropsychology practice, research, and mentoring students. In my spare time I love traveling, hiking, yoga, and being a foodie.
Research interests: Forensic neuropsychology and social science evidence in the courtroom
Hello! I am a third-year graduate student in the clinical psychology (law track) program. I completed an undergraduate (B.A.) degree in psychology at Butler University and a masters (M.S.) degree in psychology at Arizona State University. My research interests include the use of neuroscience and neuropsychological assessments in courts and other forensic settings, assessment validity, traumatic brain injury and violence/violence intervention. I plan to complete a forensic clinical psychology internship and forensic clinical neuropsychology post-doctoral program. Ultimately, my goals are some combination of forensic neuropsychology practice, research, and mentoring students. In my spare time I love traveling, hiking, yoga, and being a foodie.
Ashley Peck, BA
Research interests: Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, diagnostic biases, and intervention
Ashley is a second-year graduate student at the University of Alabama. She is originally from Dallas, Texas and completed her undergraduate studies at Texas Tech University. Research interests broadly include assessment and treatment of inmates with severe mental illnesses. When she “grows up” she hopes to have her own practice in which she conducts clinical and forensic assessments as well as providing treatment for individuals in the forensic population. She enjoys going on walks at the riverwalk and the arboretum. Although she does not have a pet in Tuscaloosa, she loves to play with other’s dogs to get rid of her puppy fever.
Research interests: Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, diagnostic biases, and intervention
Ashley is a second-year graduate student at the University of Alabama. She is originally from Dallas, Texas and completed her undergraduate studies at Texas Tech University. Research interests broadly include assessment and treatment of inmates with severe mental illnesses. When she “grows up” she hopes to have her own practice in which she conducts clinical and forensic assessments as well as providing treatment for individuals in the forensic population. She enjoys going on walks at the riverwalk and the arboretum. Although she does not have a pet in Tuscaloosa, she loves to play with other’s dogs to get rid of her puppy fever.
Haley Potts, MA
Research interests: Competence to stand trial, competence restoration, and mental state
Haley Potts is a second-year doctoral student at the University of Alabama, earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a concentration in law and psychology. She completed her undergraduate degree in anthropology at Sewanee: The University of the South. After working in publishing for a few years, she earned a master’s degree in forensic psychology from the University of Denver. Her research interests include forensic mental health assessment, competency to stand trial, and mental state. Haley's ever-changing career goals include conducting court-ordered forensic assessments, teaching, and treating forensic patients with serious mental illness. She is a member of the Student Committee and Professional Development of Women Committee of the American Psychology-Law Society. Haley is a native Alabamian who hates the heat but loves yoga, Netflix, and her enormous rescue dog, Doug.
Research interests: Competence to stand trial, competence restoration, and mental state
Haley Potts is a second-year doctoral student at the University of Alabama, earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a concentration in law and psychology. She completed her undergraduate degree in anthropology at Sewanee: The University of the South. After working in publishing for a few years, she earned a master’s degree in forensic psychology from the University of Denver. Her research interests include forensic mental health assessment, competency to stand trial, and mental state. Haley's ever-changing career goals include conducting court-ordered forensic assessments, teaching, and treating forensic patients with serious mental illness. She is a member of the Student Committee and Professional Development of Women Committee of the American Psychology-Law Society. Haley is a native Alabamian who hates the heat but loves yoga, Netflix, and her enormous rescue dog, Doug.
Undergraduate students
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Spencer Anderson, Undergraduate Lab Coordinator
Research interests: Forensic neuropsychology and neuroscience Jasmine Arnold Research interests: Forensic psychology Jasmine is a junior at the University of Alabama from Birmingham, AL. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school in hopes of earning her P.h.D in clinical forensic psychology. On campus, Jasmine is also a Resident Advisor and a BFSA Ambassador. |
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Anna Bending
Research interests: Cognitive and forensic psychology Anna is a sophomore at the University of Alabama from Chalfont, PA, and is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she plans on attending graduate school in hopes of earning a P.h.D. with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. On campus, Anna is involved with Alpha Delta Pi sorority, the University of Alabama Dance Marathon, and Als Pals, a mentoring program that aids children in local Tuscaloosa schools. Jeniya Harris Research interests: Forensic and child psychology Jeniya is a sophomore at the University of Alabama from Atlanta, Georgia and is majoring in psychology with a minor in Spanish. After graduation she plans to receive her master’s in counseling psychology and become a therapist. Her ultimate career goal is to open up her own private practice. On campus she is involved in Al’s Pals and Psychology Club. Just this past summer, Jeniya studied abroad in Barranquilla, Colombia. Jeniya spends her free time traveling and trying new places to eat. |
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Hannah King Research interests: Forensic psychology and social justice Hannah is a sophomore at the University of Alabama from Alexandria, VA. Majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice, Hannah hopes to specialize in the field of Forensic Psychology. After graduation, she plans to join a dual degree program where she will earn a J.D. and Phd in Clinical Psychology. On campus, Hannah is involved with the Black Faculty and Staff Association, Future Black Law Student Association, and a mentoring program for first year minority students. |
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Beka Lescenski
Research interest: Neuropsychology Beka is a junior at the University of Alabama from Las Vegas, NV and is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. After receiving her undergraduate degree she would like to pursue her P.h.D. in Neuropsychology. Her ultimate career goal is to be a Child and Adolescent Neuropsychologist. On campus, Beka is involved with Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, AL’s Pals, and Greek Programming Board. She spent Spring 2019 participating in the Disney College Program where she worked in Front of Park Operations and Event Operations. She also spent Summer of 2018 in Elmina, Ghana shadowing in the regional psychiatric hospital and leprosarium. Marin Montalbano Research interests: Forensic psychology I am a junior at the University of Alabama and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I am majoring in psychology and minoring in human development. After receiving my undergraduate degree I would love to pursue my Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a concentration on forensics. I am also currently a member of Psi Chi's University of Alabama chapter. In my spare time, I work as a barista and I also love going to the gym, spending time with friends, and binging forensic shows on Netflix. Garett Ostdiek-Wille Research interest: Medical research Garett is a junior at the University of Alabama from He is from Gretna Nebraska and is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. He hopes to attend medical school following his time at Alabama with the goal of becoming a practicing physician. On campus, Garett is involved with the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon, where he serves as the Vice President of Member Development. He also is participating in research with the Radiation Oncology Department of the University of Nebraska Medical Center through the Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Outside of academics and activities, Garett is an avid sports fan. Some of his favorite teams include Alabama Football, Creighton Basketball, and Chelsea Football Club. Heather Whitsett
Research interests: Forensic psychology and psychotic disorders Heather is a Senior at the University of Alabama from West Blocton, Alabama, and is double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice. After she graduates in December 2020, she plans on going to graduate school to pursue a PsyD. In Clinical Psychology with a Forensic concentration. Heather has been a Behavioral Health Specialist in the US Army Reserves for almost 3 years, and hopes to become a Sergeant (E-5) by 2021. She volunteers a great deal of her time with Turning Point Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Services here in Tuscaloosa, and is also a member of the WGRC’s Student Leadership Council. |
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Margaret Wood Research interests: Substance use and behavioral medicine. Margaret is a senior at The University of Alabama from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is working on earning a double major in psychology and criminal justice with a special interest in forensic psychology. After she graduates she plans on attending graduate school with a focus on behavioral analysis and earning a P.h.D. This past summer Margaret had the opportunity to work with the Pediatric Neurology division at the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, where she worked closely with the epilepsy clinic. On campus, she is involved with Sigma Kappa sorority, University of Alabama Dance Marathon, Bama Geriatric Organization for Animal Therapy, and services as a research assistant for the Alabama Institute for Social Science Research. |
CLASS RA awards
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2018-2019 award winners: Whitney Hovater and Aislinn Tansey
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Lab alumni
Mary Tate Thomas, BA, 2017-2019 Undergraduate RA
Research interests: Neuroscience and mental state, cultural competence
Whitney Hovater, BA, 2017-2019 Undergraduate RA
Research interests: Children, adolescents, and performance validity (effort) testing
Aislinn Tansey, BA, 2017-2019 Undergraduate RA
Research interests: Competence to stand trial
Mercedes Taylor, 2018-2019 Undergraduate RA
Research interests: Mental state and juvenile justice
Research interests: Neuroscience and mental state, cultural competence
Whitney Hovater, BA, 2017-2019 Undergraduate RA
Research interests: Children, adolescents, and performance validity (effort) testing
Aislinn Tansey, BA, 2017-2019 Undergraduate RA
Research interests: Competence to stand trial
Mercedes Taylor, 2018-2019 Undergraduate RA
Research interests: Mental state and juvenile justice
