Jacklynn Fitzgerald, PhD

jacklynn.fitzgerald@marquette.edu

she/her/hers

Dr. Fitzgerald’s research focuses on identifying neural “biomarkers” that reflect disruptions in brain circuits and peripheral systems involved in emotion regulation. By linking these biomarkers to clinical outcomes, her work aims to pinpoint individual differences that shape vulnerability to mental illness. A central focus is uncovering how stress and trauma “get under the skin” to alter neurocircuitry supporting emotion regulation, thereby heightening risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Trained as a neuroscientist, Dr. Fitzgerald integrates multiple methods for the study of human brain functioning, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), psychophysiology, and electroencephalogram (EEG) recording. Dr. Fitzgerald received her PhD in Psychology (Behavioral Neuroscience) from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2017 and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. She joined Marquette’s Department of Psychology as an Assistant Professor in 2019.

Jessie Jenson, MA (Visiting Graduate Student)

she/her/hers

Jessie is a graduate student in the doctoral program in clinical psychology at Fielding Graduate University, currently at internship at the University of Missouri. Her research interests focus on the neuropsychological and neurophysiological bases of mental health and behavior. Jessie is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin. She received her master’s degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Kaley Davis, MS

she/her/hers

Kaley is a 5th year graduate student in the clinical psychology doctoral program at Marquette University. Her research interests focus on the intersection between stress and environmental factors, and their influence on the development of emotion processing and its associated neural circuits in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder. She is particularly interested in studying the underlying neural mechanisms of post-traumatic growth in traumatic injury survivors and the relationship with emotion regulation. Before starting the graduate program at Marquette and joining the TAN lab, Kaley received her master’s in clinical research methodology from Fordham University in 2020 and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2015.

Kathryn Barber, MS

Katie is a 4th year graduate student in the clinical psychology doctoral program at Marquette University. Her research interests revolve around cognitive and emotional mechanisms that underlie obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. She is particularly interested in neurocognitive characteristics of hair pulling disorder and skin picking disorder. Before starting at Marquette, Katie worked as a research assistant at Penn State University. She earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (2022) and a bachelor’s in psychology from Penn State (2019). 

Zoe Bair

Zoe is a 1st year graduate student in the clinical psychology doctoral program at Marquette University. Her research interests center on identifying neurobiological markers of PTSD and dissociation.  She is particularly interested in understanding and reducing barriers to treatment efficacy. Prior to joining the TAN lab, Zoe received her bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology from Tufts University and worked as a research assistant at McLean Hospital.

Ashley Dirkmaat

Ashley is a senior at Marquette University studying Psychology. She has a strong interest in the interaction between neuroscience and social psychology. She has experience developing and working in a mixed methods lab studying intersectionality. She is excited to explore different lab topics in her remaining undergraduate years as she develops her field interest for graduate school.  

Téa Graham

Téa is a senior at Marquette University, pursuing a major in psychology and cognitive science. She is interested in studying how neural mechanisms impact brain function and influence psychological outcomes and emotional responses. She is also interested in exploring the relationship between brain processes and human behavior, and how these insights can be applied to improve mental health and emotional well-being. She plans to attend graduate school after her time at Marquette.

Esther Akinsanya

Esther is a junior double majoring in Psychology and Theatre, Arts. She is interested in how trauma changes the neuroplasticity of the brain and how that affects people, as well as creating an environment of resilience. In studying Psychology, she wants to be a clinical therapist.

Grace Sviland

Grace is a junior at Marquette University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. Her passions lie in finding holistic approaches and understandings to emotional dysregulation as a result of trauma. This interest is due, in part, to her involvement in the Marquette Mentors Program, where she was paired with Dr. Mike Martin, the Psychology Executive at the Atlanta VA Health Care System, as her mentor. She plans on attending graduate school after her undergraduate studies to further her knowledge in the focus of clinical psychology and neuroscience.

Erik Nelson

Erik is a senior undergraduate student majoring in psychology from Chicago, Illinois. He is very interested in research and eventually hoping to find a clinical psychology program after he graduates. In addition to research, Erik is part of the Autonomous Youth Council at Milwaukee Succeeds to give a voice to underserved communities within the greater Milwaukee area. In his free time he enjoys exercising, reading, and doing work within his community. Following school, Erik hopes to do work in assessment and perhaps therapy later down the line.

Raya Broeren

Raya is a senior at Marquette University studying Biomedical Sciences and Psychology on a pre-med track. She has experience working in a biomedical sciences lab studying the formation of fear-based memories and how that contributes to various mental health disorders. Currently, she is interested in exploring how psychological disorders alter typical brain processes and affect human behavior.

Mackenzie Volkmar

Mackenzie is a senior studying Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Psychology at Marquette University. She is a pre-med student with a strong interest in how biological and psychological factors shape health and well-being. Driven by a desire to support and advocate for others, she joined the lab to better understand the science behind human behavior and mental health. She plans to attend medical school and hopes to apply what she's learned to support patients in a meaningful and informed way. 

Jessica Rucinski

Jessica is a senior at Marquette University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-med track. She is interested in the relationship between the brain and human behavior, particularly how neurological processes shape emotional and cognitive experiences. Jessica plans to attend medical school in the future, with the hope of applying what she has learned during her time at Marquette to her future career in medicine.

Paige Jansen

Paige is a junior pursuing a double major in psychology and criminology. She is interested in how emotional and cognitive processes are represented in the brain. Her academic interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience and behavior, with a long-term goal of exploring how neural pathways influence complex behaviors, including those relevant to criminality. She plans to attend graduate school to further explore the neural and psychological mechanisms behind criminal behavior to be able to assess and understand the minds of offenders. 

Ta’shala Hubanks (McNair Scholar)

Ta’shala is a junior at Marquette University, pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. As a first-generation college student, she is on the pre-med track and is passionate about exploring the effects of trauma on the brain, particularly within men and women. Ta’shala was a McNair Scholar, researching trauma's impact on the brain and its long-term effects, mentored by Dr. Fitzgerald. After graduation, Ta’shala plans to attend medical school to become a physician focused on trauma and mental health. She is eager to continue her research and contribute to improving the understanding and treatment of trauma-related conditions.

Katlyn McVey

Katlyn is a junior studying psychology and hopes to obtain an ASL minor. Her passion is understanding how trauma can impact one's personality as well as how multifaceted the process of interpreting different emotions from facial expressions, body language and tone can be. Apart from Psychology, she is interested in becoming an ER Nurse and is working as an EMT to gain further experience in the field with patients. Her other interests are scuba diving, creating music, drawing and being part of the MU Taekwondo Club.

Lucy Rogers

Lucy is a senior at Marquette University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Social Welfare and Justice. She currently works as a registered behavior technician with children in the Milwaukee area. Her research interests focus on anxiety disorders, specifically obsessive-compulsive disorder, and how they display physical manifestations. She is interested in traumatic childhood experiences and its relationship with anxiety disorders in adulthood. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue graduate school in clinical psychology.  

Olivia Lohrbach

Olivia is a senior at Marquette University majoring in Psychology. She is interested in how certain trauma-based experiences can impact the brain and behaviors and how it can lead to different psychological disorders. She plans to attend nursing school in the future and hopes to apply what she has learned to better support and advocate for her patients to provide the best care

Miranda Dobbs

Miranda is studying psychology with a minor in interdisciplinary data science as an undergraduate at Marquette University. She is passionate about research that serves the community of Milwaukee, particularly regarding mental wellbeing. She hopes to continue these pursuits in graduate school.

Nicholas Pavon

Nicholas is a senior at Marquette University, double majoring in Psychology and Gender & Sexuality Studies. He is especially interested in exploring how neuropsychological processes connect to emotional and behavioral responses to trauma, as well as to broader social influences. His future goals include becoming a counseling psychologist with a specialization in family, couples, and sex therapy. In addition, he hopes to pursue a career in higher education as a professor. After completing his undergraduate studies at Marquette, Nicholas plans to attend graduate school to continue working toward these aspirations.