Lab Members

Spring 2023 SHARe Lab Members


Pictured: Amanda Arsenault, Jacqueline Fidellow, Ruthie Miller, Sarah Gleason, Brynne Richardson, Nicole Rafidi, Sam Brown, Dr. Stephanie Wilson, Iris Yang, Sam Molli, Sumaiyah Syed, Anni Ross
Members Not Pictured: Emily Baker, Grace Condon, Daisy Butterworth, taylor ledbetter

Dr. Stephanie J. Wilson, Ph.D., Director

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology

Dr. Wilson’s research focuses on family relationships, social interaction, psychoneuroimmunology, adulthood and aging, autonomic function, and ecological momentary assessment. For a full description of Dr. Wilson’s background and research please visit Dr. Wilson’s SMU faculty page.

Iris Yang, B.S.

3rd-year Graduate Student

Iris is a second-year student in SMU’s clinical psychology Ph.D. program. She graduated from Duke University with a degree in psychology and minors in medical sociology and chemistry. Her current research interests include aging, caregiving, social isolation, and depression. Outside of the lab, you can find Iris rock climbing, practicing yoga, and trying new recipes.

Sumaiyah Syed, B.A.

3rd-year Graduate Student

Sumaiyah is a second-year graduate student in SMU’s clinical psychology Ph.D. program. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in psychology and minors in biology and Turkish. Her current research seeks to understand the intersection between close relationships, stress, inflammation, and aging among minority populations. Outside of the lab, Sumaiyah enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing piano, and learning new languages.

Sam Molli, B.A.

2nd-year Graduate Student

Sam is an incoming first-year student in SMU’s clinical psychology Ph.D. program. He graduated from Belmont University with a degree in psychology and a minor in education. His current research interests include aging, interpersonal relationships, chronic health conditions, and health behavior change. Outside of the lab, Sam enjoys playing soccer, spending time with family, and playing trivia with friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Gleason, B.S.

Research Coordinator

Sarah is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. Her research interests include how relationships relate to later mental health problems, intergenerational transmission of mental health problems, and how contextual and family factors influence psychopathology throughout the childhood years. Her favorite hobbies include trying out new recipes, karaoke, music festivals, and hip-hop cardio dance classes.

Cassandra Fritsche, B.S.

Research Assistant

Cassandra is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in psychology. She joined the lab to further develop her experience with psychological research, and intends to pursue a master’s in clinical psychology or a related area while learning more about how a research lab functions. Her interests in the field of psychology include emotions, memory, PTSD, abnormal psychology, and health psychology, as well as a more specific interest in how interpersonal and societal factors can influence mental health. Outside of work, she enjoys creative writing, listening to music, and spending time with family.

Brynne Richardson

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Brynne is a senior undergraduate at SMU working towards degrees in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in Law and Legal Reasoning. She is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Forensic Psychology. Brynne loves working in the SHARE lab because she is able to learn more about how individuals function within romantic relationships. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

 

Nicole Rafidi

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Nicole is a senior at SMU pursuing majors in psychology and public policy with a minor in biomedical anthropology. She is excited to join the SHARE Lab to learn more about psychological and biological responses to stress in couples. She hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology after graduating from SMU. In her spare time she enjoys being with family, playing with her dogs, and trying new places in Dallas with her friends.

Sam Brown

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Sam is a double-major in Psychology and History, with a minor in Neuroscience. For fun he likes to read, do yoga, and listen to music. This is his second semester at the SHARE Lab.

Saifiyah Zaki

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Saifiyah Zaki is a senior from Plano, TX pursuing a B.S. in Psychology, a B.B.A. in Marketing, and a minor in Neuroscience. She is excited to join the SHARe lab and explore the biopsychological markers of social and clinical phenomena in the brain, particularly in the context of social relationships. After graduating, she hopes to combine her passions for academic research and creative marketing to deliver impactful insights that drive scientific advancement and business success. In her free time, she enjoys photography, reading, and traveling.

Ellie Hood

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Ellie is a senior undergraduate at SMU working towards degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Post-graduation, she is planning to get a Master’s in Forensic Psychology before pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology.  Ellie loves working in the SHARE lab because she is able to learn more about stress and resilience in relationships. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time in nature.