Our Team

 

Principal Investigator

Will Vincent, Ph.D., MPH

Principal Investigator

Dr. Vincent is the director of the Health Disparities and Prevention Science (HDPS) Lab. His research program merges clinical and community psychology, health psychology, and public health. Focusing on vulnerable populations, he investigates the impact of social determinants of health, such as stigma and poverty, on mental and physical health outcomes, including health behaviors. Dr. Vincent strives toward a strengths-based approach. He is interested in multilevel conceptualizations of the individual in context while considering intersectional identities. As part of a multilevel approach, broadly defined, Dr. Vincent also investigates intraindividual, biological substrates of stigma and other social determinants of health. Dr. Vincent uses both quantitative and qualitative data-analytic methods in his work. When he is not working, he enjoys sketching, reading, going to the gym, singing baritone, and traveling when possible. 

Temple University profile:
https://liberalarts.temple.edu/about/faculty-staff/wilson-vincent

 
 

Graduate Students

Cody Lentz, B.S. (he/him)

Third-Year Graduate Student

Cody is a second-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)

Second-Year Graduate Student

Sydney is a first-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 jewelry making, playing the piano, pilates, and rugby.

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

First-Year Graduate Student

Ben is a first-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! 

Jay Bradford, B.A. (he/they)

Fourth-Year Graduate Student in Dr. Ronald Taylor’s Lab

Jay is a fourth-year doctoral student in the developmental psychology program. He graduated from Pace University in 2019 with a B.A. in Psychology and minors in Queer Studies and Criminal Justice. During his undergrad, he conducted research on the impacts of campus climate to gender identity development, and in 2020 assisted in qualitative analysis for a study exploring social and political attitudes among members of different racial and social groups. He is currently interested in research highlighting the experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQA communities, examining the ways in which systemic inequity in educational spaces negatively affect student identity, adjustment, and stress response. He aims to conduct research informed by an interdisciplinary critical lens and strives to engage in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Outside of the lab, he loves watching movies, hiking, listening to R&B, and reading.

 

Undergraduate Students

  • Tegan Schultz

    Tegan is a Temple senior majoring in Psychology with minor in Global Studies. Her research interests include trauma informed parenting and mental health issues in regards to transracial internationally adopted adolescents. Additionally, she is also interested in clinical, cultural, and community psychology. In her free time she enjoys dancing for one of Temple's club dance teams, cooking, and spending time with her friends!

  • Max Greenberg

    Max Greenberg is a post-bac student currently pursuing a pre-med track. Outside of classes and time in the lab, Max marches trumpet in the Temple University Diamond Marching Band and is an active member of TU AMSA. Additionally, he enjoys photography, attending live music and theater performances, and spending time with family and friends. Following graduation, Max hopes to attend medical school.

  • Alexis Henegan

    Alexis is a senior at Temple University, double majoring in Psychology and Africology + African American Studies. A brief overview of her long-term career goals would include earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and providing quality and affordable mental health care and resources to minority communities. As a Temple student, Alexis participates as the President of the Psychology Majors of Color club and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

  • Connor Franzese

    Connor is a third-year undergraduate honors psychology major with a minor in Spanish, as well as a student in Temple’s 4+1 M.S. in Psychological Research program. He works on campus with students with intellectual disabilities and autism through a person-centered approach as a Peer Mentor. Connor is a member of Psi Chi and plans to pursue a PhD in research psychology with a focus on social justice issues. In his free time, he likes to cook, read, and play the guitar.

  • Andrew Cardona

    Andrew is a sophomore in Temple’s Honors Program majoring in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience. Following graduation Andrew hopes to obtain a PHD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Neuroscience, and hopes to bring proper and equal healthcare opportunities to minority groups. Outside of school and lab, Andrew is a part of Temple’s Climbing club and loves playing guitar, experimenting with new recipes, and contemplating his next tattoo.

COLLABORATORS

  • Sarah Bauerle Bass, Ph.D., MPH

    Associate Professor
    Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
    College of Public Health
    Temple University

  • Tricia H. Burdo, Ph.D.

    Professor
    Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Inflammation
    Center for Neurovirology & Gene Editing
    Department of Neural Sciences
    Vice Chair
    Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Inflammation
    Lewis Katz School of Medicine
    Temple University

  • Nathan B. Hansen, Ph.D.

    Professor
    Department of Health Promotion and Behavior
    College of Public Health
    University of Georgia

  • Willi McFarland, M.D., Ph.D., MPH

    Professor
    Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
    Department and School of Medicine
    University of California, San Francisco
    ———
    Director
    Center for Public Health Research
    San Francisco Department of Public Health

  • Adam W. Carrico, Ph.D.

    Professor
    Department of Public Health Sciences
    Director
    Division of Prevention Science and Community Health
    Miller School of Medicine
    University of Miami

  • Lisa Bowleg, Ph.D.

    Professor
    Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
    George Washington University
    ———
    Director
    Social and Behavioral Sciences Core
    District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research

  • Kathleen A. Brady, M.D.

    Interim Director and Medical Director
    AIDS Activities Coordinating Office
    Philadelphia Department of Public Health

  • Torsten B. Neilands, Ph.D.

    Professor
    Division of Prevention Science
    Director
    Methods Core
    Center for AIDS Prevention Studies
    Department and School of Medicine
    University of California, San Francisco

  • Erik D. Storholm, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor
    Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science
    College of Health and Human Services
    School of Public Health
    San Diego State University

  • Susan M. Kegeles, Ph.D.

    Professor
    Division of Prevention Science
    Department and School of Medicine
    University of California, San Francisco

Alumni Students

  • Kais Jawawdeh

    Kais Jawawdeh is an M1 at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine and will be pursuing further research in healthcare disparities. He continues to workout, play soccer, and even find time to experiment with new iced coffee recipes!

  • Danielle Sapadin

    Danielle was majoring in Psychology and minoring in Spanish. Her research interests include workplace ethics, prosocial behavior, and public health. In her free time Danielle enjoys exercising, baking, and cooking!

  • Torriss Madden

    Torriss was a psychology major at Temple. She has long term goals of achieving a graduate degree in clinical psychology and becoming a psychologist. Her research interests focus on the mental health effects of stigma and marginalization-related trauma. She was also member of the Active Minds Club and a fourth- year member of the Psychology Majors of Color.

  • Sirina Tiwari

    Sirina was an undergraduate student at Temple University. She majored in psychology with a minor in cognitive neuroscience. She has experience working with anxious youth and wants to continue her research with underrepresented communities. Outside of school, she loves making jewelry, working out and trying out new food with friends and family.

  • Julia Coble

    Julia was a Psychology major with a Nutrition minor. She is interested in why certain populations are more susceptible for health problems and if nutrition has a role in its negative mental effects. She wants to advocate for underrepresented communities and the struggles they go through and make a positive difference for them. Some of her other interests include cooking, listening to music or a podcast and hanging out with friends!

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.