FACULTY & STAFF
Laura D. Seligman, Ph.D., ABPP
Office: EACSB 1.124FPhone: (956) 665-2866
Email: laura.seligman@utrgv.edu
Dr. Seligman is a Professor of Psychological Science at UTRGV and Past President of the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). Dr. Seligman received a Ph.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Statistics, from The State University of New York at Oneonta. Dr. Seligman is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Texas, and she is Board-Certified in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Seligman’s research interests include internalizing disorders in youth and the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based behavioral health treatments. Currently, Dr. Seligman is the Principal Investigator (PI) of a National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) R01 research grant to study methods to prevent the development of dental anxiety and phobia and the PI of an NIDCR UH3 research grant to offer a one-session culturally-appropriate treatment for dental phobia in youth. Previously she was a PI of an NIDCR UG3 grant to develop the one-session treatment for dental phobia and a site MPI for a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) U01 research grant to examine genetic impacts on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Latino/a individuals in North America and South America. For a copy of Dr. Seligman's vita, please click here.
Dr. Hovey is a Professor of Psychological Science at UTRGV. Dr. Hovey received a Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from The University of Michigan and a B.A. in Anthropology from UCLA. Dr. Hovey is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Texas and is an internationally recognized scholar in the areas of suicide risk and prevention, behavioral health of acculturating individuals, rural health, cultural adaptation and development of psychological measures, and the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavior. Dr. Hovey is a former Research Director of the American Association of Suicidology, and a former Commissioner, Research Co-Chair, and Master's Policy Co-Chair on the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA). Currently, Dr. Hovey is a Co-PI of a National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) UH3 grant to deliver a one-session culturally-appropriate treatment for dental phobia in youth and a Co-I on a UC2 grant from the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to assess the research infrastructure at UTRGV in an effort to foster a more robust behavioral health research environment. Previously, Dr. Hovey was a site MPI for an NIMH U01 grant to examine genetic impacts on OCD in Latino/a individuals in North America and South America, and a Co-PI on an NIDCR UG3 grant to develop the one-session treatment for dental phobia in youth.
For more detailed information on Dr. Hovey’s work, please go to his faculty website by clicking here. For a copy of his vita, please click here.
Katelyn Villa is a Research Associate III at UTRGV. Ms. Villa received an M.S. and B.A. in Exercise Physiology from The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Ms. Villa serves as a Project Director for an R01 research grant and a UG3/UH3 research grant awarded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Ms. Villa has a demonstrated history of working within the higher education and clinical research industries. Her previous work experiences included research in topics such as exercise physiology, treatment-resistant depression, suicide behavior, strokes, and neuroscience.
Eva is a Research Associate I at UTRGV who works on a UH3 grant funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. As an undergraduate student, Eva gained experience researching a variety of topics, such as identity expression, authenticity, alcohol use, depression, and sexual minority stress. Her current research interests include the efficacy of interventions and prevention programs for anxiety, mood, and eating disorders as well as health disparities in racial, ethnic, and sexual minority populations. In her spare time, Eva loves to go to the beach, do ceramics, read, and travel.
Kate Danica Felix, B.S.
Office: EACSB 1.124KPhone: (956) 665-3304
Email: katedanica.felix01@utrgv.edu
Kate is a Research Associate I at UTRGV. She primarily works on a UG3 research grant awarded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) whose aim is to develop effective treatment for dental phobia in pediatric populations. She is a graduate of UTRGV with a B.S. in Biology and she hopes to attend dental school to become a general dentist. While a student, Kate served as a leader for the university's Pre-Dental Society/American Student Dental Association as Vice President and President. Through passion projects such as "Giving the RGV Something to Smile About" and "Helping the RGV Smile Again," Kate has been able to actively advocate oral and overall health to her underserved community through means of giving back and educating others. One of her main future goals is to instill change in underserved communities that tend to neglect their oral health by providing positive dental experiences to shape health smiles.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Gabriella Rivas
Email: gabriella.rivas02@utrgv.edu
Gabriella Rivas is a sophomore at UTRGV who is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Applied Statistics and Data Science. After graduation, she plans to continue her education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests include issues regarding suicidal beaviors, sexual/domestic violence, trauma, and PTSD. During her free time, Gabriella enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, solving puzzles, and going to concerts.
Ann Jacob
Email: ann.jacob01@utrgv.edu
Ann Jacob is a senior at UTRGV. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. Ann wants to further her education by going to medical and school and earning an M.D. She is interested in working with children and adolescents in Asian communities, especially those in the Rio Grande Valley. Her research interests include anxiety, mood, and personality disorders. In her free time, Ann enjoys reading, taking road trips around the U.S., and rewatching her favorite television shows.
Monica Ochoa, M.A.
Email: monica.ochoa01@utrgv.edu
Monica Ochoa is a UTRGV alumni who graduated with a B.S. in Psychology in 2022 and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 2025. During her time at UTRGV, she served as the Research Participation Pool Manager and SONA Coordinator for the Department of Psychological Science. Monica plans to continue her education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Monica is interested in becoming a clinical psychologist and plans to advocate for the normalization of seeking help with mental health in the Hispanic population, primarily in the Rio Grand Valley. Her interests in psychology include anxiety, mood disorders, body image, and personality disorders. In her free time, Monica enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to music, running, practicing yoga, and coaching and playing volleyball.
Giezzi Ramirez-Martinez
Email: giezzi.ramirezmartinez01@utrgv.edu
Giezzi Ramirez-Martinez is currently a senior at UTRGV, graduating in May 2026 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Chemistry. After, she will pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She hopes to one day work as a bilingual counselor in the Rio Grande Valley. Her research interests include issues regarding Latino/a hyouth, migrant mental health, addiction studies, and child psychopathology. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys gardening, baking, and playing video games.
Victoria Garcia
Email: angela.garcia15@utrgv.edu
Victoria Garcia is a Junior at UTRGV, planning to graduate in Spring 2027 with a B.S. in Psychology. She aspires to continue her education with an M.A. in Clinical Psychology. Before committing to complete a PhD., she desires to spend some time working in Counseling and Education. During her free time, Victoria enjoys reading, exercising, baking, journaling, and spending time with her family.
McKayla Molina, B.S.
Email: mckayla.molina01@utrgv.edu
McKayla Molina graduate from UTRGV in 2025 with a B.S. in Psychology. She is currently a graduate student at UTRGV in the Master of Education in Counseling program, with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She hopes to become a mental health counselor for adolescents and young adults. Her interests in psychology include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). During her free time, she likes to shop, listen to music, color, and hang out with stray cats.
Joshua Salinas
Email: joshua.salinas06@utrgv.edu
Joshua Salinas is a senior at UTRGV, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Kinesiology. Josh currently plans to obtain a Master's Degree in Psychology to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Josh's psychological interests include social psychology, sports psychology, generational trauma, and various anxiety disorders, including performance anxiety, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. In his free time, Josh enjoys watching movies, creating artwork, and training in the gym.
Finley Sims, M.A.
Email: finley.sims01@utrgv.edu
Finley Sims graduated from Minnesota State University with a B.S. in Psychology and she is currently pursuing her M.A. in Experimental Psychology from UTRGV. After obtaining her Master's, Finley plans on working towards her Ph.D. in Social Psychology. Her research interests include body image and mental health in athletes, building on the paper she authored during her undergraduate education concerning student time management, attachment processes, social hierarchy, and learning disabilities in children. In her spare time, Finley enjoys being active, spending time with family, and exploring new places.
Kaitlynn Garza, B.S.
Email: kaitlynn.garza01@utrgv.edu
Kaitlynn Garza graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from UTRGV in 2023 and is currently a student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at UTRGV. Kaitlynn is primarily interested in working with children and adolescents and her main subjects of interest are personality disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. During her free time, she enjoys going on walks, spending time with family, and trying new recipes.
Nadeen Salhadar, M.A.
Email: nadeen.salhadar01@utrgv.edu
Nadeen Salhadar graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Health and Society. She completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology at UTRGV in 2025. She works as a Graduate Research Assistant on a UC2 grant from the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Nadeen seeks to continue her education by pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests include mental health and disorders in relation to health disparities and social determinants of health, with a focus on depression, anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, art, and learning new skills.
Isabella Cruz, M.S.
Email: isabella.cruz02@utrgv.edu
Isabella Cruz graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from UTRGV. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Psychology at The University of Texas at San Antonio and she plans to further her education and obtain her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Isabella's research interests are in religiosity and mental health, gender, LGBT, and sexual trauma. In her free time, Isabella enjoys reading, listening to music, and watching movies.
LAB ALUMNI
Daniela Chavez, M.A.
Daniela Chavez was born in Toluca, Mexico, and raised in Mission, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and from UTRGV in 2023 with a Master’s in Experimental Psychology. Her research interests include mental health risk and protective factors, coping skills, resiliency, and acculturative stress in Latino/a individuals. Daniela is an advocate for accessible, effective, and bilingual mental health care so that all people in the Rio Grande Valley can have happy, fulfilling lives.
Martha Garcia, B.S.
Martha Garcia graduated is 2022 from UTRGV with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She is interested in community-based work that focuses on closing the gap between mental illness and accessible care that disadvantaged populations face. Her main subjects of interest in psychology are PTSD, child development, acculturative stress, gender psychology, and sexual trauma. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family (including her pets), being active, and listening to and playing music. She is currently a student in the M.A. in the School Psychology program at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Amanda Peralez, B.S.
Amanda Peralez served as a post-baccalaureate research assistant in the Behavioral Health Lab. She graduated from UTRGV with a B.S. in Psychology in 2023. Her main research interests include obsessive-compulsive disorder and the impact of emotion regulation, self-compassion, and resilience on the treatment of psychological disorders. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to music, and looking at the sunny kitchen windowsill with her two cats.
Giezzi Ramirez-Martinez, B.S.
Giezzi Ramirez-Martinez is currently a senior at UTRGV, graduating in May 2026 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Chemistry. After, she will pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She hopes to one day work as a bilingual counselor in the Rio Grande Valley. Her research interests include issues regarding Latino/a hyouth, migrant mental health, addiction studies, and child psychopathology. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys gardening, baking, and playing video games.
Alejandro Rodriguez, B.S.
Alejandro "Alex" Rodriguez is a Duke University alumnus who graduated in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in Neuroscience and Chemistry. He served as a post-baccalaureate research assistant in the Behavioral Health Lab. His research interests include understanding internalized disorders in Latino/a youth, the role biomarkers (like gene mutations) have in psychopathologies, the possibility of utilizing psychedelic drugs as a form of medication, and using music therapy for patients with dementia. In his free time, Alex enjoys watching new movies, going to concerts, running, playing card games, and playing with his dog. He is currently a student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Texas A&M.
Veronica Ramirez, M.A.
Veronica Ramirez graduated UTRGV in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 2023. Her research interests include mental health risks and precipitating factors in Latinas, acculturative stress, and immigration. She seeks to obtain a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
Lorena Houghton, M.A.
Lorena graduated from The University of Alabama at Birmingham with a B.S. in Psychology in 2022 and with an an M.A. in Clinical Psychology at UTRGV in 2024. She hopes to work for a couple of years before moving on to complete a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests include gender, eating disorders, body image, and the impacts of social media. In her free time, Lorena enjoys reading, crocheting/knitting, sewing, baking, and hanging out with her family and friends.
Finley Sims, M.A.
Finley Sims graduated from Minnesota State University with a B.S. in Psychology and received an M.A. in Experimental Psychology from UTRGV in 2026. Her research interests include body image and mental health in athletes, building on the paper she authored during her undergraduate education concerning student time management, attachment processes, social hierarchy, and learning disabilities in children. In her spare time, Finley enjoys being active, spending time with family, and exploring new places. Finley is currently a student in the Social Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Louisville.
Kaitlynn Garza, B.S.
Kaitlynn Garza graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from UTRGV in 2023 and is currently a student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at UTRGV. Kaitlynn is primarily interested in working with children and adolescents and her main subjects of interest are personality disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. During her free time, she enjoys going on walks, spending time with family, and trying new recipes.
Nadeen Salhadar, M.A.
Nadeen Salhadar graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Health and Society. She completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology at UTRGV in 2025. During her time at UTRGV, she worked as a Graduate Research Assistant on a UC2 grant from the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Her research interests include mental health and disorders in relation to health disparities and social determinants of health, with a focus on depression, anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, art, and learning new skills. Nadeen is currently a Clinical Psychology doctoral student at Loyola University Maryland.
Rebecca Gonzalez, M.A.
Rebecca graduated from UTRGV in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Experimental Psychology in 2023. Her research interests include factors that predict treatment acceptability in Latino men. In her free time she enjoys writing poetry for her personal Wattpad and loves photography. She is currently a student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Ph.D. program at UTRGV.