Psychological Science Research Labs

Dr. Cecilia Montiel-Nava

Research in the Behavior and Child Development Lab focuses on four topics: 1) Understanding ethnic disparities among children with autism spectrum and neurodevelopmental disorders, 2) ADHD and its comorbid disorders, 3) Evidence-based interventions that can be carried out by parents of children with developmental delays in underserved populations, and 4) Validity and acculturation of diagnostic instruments. Her research has as an ultimate goal to reduce the gap in access to services that identify and treat neurodevelopmental disorders to improve the quality of life of RGV residents. For more information about the lab, please visit our BeChildLab website

Drs. Joseph D. Hovey, Laura D. Seligman, & Liza Talavera-Garza

Research in the Behavioral Health Lab is aimed at alleviating psychopathology across the lifespan with a focus particularly on the intersection of physical and mental health as well as anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavior.  For more information on individual faculty’s expertise and current projects, please visit the Behavioral Health Lab website. If you are looking for information on the Positive Learning Project (PLP) you can find it by clicking here.

Dr. Yu-Cheng Lin

We are a growing team of cognitive science researchers dedicated to understanding the mechanisms underlying human language and cognition. Our lab investigates a broad range of topics, including lexical processing (in both reading and listening), language development, reading motivation, and educational outcomes among bilingual and monolingual populations in the United States, Canada, and Taiwan. We also explore related areas such as numerical cognition, special education (including dyslexia and learning disabilities), and literacy education. Our studies employ diverse research methodologies, with a strong emphasis on real-time experimental techniques such as eye-tracking and mouse-tracking. By integrating these approaches, we aim to develop a richer and more comprehensive understanding of cognitive processes. 

If you are interested in joining our lab—whether to collaborate on a research project, pursue a Master’s thesis, or volunteer—please feel free to contact Dr. Lin at yucheng.lin@utrgv.edu. To learn more about our research, please visit our lab website: 
Link to Cognitive Science of Language Lab: https://cognitive-science-of-language-lab-107541.weebly.com 

Dr. Alfonso Mercado

Research in the Clinical and Multicultural Lab focuses on the etiology, assessment, and treatment of clinical disorders in the Latino population. Some of the ongoing research projects include:

• Development of ADHD in Latino children
• Spanish adaption of DBT group therapy with a psychiatric population
• Personality Type and Treatment Outcome
• Clinical research collaboration with the Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

https://www.utrgv.edu/multicultural-clinical-lab/index.htm

Dr. Justin Vollet 

The PFrEND lab at UTRGV engages in research that aims to advance our understanding of how complex social ecologies shape development during late childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Guided by a bioecological systems perspective, our work examines how the supports and influence of peers, teachers, and parents work synergistically (or antagonistically) to shape outcomes during childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood that are foundational to optimal biopsychosocial development. Main outcomes we explore include academic motivation/engagement, resiliency, and prosocial behavior. Our aim is to identify socially embedded factors that convey upon individuals either developmental protection or risk and to produce evidence that can ultimately be used in practice to promote healthy social and academic development. 

For more information about the lab, our current work, or collaborative opportunities, please contact Dr. Vollet at justin.vollet@utrgv.edu 

Dr. Philip Gasquoine

• Estimating preexisting neuropsychological skill level from performance-based hold measures
• Comparing scores of Spanish and English versions of neuropsychological tests among balanced bilingual Mexican Americans
• Bilingual advantage in executive function
• Protective effects of bilingualism and physical activity against age-related dementias
• Are commonly used performance validity tests suitable for bilingual Hispanic Americans?

Mrs. Claudia Martinez

The Comparative Psychology Lab explores the fascinating intersections between animal behavior and human psychology. While our research focuses on primates, it also extends to other species, such as meerkats, lions, flamingos, and rhinos. Our mission is to conduct innovative research on animal behavior, focusing on social interactions, welfare, cognition, and conservation education. By integrating research and public outreach, we aim to inspire a greater appreciation for wildlife and advocate for its protection.

As a volunteer in our lab, you will:

• Observe and study animal behavior at Gladys Porter Zoo.
• Collect, record, and analyze data on social interactions and environments.
• Collaborate with researchers to refine methodologies and contribute to scientific reports.
• Support zoo conservation efforts by studying the behaviors of diverse species.

For more information, visit the Comparative Psychology Lab website.

Dr. Arthur Cantos

The Family Violence Lab examines family violence in general and characteristics of perpetrators of intimate partner violence and their treatment, more specifically. The current research focus of the lab is (i) examining dating violence in the Rio Grande Valley with the goal of identifying cultural variables that may be important and (ii) identifying characteristics of perpetrators of intimate partner violence that can ultimately guide the development of interventions based on an individualized comprehensive assessment of perpetrator needs. For more information, visit the Family Violence Lab website.

Dr. Nicole M. Vélez Agosto  

Qualitative Health Psychology aims to contribute to theory development and clinical intervention research using mixed-methods and qualitative inquiry approaches. A secondary aim is to expand the development of critical qualitative projects in both research and teaching of clinical psychology.  

Current projects:  

• Evaluating the Systemic functioning of Latino families with a Cancer Patient  

• Food insecurity and family dynamics in UTRGV students  

• Cultural Microsystem model: applications and critiques 

The BRANCH Lab investigates how culture, psychology, and biology intersect to shape body image, eating behaviors, and overall well-being. Our research examines how cultural values, social relationships, and stress influence both positive and negative body image and eating patterns across key life stages, from young adulthood to pregnancy. Current projects include the cultural adaptation of body image and eating-related measures, and cross-cultural investigations of the etiology, risk, and resilience factors underlying these experiences. By integrating survey, behavioral, and biomarker data, the lab seeks to uncover how individuals navigate cultural and developmental transitions and to inform culturally grounded prevention and intervention efforts that promote healthy adjustment in diverse populations. 

Contact: peiyi.wang@utrgv.edu  

Link:  www.peiyiwang.com 

Dr. Grant Benham

Research in the Stress, Sleep, & Health Lab focuses on how psychological stress and inadequate sleep affect physical health, and factors that might influence this effect. Some of the questions asked include:

• Can resting heart rate variability (HRV) be predicted from measures of stress, perseverative cognition, and sleep?
• Are chronic poor sleep and psychological stress associated with skin healing?
• What role do bedtime perseverative cognitions play as mediators of the stress-insomnia relationship?
• What personality and behavioral traits moderate stress-sleep-health relationships?

For more information about the lab, head to the Stress, Sleep & Health Lab Website.

Dr. Michiyo Hirai

Research in the Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Lab focuses on the etiology, assessment, and treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Phobias. Some of the ongoing research projects include:

• Expressive writing for trauma consequences
• Attention bias in trauma victims
• Online assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders
• Disgust propensity in specific phobia