Research

Dr. Ruby Charak

The UTRGV ACT Lab aims on examining the effect of exposure to multiple types of childhood adversities. These include child abuse and neglect, the related consequences of revictimization during adulthood, and psychopathologies, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and personality problems. We also investigate the nosology of PTSD and its comorbidity with other mental disorders (e.g., substance use, depression). Our team has worked with diverse populations, including those from underserved regions of the world (e.g., Burundi, India), combat veterans, forced migrants, orphaned and abandoned children, and survivors of conflict and natural disasters. Our research aims at harboring preventative strategies for reducing violence and victimization among adolescents and emerging adults, treating individual psychopathology, and family dysfunction. If you are interested in working on a research project in the ACT lab or volunteering, please feel free to contact Dr. Charak via our website http://www.utrgv.edu/actlab/

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 working to understand the mechanisms underlying human language and cognition. In our lab, we conduct research on lexical processing (reading and listening), language development, and educational studies in bilinguals and monolinguals in the United States, Canada, and Taiwan. Other areas of research include numerical cognition, special education (dyslexia and learning disabilities), and health literacy. Our studies make use of a wide range of research methodologies, including real-time experimental techniques such as eye-tracking and mouse-tracking methods. The general goal is to achieve a richer view of cognitive processes by combining these research methods. If you are interested in working on a research project or Master’s thesis in the lab or would like to work as a volunteer, please feel free to contact Dr. Lin (yucheng.lin@utrgv.edu).

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

Dr. Philip Gasquoine

Specializing in investigations of the impact of Spanish/English bilingualism on neuropsychological test scores. (Have also supervised student theses on racism.)

• What is the effect of bilingualism on cognition?
• Are bilinguals more likely to be misdiagnosed in neuropsychological assessment?
• What is the effect of bilingual education on children with learning disabilities?

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. Velez Agosto

Qualitative Health Psychology aims to contribute to theory development in the areas of Psyco-Oncology, primary care mental health integration, and Developmental Psychology using mixed-methods and qualitative inquiry approaches. A secondary aim is to expand the development of critical qualitative projects in both the research and teaching of clinical psychology.

Current projects:

• Evaluating the Systemic functioning of Latino families with a Cancer Patient
• Cultural Microsystem model: applications and critiques

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