Current CN Students

The UH CN faculty takes great pride in its students, who come to Houston from all over the U.S. with strong academic backgrounds and a unifying goal to become accomplished clinical neuropsychologists. The UH CN specialty typically receives approximately 100 applications annually, from which we usually enroll between 3 and 5 new students. Brief biographical sketches of our in-residence students are listed below, along with recent graduates.

First-Year Students

Emily Daly

M.S. (King's College London)
eedaly@uh.edu

Hometown: Lafayette, LA
Advisor: Dr. Elena Grigorenko
Research Interests: Behavioral Genetics and Learning Disorders
Most recent gig: Researching with the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS)

I chose CN at UH because: “… I am excited to work with the faculty.”

Matthew Hyland

B.S. (Virginia Polytechnic University)
mthyland@uh.edu

Hometown: Richmond, VA
Advisor: Dr. Elena Grigorenko
Research Interests: Influence of early life experiences, epigenetics, functional connectivity and neuroimaging, neuropsychology
Most recent gig: Research assistant and lab manager at the Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the highly competitive and well-established neuropsychology program here. I was also excited to work in the GENES:IS lab under Dr. Elena Grigorenko because of its interdisciplinary nature and focus on genetics and neuroimaging. I was also excited about the emphasis the program places on diversity in clinical practice.”

Christopher Krause

B.S. (University of Illinois)
ckrause3@uh.edu

Hometown: Grayslake, IL
Advisor: Dr. Luis Medina
Research Interests: Cognitive aging, acquired brain injury, cultural neuropsychology, health disparities
Most recent gig: Concurrent positions as a psychometrist at the University of Chicago Medical Center and a research assistant for Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the breadth of research and clinical training opportunities that are available to students. Plus, the exceptionally balanced interpersonal and professional relationships among the students and faculty at UH.”

Romi Penheiro

M.S. (Carleton University)
rpenheiro@uh.edu

Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Advisor: Dr. Steven Woods
Research Interests: I am interested in improving health, functional independence, and well-being in older adults
Most recent gig: Master of Cognitive Science at Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada)

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the mentor match, the clinical and research opportunities, and the exceptional collaboration among faculty and students.”

Rylea Ranum

B.A. (Luther College)
rmranum@uh.edu

Hometown: Decorah, IA
Advisor: Dr. Michael Williams
Research Interests: Rehabilitation neuropsychology; long-term functional outcomes following acquired brain injury
Most recent gig: Research Assistant at the University of Missouri

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the wealth of both research and clinical opportunities within the field of clinical neuropsychology, as well as the wonderful students, faculty, and staff within the UH Clinical Psychology program.”

Juliana Wall

B.A. (Boston University)
jwall3@uh.edu

Hometown: Manitou Springs, CO
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino
Research Interests: The role of cognitive processes (e.g., attention and processing speed) in learning disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders
Most recent gig: Research assistant at Boston Children's Hospital

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the excellent research training in neuropsychology, and because of the wide-ranging clinical training opportunities in a diverse city.”

Second-Year Students

Cristina Boada

M.A. (Northwestern University)
ceboada@uh.edu

Hometown: Denver, CO
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino
Research Interests: Exploring the intersection of multiple cognitive processes, such as attention and executive functions, as they pertain to language development and learning disabilities
Most recent gig: Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (MA - Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine)

I chose CN at UH because: “… of a great mentor match and the extensive research and clinical opportunities in neuropsychology at UH and the medical center.”

Emily Dudek

B.S. (University of Rochester)
edudek@uh.edu

Hometown: Wellesley, MA
Advisor: Dr. Michael Williams
Research Interests: Rehabilitation neuropsychology; cognitive and functional outcomes of brain injury
Most recent gig: Clinical Research Coordinator at the Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the incredible clinical and research training opportunities within the field of neuropsychology, and the welcoming environment.”

Elliott Gomez

M.S. (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya)
emgomez5@uh.edu

Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Advisor: Dr. Steven Woods
Research Interests: The effects of HIV and aging on cognition and daily functioning, and improving health literacy for people living with HIV
Most recent gig: Master in Neuropsychology from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Spain)

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the unique and diverse research and clinical opportunities, excellent mentorship, and overall welcoming and warmth of the faculty and students. ”

Alexa Gonzalez

M.S. (Villanova University)
asgonzalez6@uh.edu

Hometown: Miami, FL
Advisor: Dr. Luis Medina
Research Interests: Cultural neuropsychology, cognitive aging, and early detection of memory impairment in Hispanic/Latin American individuals through use of multicultural assessments
Most recent gig: I completed my Master of Science in Psychology at Villanova University in Villanova, PA

I chose CN at UH because: “… my research and career goals matched well with Dr. Medina’s lab and the overall CARMA team dynamic, the variety of practicum opportunities available in Houston, and the collaborative and diverse group of trainees in the Clinical Psychology program.”

Vanesa Lerma

M.A. (New York University)
vclerma@uh.edu

Hometown: Seguin, TX
Advisor: Dr. Elena Grigorenko
Research Interests: Molecular and neural circuit mechanisms in neurological disorders, neuropsychological and neuroanatomical profiling in children with newly diagnosed neurogenetic conditions, and the interaction of genotype with neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity and its effects on neurocognitive and neurobehavioral function
Most recent gig: Clinical Research Coordinator at the Jan & Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Chidlren's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine

I chose CN at UH because: “… of it's strong neuropsycholgy training program and research opportunity in the Genetic and Neurobehavioral Systems lab led by Dr. Elena Grigorenko. I also chose UH because Houston is home to the largest medical center in the world, which is at the forefront of advancing life sciences and nurtures interdiciplinary and cross-institutional collabortion.”

Third-Year Students

Joshua Garcia

B.S. (University of Houston)
jmgarcia29@uh.edu

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Advisor: Dr. Luis Medina
Research Interests: Multicultural assessment, psychometrics, cognitive aging, acquired brain injury
Most recent gig: Research Assistant at the University of Houston Department of Psychology

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the research prestige and productivity at the University of Houston and clinical training opportunities in the Texas Medical Center.”

Andrea Mustafa

B.S. (Henderson State University), M.A. (San Diego State University)
aimustafa2@uh.edu

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Advisor: Dr. Steven Woods
Research Interests: Cultural influences on brain health and daily functioning; Health disparities, cognitive aging, neurocognitive dysfunction.
Most recent gig: Master’s student at San Diego State University (SDSU).

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the unparalleled research and clinical opportunities along with the program’s collaborative environment and commitment to promoting cultural competence/responsivity in all aspects of training.”

Tobiloba Quadri

B.S. (Georgia State University)
tquadri@uh.edu

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Advisor: Dr. Michael Williams
Research Interests: Long-term neuropsychological outcomes following an acquired brain injury
Most recent gig: Research assistant at Penn State University

I chose CN at UH because: “… of its reputation for providing students with exceptional training, and the opportunity to work with diverse clinical populations.”

Cassidy Salentine

B.A. (Lawrence University)
csalentine@uh.edu

Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino
Research Interests: Examining language development and neuropsychological processes, such as attention and executive function, across the lifespan of those with neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities
Most recent gig: Research Assistant at the University of Chicago

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the fantastic opportunities to collaborate with world-class researchers. In addition, UH offers many excellent practicum opportunities in neuropsychology within a diverse city.”

Fourth-Year Students

Ilex Beltran-Najera

B.A. (San Diego State University)
ibeltran-najera@uh.edu

Alyssa Day

B.A. (Wake Forest University)
amday3@uh.edu

Hometown: Galesville, MD
Advisor: Dr. Michael Williams
Research Interests: Functional and neuropsychological outcomes following acquired brain injury; the impact of pain on recovery following brain injury
Most recent gig: Research Assistant in the Neuropsychology Department at Kennedy Krieger Institute

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the incredible clinical training opportunities at UH and throughout the city of Houston.”

Abigail Farrell

B.S. (University of Massachusetts - Amherst)
afarrell2@uh.edu

Hometown: Holliston, MA
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino
Research Interests: Developmental neuropsychology, specifically in relation to attentional processes, working memory, and executive functioning in pediatric populations with learning disabilities/neurodevelopmental disorders
Most recent gig: Clinical Research Coordinator in Pediatric Psychopharmacology at Massachusetts General Hospital

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the excellent research training and opportunities and the wide variety of clinical experience in neuropsychology offered in the medical center.”

Michelle Martinez

B.A. (Dartmouth College)
mnmartinez7@uh.edu

Hometown: Bronx, New York
Advisor: Dr. Luis Medina
Research Interests: Cross-cultural neuropsychology, Alzheimer’s disease, and Social Determinants of Health
Most recent gig: Project Manager at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center

I chose CCP at UH because: “... of the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Also, because of the supportive environment!”

Fifth-Year+ Students

Andrea Ochoa

B.S. (University of Houston)
apochoalopez@uh.edu

Hometown: Merida, Mexico
Advisor: Dr. Luis Medina
Research Interests: Functional outcomes of neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury; racial disparities and the Hispanic Paradox in neuropsychological outcomes
Most recent gig: Research assistant at the Developmental Neuropsychology Lab at the University of Houston

I chose CN at UH because: “… It provides a thorough training program and houses outstanding faculty, aside from having connections to the largest medical center in the world. In addition, UH proudly displays its commitment to diversity through the promotion of an inclusive, supportive academic culture for all students, faculty, and staff members.”

Natalie Ridgely

B.S. (Muhlenberg College); M.A. (Catholic University of America)
nridgely@uh.edu

Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino
Research Interests: I’m interested in how domain general processes such as attention and working memory impact the assessment and identification of learning disorders in children and adolescents
Most recent gig: Finishing a master’s degree and working at Kennedy Krieger Institute in the Neuropsychology department

I chose CN at UH because: “… I knew UH was the perfect place for me to develop my skills as a researcher, and I was excited by all of the opportunities for clinical experience that exist in Houston!”

Jennifer Thompson

B.A. (Loyola Marymount University)
jlthompson6@uh.edu

Hometown: Seattle, WA
Advisor: Dr. Steven Woods
Research Interests: Aging, daily functioning and neurodegenerative disease
Most recent gig: Research Associate at UCLA

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the excellent mentorship and training opportunities in neuropsychology in a diverse, urban setting.”

Brian Biekman

B.A. (Rice University)
bdbiekman@uh.edu

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Advisor Dr. Johanna Bick
Research Interests: Neuroimaging and its insights into biopsychosocial development of infants and young children
Most recent job: Research Coordinator at Baylor College of Medicine (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

I chose CN at UH because “…UH provides superb clinical science training next to a superb medical center in the city I happen to call home.”

Alumni

Anthony Gioia

B.S. (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill)
agioia@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Advisor Dr. Paul Cirino
Research Interests: Examining the role of executive functioning, working memory, and other cognitive processes in children with learning disabilities and other neurodevelopmental disorders
Most recent gig: Clinical Research Coordinator in the Neuropsychology division at Children's National Medical Center

I chose CN at UH because “…of the top-notch research that is produced and the excellent practicum opportunities available at the medical center.”

Anastasia Matchanova

B.A. (Temple University)
amatchan@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Advisor Dr. Steven Woods
Research Interests: Neuropsychological interventions aimed at improving daily functioning and health related quality of life in healthy older adults and clinical populations
Most recent gig: Research Assistant in the Cognitive Neuropsychology Lab at Temple University

I chose CN at UH because “… of the unparalleled amount of research and clinical training opportunities in neuropsychology. Also, the warm, inviting nature of the faculty and students made UH feel like a great fit.”

Stephanie Torres

B.S. (University of California, San Diego)
storres16@uh.edu

Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Advisor Dr. Luis Medina
Research Interests: protective factors of bilingualism and its effects on brain development/neuropsychological functioning, typical vs. atypical neurodevelopment, neuropsychological assessment, and resiliency factors in diverse populations

I chose CN at UH because “…of the vast number of opportunities to collaborate with clinical researchers who work in the Medical Center. The easy-going nature of the faculty and everyone in the program was a major plus too!”

Kelly Macdonald

B.S. (College of William and Mary); M.A. (American University)
kmacdona@Central.uh.edu

Hometown: Vienna, Virginia
Advisor Dr. Paul Cirino
Research Interests: Neuropsychological processes such as working memory, attention, and executive function, and how they relate to academic skills and comorbidities among math, reading, and attention difficulties
Representative Abstract/Publication: Macdonald, K., Germine, L., Anderson, A., Christodoulou, J., & McGrath, L. M. (2017). Dispelling the myth: Training in education or neuroscience decreases but does not eliminate beliefs in neuromyths. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1314.

I chose CN at UH because “…of their excellent training in clinical neuropsychology, opportunities for collaborative research, and the diverse array of external practica available through Texas Medical Center.”

Kelly Halverson

B.A. (Boston University); M.A. (Boston University)
kkhalverson@uh.edu

Hometown: Wayzata, Minnesota
Advisor Dr. Paul Cirino
Research Interests: Developmental Neuropsychology and Learning Disabilities, specifically typical and atypical reading and language development
Most recent gig: Psycho-educational Director in the Gabrieli Lab at MIT

I chose CN at UH because “…it offers a wide variety of research opportunities and excellent clinical training in the field of Neuropsychology.”

Michelle Babicz

B.S. (Haverford College)
mababicz@uh.edu

Hometown: Levittown, New York
Advisor Dr. Steven Woods
Research Interests: Cognitive outcomes of neuropsychological disorders and brain injury
Most recent gig: Research Coordinator at the Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer's Center

I chose CN at UH because “…of the excellent neuropsychological research and clinical training opportunities available in my lab, the program, and hospitals and centers throughout Houston.”

Kelli Sullivan

B.A. (Georgetown University)
klsulliv@Central.uh.edu

Hometown: Westfield, New Jersey
Advisor Dr. Steven Woods
Research Interests: neurocognitive disorders and everyday functioning, intervention and rehabilitation
Representative Abstract/Publication: Sullivan, K. L., Woods, S. P., Bucks, R. S., Loft, S., & Weinborn, M. (2018). Intraindividual variability in neurocognitive performance is associated with time-based prospective memory in older adults. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 40(7), 733–743.

I chose CN at UH because “…of the excellent research and clinical training opportunities in neuropsychology.”

Tina Thomas

B.S. (University of Maryland); M.A. (American University)
cthomas8@Central.uh.edu

Hometown: Potomac, Maryland
Advisor Dr. Elena Grigorenko
Research Interests: Development and neuropsychological functioning in pediatric populations, learning disabilities, epigenetics
Representative Abstract/Publication: Thomas, T., Hein, S., Barr, C., Naumova, O., & Grigorenko, E. (2017, June). Epigenetic patterns associated with internalizing problems in mother-child dyads. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN), Boston, MA.

I chose CN at UH because “…of the amazing research opportunities and extensive clinical placement options in the Texas Medical Center.”

Brittany Cerbone

B.A. (New York University)
bcerbone@uh.edu

Hometown: Cliffside Park, New Jersey
Advisor: Dr. Paul Massman, LADDeR
Research Interests: Alzheimer's disease, dementia
Representative Research: Cerbone, B., Karantzoulis, S., Sheikh, M. O., Xui, J., & Galvin, J. E. (2015, February). The Relationship between MOCA scores and Performance on the RBANS and NAB in Parkinson’s disease with and without cognitive impairment. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychology Society, Denver, CO.

I chose CN at UH because: “...of its great reputation in successfully training future neuropsychologists in both the clinical and research arenas.”

Victoria Kordovski

B.S., M.A. (SUNY-Buffalo)
vkordovski@uh.edu

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Advisor: Dr. Steven Woods, CNDL
Research Interests: Impact of neurocognitive dysfunction (e.g., executive, prospective memory) on real-world outcomes.
Representative Research: Kordovski, V., Woods, S.P., Verduzco, M., & Beltran, J. (in press). Effects of aging and HIV disease on employment status and performance. Rehabilitation Psychology.

I chose CN at UH because: “...it had everything I was looking for: A welcoming environment, enthusiasm for science, and exceptional clinical opportunities.”

Savanna Tierney

B.A. (San Diego State University)
stierney@central.uh.edu

Hometown: Lansing, MI
Advisor: Dr. Steven Woods, CNDL
Research Interests: Broadly, my research interests in neuropsychology include aging, dementia and neurodegenerative disease. I am particularly interested in methods of early detection and prevention, as well as potential behavioral interventions and how these factors may effect everyday functioning.
Representative Research: Tierney, S., Sheppard, D.P., Kordovski, V., Faytell, M., Avci, G., & Woods, S.P. (2017). A comparison of the sensitivity, stability, and reliability of three diagnostic schemes for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. Journal of NeuroVirology, 23, 404-421.

I chose CN at UH because: “...I wanted to attend an institution that would provide a balanced foundation for a career in research, practice, and academia.”

William Lacey

B.S. (Wayne State University)
wlacey@uh.edu

Hometown: Detroit, MI
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino, DNL
Research Interests: Neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities, executive function, and math
Representative Research: Lacey, W. The role of executive function and magnitude processes. Master’s thesis.

I chose CN at UH because: “… it was an amazing opportunity to work with some of the best researchers and clinicians in the field today.”

David P. Sheppard

B.A. (Gonzaga University), M.A. (San Diego State University)
dpsheppard@uh.edu

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Advisors: Drs. Paul Massman (LADDeR) and Steven Woods (CNDL)
Research Interests: Prospective and general episodic memory deficits due to aging, and their associated real-world functioning problems in various at-risk populations (e.g., mild cognitive impairment, HIV disease).
Representative Research: Sheppard, D. P., Ludicello, J. E., Bondi, M. W., Doyle, K. L., Morgan, E. E., Massman, P. J., Gilbert, P. E., & Woods, S. P., & The HNRP Group. (2015). Elevated rates of Mild Cognitive Impairment in HIV disease. Journal of NeuroVirology, 21, 576-584.

“I chose CN at UH because: “… of the collaborative environment and its history for developing scientist-practitioners in a city with tremendous opportunities in clinical neuropsychology.”

Andrew Rosenblatt

B.A. (Skidmore College)
asrosenblatt@uh.edu

Hometown: Boston, MA
Advisor: Dr. Paul Massman, LADDeR
Research Interests: Disorders of consciousness, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, executive function
Representative Research: DeGutis, J., Esterman, M., McCulloch, B., Rosenblatt, A., Milberg, W. M., & McGlinchey, R. (in press). Executive dysfunction and symptoms of posttraumatic stress: Evidence for a specific inhibitory control deficit. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society.

I chose CN at UH because: “…of the unique clinical and research opportunities in the Texas Medical Center.”

Jesse Fischer

B.A. (Occidental College)
jfischer@uh.edu

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Advisors: Drs. Paul Cirino and Linda Ewing-Cobbs
Research Interests: Psychological and cognitive outcomes and related neural correlates following traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents.
Representative Research: Fischer, J. T., DeMaster, D., Juranek, J., Cox, C. S., Kramer, L. A., Hannay, H. J., & Ewing-Cobbs, L. (2015, June). Chronic white matter damage following pediatric traumatic brain injury. Poster presented at the annual National Neurotrauma Society Symposium, Santa Fe, NM.

I chose CN at UH because: “...it offered collaborative research opportunities in an area that fit my career goals, and balanced clinical experience, including strong external neuropsychological practica.”

Amanda Child

B.S. (Bucknell University)
aechild@uh.edu

Hometown: Windsor, CT
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino, DNL
Research Interests: Cognitive correlates underlying pediatric neurological disorders (i.e., spina bifida, brain tumor) as well as the comorbidities between math disability, reading disability, and ADHD
Representative Research: Child, A. & Cirino, P.T. (2015, February). Executive functions and ADHD symptomatology. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychology Society, Denver, CO.

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the amazing clinical and research opportunities here and in the Texas Medical Center!”

Emily Huston-Warren

B.A. (Saint Louis University)
eahuston-warren@uh.edu

Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino, DNL
Research Interests: I am interested in the study of learning disabilities, particularly self-regulated learning skills and executive functions as predictors of mathematical outcomes in children and adolescents. I am also interested in the use of diffusion tensor imaging and graph theory for the study of cognitive impairment associated with cancer and cancer treatments (i.e., radiation and chemotherapy).
Representative Research: Huston-Warren, E. A., Cirino, P. T., Tolar, T. D., & Fuchs, L. S. (2015 February). Path models for middle school mathematical outcomes. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychology Society, Denver, CO.

I chose CN at UH because: “…I was excited to take advantage of the many practicum opportunities available in the Texas Medical Center with diverse patient populations in unique settings, including neuro-rehabilitation, neurology and neuro-oncology. I was also struck by how supportive the faculty members are and by the level of commitment to ensuring that students have a strong foundation in neuroanatomy and the neurological bases of behavior from a lifespan perspective.”

Ashley L. Ware

M.A., L.P.A. (San Diego State University)
alware2@uh.edu

Hometown: Wilmington, NC
Advisor: Dr. Jack Fletcher
Research Interests: Neuroimaging, neural plasticity, neurodevelopment, prenatal brain injury, adaptive outcomes, executive function, and frontostriatal networks
Representative Research: Ware, A. L., Juranek, J., Williams, V. J., Cirino, P. T., Dennis, M., & Fletcher, J. M. (2014). Anatomical and diffusion MRI of deep gray matter in pediatric spina bifida. NeuroImage: Clinical, 5, 120-127.

I chose CN at UH because: “… of the plethora of research opportunities and mentorship offered by Dr. Fletcher.”

William Alexander Alverson

B.S. (Georgia Institute of Technology), M.A. (University of Houston)
waalverson@uh.edu

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Advisor: Dr. Paul Massman, LADDeR
Research Interests: Neuropsychological functioning and cognitive asymmetry in Alzheimer’s disease; veterans’ self-reported disability in an inpatient epilepsy evaluation setting.
Representative Research: Alverson, W. A., Massman, P. J., & Doody, R. S. (2015). Prevalence and correlates of cognitive asymmetry in a large sample of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Manuscript submitted for publication.

I chose CN at UH because “…the only thing I like more than top-tier neuropsychology programs is a fast-growing city with a lot to do.”

Marika Pers Faytell

B.A. (Vassar College), M.A. (University of Houston)
mpfaytell@uh.edu

Hometown: Amherst, MA
Advisor: Dr. Steven Woods, CNDL
Research Interests: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders; traumatic brain injury; impact of cognitive impairments on daily functioning; compensatory strategies
Representative Research: Faytell, M. P., Doyle, K. L., Naar-King, S., Outlaw, A. Y., Nichols, S. L. & Woods, S. P. (in revision). Visualization of future task performance can improve naturalistic prospective memory for some younger adults living with HIV disease.
Faytell, M.P., Doyle, K.L., Naar-King, S., Outlaw, A. Y., Nichols, S.L., Casaletto, K.B., & Woods, S.P. (in press). Visualization of future task performance improves naturalistic prospective memory for some younger adults living with HIV disease. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation.

I chose the CN at UH because: “…of the stellar clinical training opportunities offered by multiple external practicum sites.”

Elyssa Gerst

B.S. (University of Pittsburgh), M.A. (University of Houston)
egerst@uh.edu

Hometown: Rockville, MD
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino, DNL
Research Interests: I am interested in the development of academic skills and their relation to executive functions across a variety of clinical and nonclinical populations of children.
Representative Research: Gerst, E. H., Cirino, P. T., Fletcher, J. M., & Yoshida, H. (2015, February) Prediction of academic performance with rating scale and cognitive measures of executive function. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychology Society, Denver, CO.

I chose the CN at UH because: “…of its supportive environment for growth as well as its unique research and clinical opportunities.”

John Elias

B.A. (Rice University), M.A. (University of Houston)
jtelias@uh.edu

Hometown: Idaho Falls, ID
Advisor: Dr. Paul Cirino, DNL
Research Interests: Learning disabilities
Representative Abstract/Publication: Cirino, P. T., Elias, J. T., Powell, S. R., & Schumacher, R. F. (2015). Cognitive and mathematical profiles for different forms of learning difficulties. Journal of learning disabilities, 48(2), 156-175.

I chose CN at UH because “…of the vast clinical opportunities in the Texas Medical Center, the reputation of the program, and the research interests of the faculty aligned with mine.”