MEET OUR TEAM
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Zachary Soulliard, Ph.D. (he/him)
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Miami University
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Miami University. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and education from Susquehanna University. After graduating, I worked for several years as a residential treatment counselor, research coordinator in an autism lab, and also as an 8th grade social studies teacher. I later earned my master’s degree in applied psychological research at Penn State University, and PhD in clinical psychology at Saint Louis University. Prior to joining the department at Miami in Fall 2022, I completed my predoctoral internship at West Virginia University School of Medicine and postdoctoral fellowship at the Yale LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative. Broadly, my research focuses on how stigma affects body image and eating behaviors of LGBTQ+ individuals. As a licensed psychologist, I’m also passionate about research focused on training future clinicians in evidence-based, LGBTQ-affirmative mental health treatment. I utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as rely upon well-established theories (e.g., minority stress, intraminority gay community stress) to inform my research.
Connor Elbe, M.A. (he/him)
Second Year Ph.D. Student
Broadly, my research focuses on the sociocultural factors associated with body image and related disorders (e.g., eating pathology) in sexual and gender minority individuals. More specifically, I utilize quantitative and qualitative methodologies to investigate how weight stigma and LGBTQ+ community stress (e.g., minority stress, intraminority stress) contribute to the development and maintenance of body image disturbances and eating disorders. In addition to my work in body image and eating pathology, I am also interested in examining how experienced and internalized weight stigma hinders psychosexual health in sexual and gender minority individuals, especially for those who live in larger bodies. Ultimately, I aim to conduct research that informs my clinical practice. I aspire to provide affirming and effective weight-inclusive therapeutic interventions for those historically underrepresented in clinical psychology research.
Bobby Manning (he/him)
Second Year Ph.D. Student
My research interests broadly relate to how different types (e.g., mental illness, sexual orientation, weight, etc.) and levels (i.e., structural, interpersonal, and internal) of stigma, independently and interactively impact the mental and behavioral health of sexual and gender minoritized groups. I am also interested in examining how general psychological processes, like emotion dysregulation and rumination, might mediate the relationship between stigma-related stressors and psychopathology among members of the LGBTQ+ communities. Clinically, I am interested in providing identity-affirming, empowering, and accessible services for sexual and gender minoritized groups.
Lauren Wilkins (they/she)
First Year Ph.D. Student
My research centers on the impact of identity, self-other-perception, and stigma on mental health in LGBTQ+ populations. Specifically, I am interested in how individuals of different identities (i.e.: lesbian, queer, transgender) may experience distinct types of stigma that differentially impact their mental health, self-perception, and body acceptance. I aim to use my research to inform my clinical practice, providing accessible, identity-affirming therapy that dismantles gendered binaries and ideals in eating disorder treatments for LGBTQ+ populations. Outside of the lab, you can find me baking vegan treats, rock climbing, learning aerial silks, tending to my plants, or playing with my cat, Rey.
CLINICAL GRADUATE STUDENTS
Cheyenne Dalton (she/her)
My name is Cheyenne Dalton, and I am from Oxford, Ohio. I am a second-year psychology major with a double major in data analytics. My research interests include eating disorders and body image issues among marginalized populations and how stigma and stereotypes can further affect mental health in these individuals. After completing my undergraduate degree, I am hoping to obtain my doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, I am involved with the Miami Steel Band, and I also ride and show horses!
Sydney Fannin (she/her)
My name is Sydney Fannin, and I am from Dayton, Ohio. I am a senior Psychology major with a Neuroscience co-major. Outside of the lab, I am the Director of Health and Wellness for Panhellenic and the Vice President of Miami Hope. I am also involved in the Student Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG), College Mentors for Kids, Kappa Delta and I am also a Rho Gamma! I also work as a Mental Health Educator under the Office of Student Wellness on campus and serve as the Social Media Chair. After Miami, I will attend Wright State University to receive my Psy.D.!
Santiago Rivera-Brogan (he/they)
My name is Santiago Rivera-Brogan, and I am from Loveland, Ohio. I am a third-year Psychology major with a co-major in Art Therapy and a minor in Spanish. My research interests include topics about mental health, physical health, and research representation disparities faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. I also have an interest in cases related to psychopathology broadly. After graduation, I plan to pursue higher education to become a therapist. Outside the lab, I am the president of the student organization Seoul in Miami (SeMi). My hobbies include dancing, photography, and playing video games.
Valentina Santiago (she/her)
My name is Valentina Santiago, and I am from Cleveland, Ohio. I am a junior Psychology and Spanish major with a minor in Child Studies and Youth Development. My research interests include marginalized groups and how their differing experiences affect their mental and social development. After my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology. Outside of this lab and classes, I am also an undergraduate research assistant for the Culture, Affect, and RElationships (CARE) Lab, and am the current Vice President of the Latiné Student Alliance (LSA)!
Dylan Siebenaler (he/him)
My name is Dylan Siebenaler, and I am from West Unity, Ohio. I have earned my Associate of Science from Northwest State Community College and am now a junior Psychology major focusing on LGBTQ+ mental & social health. Outside of the lab, I am a co-leader for "Lavender Takeover," a student organization that hosts social events and outings for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Outside of college, my interests include sexual health advocacy, friends imposing me as their therapist, occasional kayaking, and many more! After Miami, I plan on attending graduate school to become a Counseling Therapist and maybe even go on to achieve a Ph. D in LGBTQ+-related research.
Addison Switzer (she/her)
My name is Addison Switzer, and I am from Fostoria, Ohio. I am a first-year Psychology Major with a Neuroscience Co-Major. My research interests include both physical and mental health, neuroanatomy, self-identity, and self-perception. Outside of the lab, I like to play video games, watch funny movies, and meet new people. After graduation, I plan to get my Master's degree in both Psychology and Neuroscience, or go to medical school to pursue psychiatry.
Daniel Valdes (he/him)
My name is Daniel Valdes, and I am from Houston, Texas. I am a first-year Psychology and Pre-medical studies major. My research interests include trauma psychology, equality and inclusion in mental health research, and studying psychopathology. After attaining my undergrad degree, I plan to pursue a masters degree abroad while gaining more medical experience as well, before entering medical school. Outside of the lab, I am a member of both the med minds matter and anatomy and physiology club.