The Research Assistant Team
Lead by Dr. Martinque Jones, BWell Lab's current research team consists of both counseling psychology doctoral students and undergraduate students at the University of North Texas. Graduate Research Assistants
Melissa Briones, M.A., M.S.
Cassandre Jean-Ceide, M.S.
Quanisha Whittfield, M.A., M.S.
Melissa Briones is a 6th year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at UT-Rio Grande Valley and her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Sam Houston State University. She is currently working on research projects centering on the discrimination graduate students of color experience in their academic settings and the impact of marianismo on the association between discrimination and psychological distress among Latina women.
Amber Williams, M.S.
Amber Williams is a 4th year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of North Texas. Improving the quality of care and access to mental health services for marginalized communities is the core of her professional aspirations. She has funneled this passion through her research as she focuses on diversifying the mental health field and prioritizing the wellness of Black and Brown populations. In her spare time, Amber enjoys returning to her roots in fine arts by taking dance classes on weekends. She also takes interest in fashion and styling.
Raven Gipson-Washington, M.S.
Raven K. Gipson-Washington is a first-year student in the counseling psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University and her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Her research centers and serves Black women, with a special emphasis on strong Black womanhood, help-seeking, and the development and implementation of culturally responsive mental health interventions. Her clinical interests include culturally informed cognitive-behavioral therapy, working with high achieving Black women, individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders, and holistic mental health care. Raven has a heart for leadership and mentorship, with an empathetic, relaxed, affirming, and empowering counseling and supervisory style. Raven aspires to own a culturally informed, holistic wellness center designed for Black women, providing evidence-based psychological assessment and treatment.
Dionne R. Regis, M.A., Ed.M.
Dionne R. Regis is a second year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in French and African American Studies from University of Virginia and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology: School Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests broadly look at how identity-based discrimination in everyday settings and in media have negative impacts on the self-esteem of women in the Afro-Diaspora and leads to increased risk of anxiety and depression for women within the Afro-Diaspora. Dionne is very passionate about translational research and advocacy.
Cassandre Jean-Ceide is a 4th year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Her research interests broadly center on the experiences of Black women. Currently, she is conducting research on how strong Black women's experiences may be impacted by systems of power such as sexism, racism, and colorism.
Quanisha Whittfield is a 3rd year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D program. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Baylor University and her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Her research interests broadly center the holistic wellness of Black women and culturally relevant intervention development using yoga and meditation to address mental and physical impacts of gendered racism.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Natalia Barrera
Asia Watkins
Madison Fox
Natalia Barrera is a 3rd year student double majoring in Psychology and Integrative Studies with a focus on Women and Gender Studies, Counseling, and Social Work. Her research interests consist of understanding the mental health disparities that exist within Latinx communities, specifically for queer Latines, along with identifying gender roles that permeate the culture. She is involved in a couple of student organizations such as Psi Chi and the Psychology Student Association. Natalia enjoys camping with friends and watching movies with my cat Lucy in my free time. She plans to go to graduate school after completing undergrad, to receive a PhD in counseling psychology.
Asia Watkins is a dedicated junior pursuing her academic journey in the field of Psychology with a keen interest in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. She is an active member of the Institutional Climate Lab and the Colorism Lab, where she contributes her insights and passion for understanding societal dynamics and human behavior. When not immersed in her studies and research, Asia finds solace in watching critically acclaimed films, exploring the depths of cinematic art, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through her love for Pilates and cycling. With her unique blend of academic pursuits and leisure activities, Asia is driven to make a positive impact in the world of psychology and beyond.
Madison Fox is currently a 3rd year undergraduate student in the UNT Honors College program, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Addiction Studies. She plans on eventually earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology so that she can focus on researching multiracial children and adolescents’ identity development and the impact of multicultural upbringing on mental health and self-perception. She is very passionate about minimizing mental health disparities for minorities, and perfecting addiction treatment for underrepresented communities as well. On top of being an Honors College student and undergrad research assistant, Madison is also a member and officer in UNT’s chapter of Psi Chi, the international honors society for psychology students, and a student worker on campus. When she has free time, Madison enjoys working out, watching scary movies, listening to music, making art, and being around her friends and family.
Gabriella Gaskin-Cole, Ph.D., M.S., M.S.
Dr. Gabriella "Gabby" Gaskin-Cole is a graduate of the Counseling Psychology doctoral program. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her research interests center around the messages Black women receive from their mothers related to strength and strong Black womanhood. Additionally, she is interested in the connection between the internalization of strength messages and the impact it has on Black women's platonic and romantic relationships. Her clinical interests include working with children and adolescents in the foster care system, individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment and trauma, and historically marginalized individuals.
Alumni
Dominque Doty, Ph.D., M.S.
Dr. Dominique Doty is a graduate of the Counseling Psychology doctoral program. She earned her Bachelor's degree at UC Davis. She is currently investigating the relationship between gendered racism and psychological distress among Black women, and how gendered racial identity impacts that relationship. Her overarching clinical interests include trauma populations, especially veterans.