Current Students

LACI GRAY

Name: Laci Gray

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laci-gray

Hometown: Morehead City, North Carolina

Undergraduate degree(s):

University of North Carolina at Greensboro 2021, major: psychology, minors: creative writing and Spanish, graduated with full university honors

Work experience:

I have experience working as a caregiver to an autistic adult. I also have experience working as a cognitive brain trainer for LearningRx. I have volunteer experience working in several non-profit food pantries including CAIN Food Pantry in Cincinnati, OH.

Interest area: Community Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

My interests change all the time but something that always remains the same is the passion I have to serve communities and make change at the local level. I love hearing unique stories from people with different backgrounds and identities and community psychology really fosters that diversity.

Why the MAP program?

I was really excited about the hands-on kind of work that I would be doing in the MAP program. The capstone piece was very appealing because I knew I would gain field experience. I am also pleasantly surprised with how much of the course work is hands-on, field experience.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I want to work in non-profit management. Currently, my interest is in serving the food-insecure, so I hope to find myself in a director position at a non-profit where I can meet these people where they are.

KATHERINE BALTRUSCH

Name: Katherine Baltrusch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-baltrusch-01409a24b/

Hometown: West Chester, OH

Undergraduate degree(s):

University of Cincinnati, April 2022, Major-Neuroscience, Minor-English, Certificate-Forensic Populations

Work experience:

I began working as the Pet Support Aide for Found House Interfaith Housing Network's Pet Support Program in August of 2021. Our program works to provide emergency shelter for the pets of those who are experiencing homeless or some other form of crisis such as hospitalization, rehabilitation, or incarceration, as well as to provide resources such as pet food and veterinary care to low-income pet owners in the community.

Interest area: Community Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

Throughout my life, I have been exposed to and witnessed the struggle of many individuals with mental health problems. With the changing times, our community seems to be more open and willing to talk about these issues, which have been dealt with for too long on a personal/individual level. People are freer in their discussions of issues such as addiction, mental health, and trauma, and with this openness comes an awareness of how these issues are not simply the result of individual differences but may be influenced by social, cultural, economic, or political influences. Therefore, to promote change in the individual, something must be done at the community level. My interest in Community Psychology stems from my desire to affect change regarding psychological issues at the systemic level rather than at the individual level.

Why the MAP program?

As a one-year program, the MAP Program is an amazing option for those who are eager to begin their professional work in the field of psychology. The curriculum has a nice balance of more traditional, academic based work as well as options for applied learning, which really sets its students up for success in their desired field post-graduation. Additionally, the relatively small size of the cohorts is amazing in that it really allows for the development of a sense of community amongst its students, which is something that is difficult to establish within a larger program.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

After graduating, I hope to engage in the research and development of better treatment programs for incarcerated women. Many of the treatment programs in prisons today were developed based on studies of incarcerated men. Although research has shown that the risk factors for offending are different for men and women, there has not much movement towards the development and implementation of treatment programs designed to address the factors that are unique for women. So, I hope to engage in this work to help combat this issue and help ensure that the needs of this vulnerable demographic of women are being met.

BRITTANY MILLER

Name: Brittany Miller

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-miller-1214a5a6

Hometown: Angola, Indiana

Undergraduate degree(s): Manchester University major: psychology minor: French

Work experience:

I spent 4 years doing psychological evaluations for disability in college. I also worked two summers as an intern at the Steuben County Community Foundation and in my psychology department at my undergrad university. After graduating from undergrad I spent a year teaching English in France. I returned to Indianapolis for the summer where I interned in research and evaluation departments for the children's museum of Indianapolis and the Eiteljorg Museum. Most recently I started a co-op with the UC Foundation working in their prospect research department.

Interest area: Community Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I've found a love for research and nonprofit organizations and community psychology allows me to combine those passions.

Why the MAP program?

The MAP program allowed me to defer for a year while I taught English in France and offered community psychology. Cincinnati is also close enough to home that I don't feel too far from friends and family.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I hope to work in a research and evaluation position for a nonprofit organization.

KYLIE SHELT

Name: Kylie Shelt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylieshelt/

Hometown: Lakewood, Ohio

Undergraduate degree(s): B.A in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Talent Development and minors in Psychology and Business Administration

Work experience:

Human Resources Intern at TQL: Designed and implemented an internship program for 94 college students. Assisted various subsets of HR team including employee relations, compensation, benefits, and systems. Utilized Workday systems.

MAP GA: Advise students on 4+1 pathway and MAP program at UC. Track submissions of student documents and references. Work with other organizations both on and off campus to recruit MAP applicants and develop support for the program.

POWER Lab participant: UC Psychology of work lab focused on engagements and projects centered around Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Partnered with Integrity Development Corporation to develop a list of best practices centered around DEI.

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

The organizational track allowed me to pair my interest in business, strategy, and psychology into one degree. After working in HR, I see the true value of organizational psychology and look forward to making an impact internally or externally on the systems and processes that support employees at work.

Why the MAP program?

Completing the 4+1 program at UC solidified my decision to pursue the MAP program. As a 4+1 student I had the chance to take two classes focused on I/O Psychology and immediately fell in love. The faculty at UC deeply care about students’ success and do everything in their power to help us achieve. They have great resources in terms of research, connections, and community partners to assist us in our time here and beyond. As a student you can complete your degree within one year while getting lots of hands-on experience in your desired track be it organizational or community. Cohorts are also kept small so you feel like you can develop connections with those around you. 

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

After graduation I hope to work in either human resources or consulting. Within HR I’ve taking special interest in employee relations and benefits. Within consulting I am interested in business and management specifically focusing on human resources, transformation & change management, DEI, or organizational development. I am not tied to Cincinnati and look forward to the opportunity to potentially relocate for future job opportunities. Eventually I would like to see myself working for an international company incorporating my MAP degree and international business certificate to manage across cultures and assess workplaces outside of the US.

JOSEY LEACH

Name: Josey Leach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leach-j

Hometown: Blue Ash, OH

Undergraduate degree(s):

University of Cincinnati: B.A. in Psychology, minors in Marketing and Organizational Leadership, 2018-2022

Work experience:

HR Intern at Empire Marketing Strategies

HR Onboarding Associate at Kings Island

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Volunteer and Intern Support at Inspiring Service

Data Intern at Inspiring Service

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

The organizational track allows me to combine both my experience in HR and interest in applied psychology. I can use this knowledge to solve organizational challenges, lead change, and better my community.

Why the MAP program?

I originally started the MAP Program through the 4+1 track and quickly realized how well it aligns with my career interests. Through this program, I will gain hands on experience in a variety of fields such as organizational development, program evaluation, and applied statistics. So far, I have enjoyed the small class sizes and building close relationships with faculty and peers. I look forward to the continuous learning, professional development, and growth throughout this next year.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I hope to either work in Human Resources or with nonprofits doing program evaluation.

MATT GARBER

Name: Matt Garber

Hometown: Tipp City, Ohio

Undergraduate degree(s): Ohio Dominican University for both degrees:

 -Bachelors degree: Biopsychology & minor in Exercise Science

-Masters: Business administration & concentration in leadership

Work experience: Assistant General Manager for North Market Bridge Park

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

The ability to help impact a lot of people within an organization

Why the MAP program?

1 Year program with tons of transferrable skills/experience

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I would like to pursue some form of organizational development or consulting 

MORGAN LINDSAY

Name: Morgan Lindsay

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-lindsay-1079ab19a/

Hometown: Liberty Township, OH

Undergraduate degree(s): Psychology B.A. with a minor in Organizational Leadership, University of Cincinnati 2022

Work experience:

Human Resources Intern with The Hillman Group (May- present)

HR Onboarding Associate with Cedar Fair (April- August 2022)

Product Marketing Intern with Fidelity Investments (June- August 2021)

University of Cincinnati Resident Advisor (August 2020- May 2022)

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I love the idea of applying psychological foundations and practices to different workplace settings. I think that IO produces valuable skills and idea generation that can be helpful in all fields.

Why the MAP program?

The MAP Program is extra special for me because I was a 4+1 student at UC, allowing me to obtain my master's degree in one year. The MAP curriculum is unique because it contains courses that give us real world experience but still have a core focus in Psychology. The faculty are amazing. They have a numerous amount of first-hand experience with the research, companies, and areas that MAP students are interested in and are focused on ensuring that we get all the resources possible to end up there.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I hope to pursue an Organizational Development career, focusing on Change Management, Learning and Development, and DEI.

LEANNA THOMAS

Name: Leanna Thomas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-thomas-719b0256/

Hometown: Leesburg, VA

Undergraduate degree(s): Kent State University, class of 2017: BS in psychology; minor in interpersonal communication

Work experience:

Senior Academic Advisor, University of Cincinnati College of Arts & Sciences

Graduate Assistant, Kent State University

Student Support Services Lead Learning Assistant and Peer Mentor, Kent State University Student Support Services

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I am interested to learn more about employee satisfaction and workplace culture, as well as best practices for employee training.

Why the MAP program?

I was drawn to the MAP program because of it's organizational concentration.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I hope to work in supervision or training.

GULEI LIU

Name: Gulei Liu

LinkedIn: www.linkedIn.com/in/gulei-liu

Hometown: Yunnan, China

Undergraduate degree(s): UC, Spring 2022, Psychology

Work experience:

Peer tutor coordinator, Learning commons, 2022 Spring to present

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I want to know the connection between psychology and business. And I really want to apply my knowledge to real situations in the work I do.

Why the MAP program?

Because my undergrad graduate degree from UC, and my friend Yichang recommended the MAP program.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

As of now I’m not sure what I would like to do with my MAP degree, but I look forward to the opportunities it will present me with in the future

ZENZELE APESEMAKA-VITAL

Name: Zenzele Apesemaka-Vital

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenzele-apesemaka-vital-276b1a171

Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland

Undergraduate degree(s):

Major: Arts & Sciences- BS Psychology University of Cincinnati Spring ‘22

Work experience:

UC Women’s Basketball Graduate Assistant

Interest area: Community Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

Community to me is the basis of psychology, the grassroots of the broad scope of the mental science. I have a desire to work within communities to aid in the functionality of individuals within marginalized communities.

Why the MAP program?

University of Cincinnati offered a well-rounded and diverse program regarding community psychology and resources that would help aid in my understanding of communities and the influences on them.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I aspire to complete my doctorate (PhD/MD) in Neuropsychology

TARANEH WILKINSON

Name: Taraneh Wilkinson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraneh-wilkinson-6851b5204/

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Undergraduate degree(s):

Depauw University, B.A. in Music and French

Oxford University, PGDip in Theology

Georgetown University, PhD in Religious Pluralism

Work experience:

Development Officer, Philosophy of Science Association (May 2022-present)

Assistant Director, Philosophy of Science Association (Aug 2021-April 2022)

Interest area: Undecided

Why are you interested in that specific track?

Communities are everywhere -- in a neighborhood or at a workplace. The important thing is working towards equity, inclusion, and quality of life for all.

Why the MAP program?

I wanted an academically rigorous experience with direct practical application and opportunities to get out in the world.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I hope to use my interdisciplinary background to conduct mindful and intentional research and work with local partners in the Cincinnati area.

SARAH WALSH

Name: Sarah Walsh

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-walsh-80757a1b9

Hometown: Loveland, OH

Undergraduate degree(s): Ohio University '21 / B.A. in Psychology , Sociology Minor

Work experience: Meridian Clinical Research as Clinical Research Coordinator Sep 2021- Aug 2022

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I am interested in I/O Psychology because I want to make the workplace a better environment for employees, especially from a post-pandemic perspective. I am excited to see the trends shift in the workforce and look forward to being involved with it.

Why the MAP program?

The MAP program is very broad, which allows me to explore different options in both industrial/organizational and community psychology. MAP is flexible and also has a thesis option, which were important to me when I was searching for the right program.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

After graduation, my goal is to work in HR and gain experience in the field. Eventually, I would like to apply to PhD programs.

ACADIA CARSON

Name: Acadia Carson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acadia-carson-b709151bb

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Undergraduate degree(s): BA in Psychology, University of Cincinnati

Work experience:

I don't really have much experience in the I/O field. For 8 years I worked at the retirement home I started at when I was 16. After that, I bartended, served, nannied, and was a student teacher for abnormal psychology. For about 8 months now, I have been working as a Behavioral and Mental Health Intake Specialist at a non-profit community care organization. While I have experience in diagnosing mental disorders, I have recently been focusing on individuals coming in for homeless services and/or substance use disorders.

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I want to play a part in improving companies and programs so that I can help as many people as possible.

Why the MAP program?

Because I was able to take some of my graduate classes in undergrad, the MAP Program gives me the opportunity to earn my Master's degree in 2-3 semesters.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I hope to find a position in the I/O field

MARLEY FAHMY

Name: Marley Fahmy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marley-fahmy-9176621a1/

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Undergraduate degree(s): University of Cincinnati, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 2019-2022

Work experience:

I worked as an HR coordinator at Kaleidoscope Innovation, a Survey Analyst Intern at Guiding Light (non-profit), Audre Lorde Social Justice House Ambassador at UC's LGBTQ center, and an Administrative Assistant at UC College of Medicine's Winkler Center. Currently, I am the Graduate Assistant for UC's Office of Inclusive Excellence, researching and developing DEI policies for UC College of Arts and Sciences.

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I was interested in both community and organizational psychology but I believed that the organizational track would cover more information and lead to the best opportunities. It'll also help me gain deeper insight when it comes to understanding the business aspects of organizations.

Why the MAP program?

I chose the MAP program because it had both the organizational and community aspects of psychology. It was also only a year long, and the program is versatile, which could lead to different opportunities and growth depending on where my interests lie at the end of the program.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

After I graduate, I hope to be in either DEI/Leadership consulting or the HR field for a couple of years then go back to pursue a Ph.D. in either I/O or clinical psychology. I am also hoping to finally execute the business plan I have for my family that I have been working on for the past couple of years.

SYDNEY MESSNER

Name: Sydney Messner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-messner-14366818a/

Hometown: Mariemont, Ohio

Undergraduate degree(s): University of Cincinnati, Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Minor in Marketing, 2019 - 2022

Work experience:

- Head Coach, Milford High School JV Girls Lacrosse

 - Marketing Intern, Eleeo Brands

- Neuroscience 2 Teaching Assistant, University of Cincinnati

- Volunteer Young Life leader, Milford High School

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I'm interested in the organizational track because it gives me tools for organizational psychology work that I want to do in the future and will allow me better serve the people I'm working with.

Why the MAP program?

I chose to attend the MAP program after being a 4+1 student here at UC. The MAP program offers unique experience doing real organizational psychology work in classes, a tight-knit cohort, and a degree that perfectly aligns with what I've dreamed of doing in my career. The mix of classes provide a well-planned, comprehensive background in organizational psychology that is so valuable to a career in organizational psychology.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

When I graduate, I hope to have an OD-type job.

BENJAMIN MARTHEY

Name: Benjamin Marthey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-marthey-2478b1150/

Hometown: Milford, OH

Undergraduate degree(s): Major : Business Administration Minor: Psychology

Work experience:

Graduate Assistant at the Ombuds office, Journey of Hope Crew Member, Sales Intern at Divisions Maintenance Group, Sales Intern at Anthem Insurance

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I want to blend my business undergraduate degree with psychology and become an Organizational Development Consultant

Why the MAP program?

I was in the 4+1 program during my undergrad and developed a passion for the I/O work. I knew I wanted to stay at UC since I love the university and the professors there.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

Honestly, I'm not quite sure. It's hard to imagine life outside of school since I went to graduate school straight from undergrad. I'm excited for the future and the doors that will be opened to me via this program.

ERIN BARTA (SHE/HER)

Name: Erin Barta (she/her)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-barta-2022/

Hometown: I am delighted to have called Cincinnati, Ohio home since the wee age of 9.

Undergraduate degree(s): In December of 2021, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology here at the University of Cincinnati. Along with this degree, I minored in Organizational Leadership. This combination appropriately set me up for pursuing my Master's in Organizational Psychology.

Work experience:

Research Assistant (December 2020-Current)

Center for Organizational Leadership Lab, University of Cincinnati Shift Lead,

Bartender, & Server (August 2019-August 2022) Crown Restaurant Group, Cincinnati, Ohio

Peer-Career Coach (August 2021-December 2021) Bearcat Promise Career Studio, University of Cincinnati

Student Consultant (February 2021-August 2021) DE&I Toolkit Co-op, University of Cincinnati Classroom Group Facilitator (January 2021-May 2021) 3000-Level Psychology Course, University of Cincinnati

Lead Research Assistant (August 2021-December 2020) Children's Cognitive Research Lab, University of Cincinnati

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

In today’s fast-paced society, change in the workplace is constant and necessary. Given the significant amount of time individuals spend in the workplace, it is important to me that the changes made make it safe and satisfying for all. Ultimately, I chose the MAP program to guide me in expanding my knowledge, skills, and abilities in improving community-based programs and policies.

Why the MAP program?

As an undergraduate at UC, I found the faculty, staff, and students within the Psychology department to be wonderful systems of support for my learning and achievement. This was a crucial factor to me as a first-generation student. For a long time, I doubted whether I belonged in higher education. However, through their attention to experience-based learning, I was able to develop confidence in my own abilities. Everyone in the Psychology department has had a heavy hand in making me the individual I am today, for which I am endlessly grateful. When I was accepted into the MAP program, it was a clear choice to further my education with folks that genuinely wanted to help me succeed.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

After earning my Master’s, I intend to continue my education at the PhD level. Although it is just a starting place, my current research interests involve how imposter syndrome affects success in a team environment. In the long-term, I want to become an expert research-based consultant working to evaluate organizations and programs. After I gain significant experience with research and applied consulting work (we are talking long-long-long-long-term goal), I want to inform workplace policy at a local, state, and federal level. Ultimately, my life-long goals are to have a positive impact on the individuals and world around me.

ASHLEY MUSE

Name: Ashley Muse

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/museashley/

Hometown: Cincinnati

Undergraduate degree(s): University of Cincinnati, 2022, Bachelor's in Psychology

Work experience:

Supervisor at Seasons Retirement Community- 7 years. Behavioral Health Specialist at Cincinnati Children's- current <1 year. Customer Service Rep-Fifth Third- 1 year.

Interest area: Community Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I enjoy working with whole populations of people. I also enjoy working in the health psych field as well.

Why the MAP program?

I thought that the MAP Program was the best program to help me get to where I wanted to be.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I hope to get my Master's and then continue to my PhD. I would love to continue to work for Cincinnati Children's as long as I am here.

CARLOS MUNOZ-SERNA

Name: Carlos Munoz-Serna

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-munoz-serna-a1240591/

Hometown: Medellín, Colombia

Undergraduate degree(s): Philosophy

Work experience: Lecturer, Researcher

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

As a scholar interested in accompanying and improving educational processes, the organizational master track will allow me to learn the essential tools to organize the workplace, enhance team dynamics, and improve workers’ performance in educational environments.

Why the MAP program?

The MAP program at UC has a practical focus that I consider essential to achieve my goals as a researcher and to develop the necessary skills for my role in academia.

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I want to be in academic settings and be a researcher and administrative leader.

WILLIAM WIGGINS

Name: William Wiggins

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-wiggins-52a45321b/

Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio

Undergraduate degree(s): University of Cincinnati 2021 Psychology Bachelor of Arts

Work experience:

I have mostly retail experience, my most recent position being an Optician at America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses.

Interest area: Organizational Psychology

Why are you interested in that specific track?

I feel like there's commonly a divide between the employer and employed so I want to play my part to help bridge that divide

Why the MAP program?

It was what was recommended to me

Where do you hope to be when you graduate?

I am currently undecided