Spirituality & Mental Health Research Team...
The Spirituality and Mental Health Research Team (SMHRT) is under the direction of Jamie D. Aten, Ph.D. The purpose of the SMHRT is to explore the relationship and impact of spiritual and religious phenomenon on psychological constructs and vice versa.
Specifically, the research of SMHRTmembers focuses on four specific areas: (1) religion and disasters (e.g., natural disasters), (2) faith community disaster preparedness and response, (3) minority disaster mental health disparities, and (4) spirituality/religion and psychotherapy.
A major goal of the SMHRT is to provide students on the research team with quality research experiences through mentoring and trainings emphasizing a developmental and collaborative approach. The SMHRT meets weekly to work on projects and for monthly topical trainings. These conversational style trainings are led by lab members, local researchers, and leaders in the field via teleconferencing.
Student Researchers...
Ryan Denney, M.A., is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Kari Levall, B.S., is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Kelly Harrison, M.A., is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Hettie Greer, B.S., is a master's student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Kristen Wirth, is an undergraduate student in Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Ashley Crosby, is an undergraduate student in Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Student Funding Opportunities...
Student researchers on the Spirituality and Mental Health Research Team play an active role on Dr. Aten's grants. There are opportunities for funded graduate research assistant positions provided by funds through these grants.