Eric D. Tifft
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Eric is a fifth-year graduate student in the lab. He received his B.A. in psychology at Ohio Wesleyan University and his M.A. in psychology at University at Albany, SUNY. After his undergraduate studies, Eric moved to Boston, MA and spent four years working as a counselor and research assistant at McLean Hospital's OCD Institute.
Eric is broadly interested in how human's capacity for language opens the door for suffering and other experiences. This has led Eric to become fascinated with Relational Frame Theory, mindfulness, self-compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and various other meditation techniques. In Eric's free time, he enjoys being outdoors (primarily hiking and mountain biking), reading fiction (especially Haruki Murakami and Ursula le Guin) and Eastern Philosophy/Meditation texts, picking banjo, exploring art and history museums, playing with cats, and spending time with family and friends. |
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Shannon B. Underwood
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Shannon is a fourth-year graduate student in the Anxiety Disorders Research Lab. Prior to entering the lab, she received her B.S. at West Virginia University, graduating with minors in women's and gender studies and disability studies. Shannon was drawn to ACT while conducting values-based research during her undergraduate career. She hopes to disseminate ACT and self-compassion and mindfulness techniques in vulnerable populations during her career by utilizing accessible and inclusive methods.
Shannon's research interests include the role of Relational Frame Theory in clinical interventions, individual differences that serve as barriers to cultivating self-compassion, and the contradictory, detrimental effects of the wellness industry. A West Virginia native, Shannon loves spending time hiking in the mountains. She also enjoys practicing yoga and mindfulness techniques in her daily life. In her free time, she has interests in interior design and is always on the lookout for antique, mid-century, and Danish furniture. She finds joy in nutritious home-cooking, thriving house plants, and stand-up comedy. |
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Max Z. Roberts
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Max is a third-year graduate student in the Anxiety Disorders Research Program. Prior to entering the lab, he earned a B.A. in psychology at the University of Vermont, and M.A. in clinical mental health counseling with a specialization in art therapy at Lesley University. While pursuing his M.A., Max completed clinical internships at McLean Hospital’s OCD Institute and the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center, and was involved in various research projects.
Max's research interests broadly include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Relational Frame Theory in the alleviation of anxious suffering and problematic use of technology. Outside of the lab, Max likes to draw and paint, cook and try new restaurants, and hike and mountain bike in the nearby mountains. He also loves to be around family, friends, and non-human animals. |
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Sara V. White
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Sara is a first-year graduate student in the Anxiety Disorders Research Program. Before joining the lab, Sara received her B.A. from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) with a major in psychology with a minor in human development. Sara was first introduced to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy while working as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Steven C. Hayes' lab at UNR.
Broadly, Sara's research interests include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Relational Frame Theory and how they may alleviate psychological suffering, specifically for diverse populations. In her free time, Sara enjoys exploring the outdoors, experimenting with new and elaborate dinner recipes, and hanging out with her cat, Fawkes. |
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