Our Team.

Dr. Jennifer Somers is the director of the FLOWER lab. Dr. Somers is a licensed clinical psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Auburn University. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Arizona State University in 2021. Prior to her arrival at Auburn, she completed an NIMH-funded postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Outside of the lab, Dr. Somers enjoys going for hikes with her rescue dog Rosie and checking out new recipes and restaurants.

View Dr. Somers' Published Work

Graduate Students

Graduate Research Assistant

Aleah Brown

Aleah is a second-year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at Auburn University. Her research interests broadly focus on the influence of parenting on children’s interpersonal relationships and the development of internalizing disorders. She is particularly interested in understanding parent-child interactions within underserved populations to inform interventions that foster healthy communication and improve mental health outcomes for both parents and children. Outside of academics, Aleah enjoys drawing, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music.

Graduate Research Assistant

Tess Leftwich, M.A.

Tess is a second-year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at Auburn University. Her research focuses on the biobehavioral mechanisms involved in early caregiving relationships and their impact on development and regulation. In addition, she is interested in exploring ways to foster resilience. Outside of research, Tess enjoys walking her dog, spending time with friends and family, and reading.

Graduate Research Assistant

Ellie Windham, M.Ed.

Ellie is a first-year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at Auburn University. Her research focuses on the role of stress and adversity during the peripartum period and early childhood on mothers' and children's risk for internalizing disorders. She is particularly interested in how depression and anxiety impact parent-child interactions through a biobehavioral lens. Outside of lab, she enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, and trying new coffee shops.

Lab Manager

Caroline Chandler, M.Ed.

Caroline graduated from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters program at Auburn University. She is currently working as an Associate Licensed Counselor at You Should See My Therapist, a group mental health practice. Her future plans include applying to Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology doctoral programs. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Scoots, and traveling to new places!

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Synchrony Study Coordinator

Addie Allen

Addison is a senior undergraduate student at Auburn University. After graduation, she hopes to get her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on children with autism. Outside of the lab, Addison loves reading, going to Auburn Men’s Basketball games, and hanging out with friends!

Senior Research Assistant

Camryn Willy

Camryn is an undergraduate student at Auburn University, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. In addition to her work in the lab, she is actively involved in Auburn Panhellenic and enjoys working out with friends and cooking!

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Senior Research Assistant

Rees Poulakos

Rees is a junior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with minors in both Counseling and Human Development and Family Sciences. She hopes to obtain a PsyD in Clinical Psychology after graduating Auburn. Outside of the lab, Rees is involved in Auburn Panhellenic and enjoys going on walks around Auburn with friends and family!

Senior Research Assistant

Jessi Lambert

Jessi is a junior undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Sciences with hopes of attending medical school and building a career in women’s health. Outside of the lab, Jessi enjoys reading, spending time with friends, or anything outdoors!

Senior Research Assistant

Kahlan Eversole

Kahlan is a senior undergraduate student at Auburn University double majoring in Psychology and Anthropology. Her plans post-graduation are to pursue a PhD in Neuropsychology. Besides research, she enjoys activities such as hiking, watching horror movies, and baking for her friends.

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Research Assistant

Zoey Qui

Zoey is an undergraduate Psychology major at Auburn University, with future plans to pursue a master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Outside of the lab, she is actively involved in Auburn Panhellenic and enjoys traveling, spending time with her dog, Rocket, and hanging out with her friends!

Research Assistant

Charlotte Thomas

Charlotte is a junior undergraduate student at Auburn University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. She plans to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology. Outside of the lab, she is actively involved in Auburn Panhellenic and enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

Research Assistant

Vella Barnes

Vella is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at Auburn University. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Criminal Behavior after graduating from Auburn, with a particular interest in understanding the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Outside of the lab, Vella enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and making the most of her time in Auburn!

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Research Assistant

Kenlie Hitchler

Kenlie is a sophomore undergraduate student at Auburn University. She is pursuing a double major in Psychology and English, with an Honors College distinction in research. After her time at Auburn, she plans to explore the intersections of narrative psychology and trauma studies. Outside of the lab, Kenlie loves reading, writing, spending time with friends, cats, and music. She is involved in Auburn Panhellenic and the Astronomical Society at Auburn!

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Research Assistant

Chase Martin

Chase is an undergraduate student at Auburn University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Journalism. She plans on pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on domestic violence and trauma. Outside of the lab she loves playing golf, thrifting, and walking around on campus.

Lab Mascot

Rosie

Rosie is an 8 year-old rescue dog from Tempe, Arizona. She loves sunbathing and playing with her friends, especially at the beach. True to her title of lab mascot, she is also a sweet and supportive sidekick to our research team, and has even participated in a few studies herself!