Our Team.

Dr. Jennifer Somers is the director of the FLOWER lab and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Auburn University. Dr. Somers 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 first-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 first-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

Caroline Chandler

Caroline just graduated from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters program at Auburn University. 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

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Lab Manager

Blakely Berryhill

Blakely is a Senior undergraduate student at Auburn University. Her future plan is to obtain her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on parent-child relationships. Other than working in the lab, Blakely acts as a volunteer Rape Crisis Counselor through Rape Counselors of East Alabama (RCEA), is a lead in the Auburn Panhellenic, and enjoys spending time with her friends.

Senior Research Assistant

Sammy Froman

Sammy is an undergraduate at Auburn University majoring in psychology. She aspires to earn her Master’s in Social Work to drive policy change and offer therapeutic support to vulnerable populations. Outside of her academic pursuits, she loves being outdoors and spending time with friends!

Research Assistant

Addie Allen

Addison is an undergraduate student at Auburn University. Her future plans include either pursuing a career in Special Education Advocacy or Pediatric Counseling. Outside of the lab, Addison loves reading and spending time with her friends.

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!

Research Assistant

Gianna Giametta

Gianna is an undergraduate student at Auburn University. Her future plans involve obtaining a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Along with her work in the lab, Gianna loves working out, reading, and is actively involved in Auburn Panhellenic as a Greek Sing head coach!

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!

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!

Research Assistant

Interested in this position?

Click here to find out more on how to become a Research Assistant in the FLOWER Lab.

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!

Want to Join Our Team?

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students to join our team!

Learn More About Joining Our Team

Our Team.

Graduate Students

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Want to Join Our Team?

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