Claudia Drossel, Ph.D., Ph.D.

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Claudia Drossel is an associate professor at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), a licensed clinical psychologist, and a researcher who specializes in behavior analytic approaches to case formulations. Her work focuses on late-life behavioral health, including the assessment and management of emotional and behavioral changes associated with cognitive loss, and she offers specialty training in the modular application of evidence-based practices with caregivers and adults aged 60 and older at EMU’s outpatient Community Behavioral Health Clinic.

Thomas J. Waltz, Ph.D., Ph.D.

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Waltz received his training in experimental psychology at Temple University and his training in clinical psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. After completing his clinical internship at the University of Arkansas' Psychiatric Research Institute he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in implementation science with the Veterans Health Administration's Mental Health Quality Improvement Research Initiative and the Center for Mental Healthcare Outcomes Research. His interests range from basic research on behavioral principles to the implementation of individually tailored behavior therapies. To learn more about Dr. Waltz's research interests see his faculty page. 

Beyond academics, Dr. Waltz likes to cook, bake, garden, kayak, and polish rocks.

Lindsey Bookman, MA, MS

She/Her

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

Lindsey is a doctoral fellow in the Clinical Psychology program at EMU. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University, M.A. in Community Social Psychology from the University of Massachusetts- Lowell, and an M.S. in Psychology with a Clinical Health Psychology concentration from the University of Michigan- Dearborn. Lindsey’s focus is improving quality of life late in life. To do this, she takes a preventative approach by focusing on transitional periods throughout the lifespan. Her current area of research is exploring the variable experience of individuals navigating the menopausal transition, including contextual factors that influence that experience. Beyond academics, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and two doodles. She also loves to experiment in the kitchen, take cross-country road trips, and record amateur cover songs. 

Jocelyn Hansson

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

Jocelyn is a doctoral candidate in the clinical psychology program at EMU. Her research interests include experimental models for studying behavior variability and the connection between behavior analysis and evolutionary theory.

Samantha Killian, MS, LLP

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

Peiqi Lu, MA, MS

She/Her/Hers

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

Peiqi is a second-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program. She received her MS in clinical behavioral psychology from EMU. Peiqi is broadly interested in factors associated with social functioning across the lifespan and interventions that target behavioral changes in the context of interpersonal relationships. Also, she is interested in understanding the mechanisms of change as well as the implementation of contextual behavioral interventions using both basic and applied research. In her free time, Peiqi enjoys cooking (especially salmon), sketching, and taking naps with her cat. 

Jacqueline Pachis, MA, BCBA

She/Her/Hers

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

Jacqueline is a doctoral student studying clinical psychology at Eastern Michigan University. Prior to getting her doctoral degree, Jacqueline earned her master’s in applied behavior analysis at Brock University (Ontario, Canada) and obtained her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. Jacqueline is passionate about the science and practice of behavior analysis and its diverse applications. Her clinical and research interests include clinical neuropsychology and the application of behavior analysis to problems encountered by adults in later life, including problems related to cognitive loss and maintaining independence, health promotion, and disease prevention. Jacqueline is also interested in understanding how issues of stimulus control impact symptom presentation in neurocognitive disorder, specifically visual disturbances in Lewy bodies disease. 

Kayla Rinna, MS, TLLP 

She/Her/Hers

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

Kayla is a doctoral candidate in the clinical psychology program  at Eastern Michigan University. She obtained her master’s in clinical behavioral psychology from Eastern Michigan University in 2019. Kayla’s interests focus on (1) health promotion and disease prevention for adults in later life and (2) the needs and health outcomes of care partners of individuals with neurological diseases or complex medical conditions. Kayla’s current research uses behavioral economic frameworks to examine health-related decision-making. In her free time, she likes reading, playing volleyball and tennis, and hanging out with her cat, Lola.

Jialong Zhen

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

Jialong is a first-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program. He studied behavior analysis at the University of Florida and got his bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Statistics there before joining EMU. He is broadly interested in translating basic behavioral principles and theories into modern behavioral therapies and how to enhance people's adherence to these theories in behavior therapy. In his free time, Jialong likes to take photographs, listen to music, drink tea, or go to Dr. Waltz’s office hours.

Crystal Lim, MS, TLLP

She/Her/Hers

Research Collaborator

Crystal is currently a Clinical Research Coordinator at University of Michigan. She graduated from the Clinical Behavioral masters program at EMU in 2024. She received her bachelor’s degree in behavioral science at Western Michigan University. Research focusing on contextual factors impacting behavioral health, cultural adaptations in behavioral interventions, treatment accessibility for diverse populations, and interdisciplinary approaches in public mental health are her passions. Crystal also has clinical experience working with individuals experiencing severe mental illness within a community mental health setting. She aspires to proceed to a clinical psychology doctoral program. In her free time, she likes to learn languages, bake, hike, and kayak.

Jesse John

They/She

Research Collaborator

Jesse is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology with minors in human sexuality and women’s and gender studies. Jesse is interested in relationship science, intimate partner violence, sexual health and functioning, and therapeutic marital/couple interventions. In addition to helping out with Lindsey’s project, they are currently in the midst of completing their senior thesis investigating how the initiation of a relationship can contribute to dating violence and victimization. Outside of the lab, Jesse enjoys going to concerts, hiking, crocheting, and riding their motorcycle!