Meet the FAR Lab Members
The Fear and Anxiety Research (FAR) Lab consists of various graduate and undergraduate members here at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). The FAR Lab currently consists of the following members:

Dr. Ellen Koch
Principal Investigator
Dr. Ellen Koch
Principal Investigator

Krithika Prakash
Graduate Student, Clinical Psychology Ph.D.
Krithika Prakash
Graduate Student, Clinical Psychology Ph.D.

Joseph Tu
Graduate Student, Clinical Psychology Ph.D.
Joseph Tu
Graduate Student, Clinical Psychology Ph.D.

Rachael Les
Graduate Student, MS
Rachael Les
Graduate Student, MS

Joe Brown
Undergraduate Student, BA
Joe Brown
Undergraduate Student, BA

Karla Sundbaum
Undergraduate Student, BA
Karla Sundbaum
Undergraduate Student, BA
Hello! My name is Karla and I am a third-year neuroscience major with a minor in human biology. I am from northern Sweden and it was there that I discovered my interest in research. I am on the cheer team here at Eastern and when I am not in school or at practice I enjoy going to the gym, reading, and spending time with my friends.

Mitchell Luttermoser
Undergraduate Student, BA
Mitchell Luttermoser
Undergraduate Student, BA
Mitchell is a second year bachelor's student at EMU studying psychology, having previously received an undergraduate degree in music performance. Mitchell's primary research interests exist in the realms of how music affects identity development and cognitive processes, as well as how different management styles influence innovation and efficiency in the workplace. Outside of his studies, Mitchell enjoys playing music, lifting weights, cooking, and reading.

Austin James Avison
Graduate Student, MS
Austin James Avison
Graduate Student, MS
Austin is a graduate student member of the Fear and Anxiety Lab, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Eastern Michigan University with an expected graduation in Spring 2024. He holds a Master of Arts in Comparative Religion (Psychology concentration) from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Religious Studies from Grand Valley State University. Austin’s diverse experience as a graduate instructor, research assistant, and clinical practitioner has led him to explore topics such as schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar and related disorders, and the psychological intersection of religion, society, and culture, with notable achievements including numerous conference presentations, two published works, and various honors and awards.

Crystal Lim
Graduate Student, MS
Crystal Lim
Graduate Student, MS
I made my way to MS in Clinical Behavioral after completing my BS in Behavioral Science from Western Michigan University. I am interested in the mechanisms of contextual variables behind fear and anxiety disorders. I seek to study the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other third-wave evidence-based behavioral interventions and their implementation within community mental health settings. Beyond academics and work, I enjoy exploring trails, kayaking, and baking!
Alumni
- McKendra Cramer
- Ayesha Syeda
- Reilly Chabie
- Michelle Fernando
- William Dalian
- Jordan Sieja
- Lance Roehl
- Arturo Peña
- Noah Perrin
- Kaitlyn McCarthy
- Dana Manning
- Erin Neis