Ph.D. Student

Research Assistant

Carson is a second year Ph.D. student in the School Psychology program and a research assistant for Dr. Mahony-Atallah. She graduated in 2024 from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors in Spanish and Psychology. Her research interests involve promotion of overall well-being and mental health access to underserved populations, specifically the Latinx community. Upon graduation from NC State, Carson plans to work as a School Psychologist in the public school systems for several years, then eventually move into private practice, obtaining her licensure as a psychologist. In this practice she aims to tailor services for children from different backgrounds, utilizing her spanish-speaking skills. In her free time, she enjoys teaching yoga, playing guitar, and trying new recipes.

Contact Carson here - casolida@ncsu.edu

Ph.D. Student

Research Assistant

Yuji is a second-year Ph.D. student in the School Psychology program under the advisement of Dr. Mahony-Atallah. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at National Taiwan University in 2024. Inspired by her experience living in multiple cultures, Yuji’s research interests focus on promoting resilience and self-compassion in children and adolescents, particularly among immigrant youth and children from underserved backgrounds. After completing her Ph.D., Yuji plans to pursue a postdoctoral position to obtain licensure as a psychologist and further develop her research skills. In her free time, Yuji enjoys going to the gym and drinking bubble tea.

Ph.D. Student

Research Assistant

Hayden is a first year Ph.D. student in the School Psychology program under the advisement of Dr. Mahony-Atallah. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Psychology in 2022. She was then employed by the UNC TEACCH Autism Program for 3 years, first as a Direct Support Professional/Volunteer Coordinator for the Carolina Living & Learning Center, then as a research assistant/program coordinator for UNC's inclusive post-secondary education program. She also served as the volunteer coordinator for the cultural and academic equity non-profit ISLA NC for 5 years. Hayden is interested in maximizing academic potential and creating equitable school experiences for all students, especially those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, through research knowledge and intervention. She aims to optimize outcomes through post-secondary education and into adulthood for students from diverse backgrounds as well. In her free time, Hayden enjoys swimming/hiking with her dog Olly, running races and losing to her college roommate, playing video games, and making music. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Madeleine (Maddie) Wyatt is a junior at North Carolina State University majoring in Psychology with a General Psychology Concentration. Her goal is to graduate NC State and get her masters in either Clinical Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy. The C.E.D.A.R research aligns with her goals because she wants to focus on children and learn how to assist them to have a successful future individually and/or with their families. A fun fact about Maddie is that she is a classically trained singer and competed across the southeast for seven years.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Ethan recently graduated from NC State University, with a double major in psychology and human biology. He plans to pursue a graduate degree in School Psychology and hopes to work in a school setting or mental health-related field. Ethan’s research interests include utilizing positive psychology to create learning environments that promote elevated mental well-being. The experience with the C.E.D.A.R. team will allow him to work directly to assist students in a school setting. Additionally, Ethan is a member of the NC State Drumline and enjoys photography.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Katie Lods is a Senior at North Carolina State University and is working to complete a major in Psychology and minors in both Sociology and Business Administration. She plans to continue her studies after she graduates by earning a masters degree then eventually a doctorate degree. Katie is most interested in counseling in a school setting or working in a mental health related field. This research experience with C.E.D.A.R will allow Katie to further understand well-being and apply it to real-world scenarios, giving her valuable experience for her graduate study goals and expanding her knowledge of positive psychology. A fun fact about Katie is that she has been dancing for 17 years!

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Abbey Cutler is a senior at North Carolina State University, where she is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Agricultural Business. Abbey plans to pursue a master's degree in School Psychology. She is passionate about advocating for mental health resources in schools and ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have access to the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The mission of the C.E.D.A.R. Research Team aligns closely with Abbey’s personal and professional goals. She is excited to contribute to meaningful research that supports young children in educational settings, promotes mental wellness, and equips schools with evidence-based strategies to foster student success. Through her involvement, she hopes to gain hands-on experience that will prepare her to be a compassionate and effective school psychologist, committed to building brighter futures for all students.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Andrew Thomas is a senior at North Carolina State University majoring in Psychology. He plans to pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) with a focus on therapeutic practices. Deeply committed to the field of mental health, Andrew is particularly interested in the application of positive psychology to support individual well-being. His work with the C.E.D.A.R. research team is reflective of his dedication to integrating evidence-based psychological practices into everyday life and helping others achieve optimal mental and emotional health. Academics aside, Andrew loves to watch basketball, play Texas hold 'em, and listen to various types of music (sometimes all at the same time!)

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Caroline Blount is a second-year student at NC State University majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sports Science. Caroline’s goal is to pursue a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy and one day start her own practice. The C.E.D.A.R. research aligns with Caroline’s interests in childhood development and skill growth, and will teach her ways to assist children in reaching for success in all areas of their lives. A fun fact is that Caroline grew up swimming competitively, so you will often find her in or around the water!

Undergraduate Research Assistant

AJ Toler is a junior at North Carolina State University, majoring in psychology and minoring in writing, rhetoric, and professional communications. After completing her bachelor's degree, she hopes to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology and work in psychiatric care. Being a part of the C.E.D.A.R. research team will allow AJ to expand her knowledge of strengths-based approaches to mental health—an intervention style she hopes to implement in her future career as a clinical psychologist. In her free time, AJ enjoys writing opinion articles for Technician, NC State's student newspaper, and cooking for her loved ones. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Madelyn (Maddie) Horn is a senior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Psychology. Following graduation, Maddie plans to take a gap year working as a Direct Support Professional with adults with intellectual disabilities while continuing her role as a research assistant on a psychology research team. After her gap year, she intends to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology at a university in North Carolina. With her doctorate, Maddie hopes to work as a clinical psychologist in an inpatient care facility serving children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health disorders. Maddie’s involvement with the C.E.D.A.R. research team aligns closely with her educational goals, as it allows her to strengthen her skills in data collection, coding, and research presentation for graduate school. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Maddie enjoys reading classical and dystopian literature and working out at her local gym.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Sophia Mokos is a senior at North Carolina State University majoring in Psychology and minoring in both Global Health and Business Administration. After she graduates, Sophia plans to attend graduate school for Clinical Psychology with hopes of going into the Neuropsychology field, as she is passionate about helping individuals receive the services and support they need through accurate assessment and diagnosis. She is excited to work with the C.E.D.A.R. team to gain a deeper understanding of promoting wellbeing, specifically in young populations, as she hopes to work primarily with children in the future. Outside of academics, Sophia enjoys traveling, practicing yoga and pilates, and reading thriller novels.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Camila Schwindt is a junior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Psychology. After completing her bachelor's degree, Camila plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with aspirations to open her own practice. As an undergraduate research assistant in the C.E.D.A.R lab, Camila hopes to utilize her passions and interests in mental health, education, and applied-research to contribute to work that supports student success. Drawing on her background as an early childhood educator, she values the application of evidence-based practices to promote student well-being and performance both in and out of the classroom. When Camila is not studying, she enjoys time spent with her toddler outdoors exploring, doing art together, and getting to watch her learn and grow.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hiba is a junior at NC State University majoring in Social Work. Hiba’s goals are to obtain a Master’s of Social Work and pursue licensure in clinical social work. C.E.D.A.R.’s research aligns with her career interest by helping underserved children through various interventions that will address educational disparities. Hiba hopes to gain hands-on experience with exploring the tools and interventions used to tackle educational challenges and well-being for all children. This experience will better equip Hiba to work with school-aged children as an aspiring social worker. Outside of school, Hiba enjoys bike rides and spending time with family.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Wiam is a junior at NC State University studying Learning Design and Technology with a minor in Psychology. Her academic background in LDT equips her with the skills to design and deliver instruction that is responsive to students’ developmental levels, learning needs, and diverse backgrounds. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Education in School Counseling and obtain licensure to work as a professional school counselor. Wiam’s career path is driven by her commitment to using research to ensure that diverse learners have the support, resources, and learning environments they need to thrive, which closely aligns with the mission of the CEDAR Research Team. In addition to her involvement with CEDAR, she serves as an Academic Mentor in the Elevate program, where she provides academic support to students with exceptionalities.