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 fostering resilience in children and adolescents, particularly underserved and marginalized students, including immigrant children and those at risk. Her goal is to develop and implement interventions tailored to these students’ specific needs, ultimately improving their mental well-being, school experiences, and self-confidence as they look toward the future. 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, drinking bubble tea, and watching cute animal videos.

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

Katie Lods is a Junior 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

Elizabeth Blizzard is a junior at NC State University majoring in psychology. Her future goals are to pursue a masters in school psychology and eventually go for her PhD. The C.E.D.A.R. Research Team aligns with her goals of working with children and learning how to promote their well-being both in the classroom and their daily lives. Outside of academics, Elizabeth loves to travel and go to concerts!

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Melanie Sanchez is a senior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Human Biology with a minor in Psychology. Driven by a passion for mental health and child development, Melanie aspires to become a pediatric psychiatrist. Her undergraduate studies have fueled her interest in the intersection of biology and psychology, inspiring her to explore innovative ways to support the emotional and mental well-being of children and adolescents. Upon graduating from NC State, she plans to attend medical school to pursue her dream of making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. The C.E.D.A.R research aligns with her goals because of the focus on fostering mental well-being, particularly in young populations. As well as emphasizing strength, promoting optimism, and cultivating healthy coping mechanisms to enhance traditional treatment methods. A fun fact about Melanie is that she enjoys ice skating.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Ethan is a senior at NC State University, double majoring in psychology and human biology. He plans to pursue a graduate degree in School Psychology once he completes his undergraduate degree 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

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

Autumn Trout is a senior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Psychology. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She’s especially passionate about working with teens and young adults, and hopes to support them through cognitive-based therapy. Joining the C.E.D.A.R. research team is an exciting opportunity for Autumn to explore her interests more deeply, gain real-world experience, and apply what she’s learning in the classroom. She’s particularly interested in how research in positive psychology can shape her approach as a future counselor. A fun fact about Autumn is she has been a volunteer Young Life leader for nearly four years, mentoring high school students and building lasting connections in her community! 

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. 

Madelyn (Maddie) Horn is a senior at NC State majoring in Psychology. After graduation, Maddie intends to earn a Master's in Clinical Social Work to become a Pediatric Psychiatric Social Worker. The C.E.D.A.R. research aligns with her future goals by allowing her to experience positive psychology in practice and to continue building on her experience working with children. Outside of school, Maddie enjoys reading historical fiction and working out, she will be competing in a Hyrox competition this spring.

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.