Eric Allard, Ph.D.

Director of the Aging, Cognition, and Emotion Laboratory
at Cleveland State University

Dr. Eric Allard is the Chair of the Department of Psychology at Cleveland State University. Along with his role as an Associate Professor, he is also a core member of the Adult Development and Aging Ph.D. and Psychological Science M.A. programs at CSU.

Dr. Allard earned his B.A. in Psychology at the University of Sioux Falls in 2004. He then went on to earn his M.A. in Social and Developmental Psychology from Brandeis University in 2007 and his Ph.D. in Social and Developmental Psychology from Brandeis University in 2010.

Prior to his faculty appointment at CSU in 2014, Dr. Allard spent 4 years as a postdoctoral research fellow at Boston College. His research interests include aging, emotion regulation, well-being, eye tracking, and psychophysiology.

Adult Development and
Aging Ph.D. Students

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The Ph.D. program in Adult Development and Aging is offered jointly with the University of Akron's Department of Psychology. Drawing on the resources of both universities, the program prepares students for careers as researchers and scholars in a variety of settings, including higher education, medical centers, government agencies, and research institutes.

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3rd Year Ph.D. Student

Ryan Muskin, M.A.

(he/him)

Ryan is a third-year graduate student in the Adult Development and Aging Ph.D. program and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. He earned his B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Dayton and his M.A. in Psychological Science from Cleveland State University.

Ryan’s thesis focused on age differences in emotional reactivity to facets of sadness and anger. His research interests involve how emotional experiences change across the life span. Ryan plans on pursuing a career in academia and directing his own psychology laboratory.

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3rd Year Ph.D. Student

Abigail Behrend, B.A.

(she/her)

Abbey is a third-year graduate student in the Adult Development and Aging Ph.D. program and is expected to graduate in Spring 2027. She earned her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in German and Family Studies from Baldwin Wallace University.

Abbey’s thesis will focus on attachment across ages and exploring its role in emotion regulation. Her research interests include aging, emotion regulation, attachment, individual differences, relationships, and goals during emotion regulatory processes. Abbey plans to pursue a postdoc position and to eventually become a professor and continue her research.

2nd Year Ph.D. Student

Michelle Moore, B.A.

(she/her)

Michelle is a second-year graduate student in the Adult Development and Aging Ph.D. program and is expected to graduate in Spring 2028. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from Cleveland State University.

Michelle’s thesis will focus on affective certainty in old age and assessing mood-personality links for creative thinking. Her research interests include aging, emotion regulation, personality, and creativity. Michelle plans to pursue a postdoc position and to eventually become a professor and continue her research.

1st Year Ph.D. Student

Peace Amanambu

(she/her)

Peace is a first-year graduate student in the Adult Development and Aging Ph.D. program and is expected to graduate in Spring 2029. She earned her BSc in Psychology and MSc in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nigeria.

Her research interests include aging, ageism, cultural diversity, emotion regulation, eye tracking, successful aging, motivation, and well-being. Peace’s goal is to continue with research that will advance global perspectives on well-being that leads to successful aging among older adults.

Clinical Psychology and Psychological Science
Master's Students

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The Clinical Psychology specialization of the M.A. program aims to train highly qualified, culturally responsive master's level graduates to work in a variety of clinical and research settings and/or to move on to doctoral work.

The Psychological Science specialization of the M.A. program provides students with a solid foundation in scientific research and is designed to prepare students for further doctoral training and/or careers in academia, biomedical research, business, or clinical practice.

2nd Year Master's Student

Drew Hubbard, B.A.

Drew is a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology M.A. program and is expected to graduate in Spring 2025. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from Miami University.

Drew’s thesis will focus on demographic patterns and suicide method selection in Cuyahoga County. Her research interests include trauma/adversity, children and adolescence, emotion regulation, and suicide. Drew’s goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

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2nd Year Master's Student

Caroline Lapish, B.S.

Caroline is a second-year graduate student in the Psychological Science M.A. program and is expected to graduate in Spring 2025. She earned her B.S. in Exercise Science from Cleveland State University.

Caroline’s thesis will focus on aging, religion, and security threat. Her research interests include aging, emotions, existential psychology, meaning, purpose, and time perception. Caroline plans to pursue a Ph.D. and continue with her research.

1st Year Master's Student

Melanie McGregor, B.A.

Melanie is a first-year graduate student in the Psychological Science M.A. program and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from Cleveland State University. Her research interests include interpersonal relationships, emotion regulation, aging, anxiety, and suicide. Melanie's thesis is currently still in progress.

Master's Student

Jeffrey Conaway, B.A.

Jeff is a graduate student in the Psychological Science M.A. program. Jeff's thesis proposal is upcoming! Jeff earned a B.A. in Psychology from Marshall University. Jeff’s research interests are centered on how LGBTQ+ identities influence a host of psychological outcomes.

Master's Student

Brian Brooks, B.A.

Brian is a graduate student in the Psychological Science M.A. program. Brian's thesis proposal is upcoming! Brian earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from Cleveland State University. Brian’s research interests are broadly focused on criminal justice reform and recidivism, particularly as they pertain to systemic bias impacting African Americans. Brian plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Not Pictured:
Abigail Hendricks Morse

Undergraduate and
Post Grad Volunteers

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Undergraduates majoring in psychology learn to apply a broad range of psychological concepts that describe and explain the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of humans and animals, apply basic statistical concepts, create psychological research designs, and evaluate psychological research.

Post Grad Volunteer

Amanda Orban, B.A.

(she/her)

Amanda recently earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Her research interests include emotion regulation, criminal behavior, trauma, and PTSD. Amanda plans to attend graduate school beginning in Fall 2025.

4th Year Undergraduate Student

Shannon Boyle

(she/her)

Shannon is an undergraduate student majoring in psychology and is expected to graduate in Fall 2024. Her research interests include neuropsychology, multiple sclerosis, ADHD & autism, and living with chronic illness. Shannon’s goal is to enroll in a M.A. program and eventually a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology.

4th Year Undergraduate Student

Claudia Branning

(she/her)

Claudia is an undergraduate student majoring in psychology and is expected to graduate in Spring 2025. Her research interests include death anxiety and financial decision-making. Claudia’s goal is to pursue law school after graduation.

3rd Year Undergraduate Student

Bre'juanna Glanton

(she/her)

Bre’juanna is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminology and is expected to graduate in Fall 2025. Her research interests include behavioral analysis, emotions, and body language. Bre’juanna’s goal is to apply to a master’s program in forensic psychology.

3rd Year Undergraduate Student

David Popivker

(he/him)

David is an undergraduate student majoring in psychology and minoring in Neuroscience and Political Science and is expected to graduate in Fall 2025. His research interests include lifespan development, relationships, memory processing, coping methods, and logotherapy. David’s goal is to pursue a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

The Aging, Cognition, and Emotion (ACE) Laboratory

Eric Allard, Ph.D.

Director of the Aging, Cognition, and Emotion Laboratory
at Cleveland State University

Adult Development and
Aging Ph.D. Students

Clinical Psychology and Psychological Science
Master's Students

Not Pictured:
Abigail Hendricks Morse

Undergraduate and
Post Grad Volunteers

Not Pictured:
Austin Ellis

The Aging, Cognition, and Emotion (ACE) Laboratory

Eric Allard, Ph.D.

Director of the Aging, Cognition, and Emotion Laboratory at Cleveland State University

Adult Development and Aging Ph.D. Students

Clinical Psychology and Psychological Science Master's Students

Not Pictured: Abigail Hendricks Morse

Undergraduate and Post Grad Volunteers

Not Pictured: Austin Ellis

Director of the Aging, Cognition, and Emotion Laboratory
at Cleveland State University

Adult Development and
Aging Ph.D. Students

Clinical Psychology and Psychological Science
Master's Students

Not Pictured:
Abigail Hendricks Morse

Undergraduate and
Post Grad Volunteers

Not Pictured:
Austin Ellis