Psychology Graduate Student Association
The goal of the Psychology Graduate Student Association (PGSA) is to create community within the department and support graduate students. PGSA works with the graduate student body and faculty members to ensure that the academic and social climate meets graduate student needs within the department of Psychology and Neuroscience. In addition to graduate student advocacy, PGSA fundraises to facilitate graduate student travel and professional development and plans social gatherings for the department. PGSA-planned social events include tailgate parties, sporting event outings, hiking trips, cookouts, trivia nights, bowling and stargazing, among other events. PGSA also holds an annual golf tournament to support fundraising efforts.
More than just a social organization, PGSA is here to help graduate students navigate Knoxville, their department, the university, and the graduate student experience in general. PGSA proudly serves graduate students as a liaison to the faculty and administration. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please contact any of the PGSA officers directly. As always – Go Vols!!!
Meet the 2026–2027 Executive Board of PGSA
Tori Huggins, President
I am a third-year counseling psychology student working with Dr. Jacob Levy on the Sport Performance Optimization Research Team (SPORT). My primary research interests focus on collegiate student-athlete well-being and relational health as well as systemic barriers within the collegiate athletics environment that harm student-athletes’ sense of belonging, safety, identity, and autonomy. My purpose for serving on the Executive Board of PGSA is to facilitate stronger relational connectivity among current students, support our graduate student community, and help steer the organization to best fit our students’ needs. In my free time, I enjoy attending Tennessee games, pursuing a (very unrealistic) dream of becoming a scratch golfer and of course, striving to become the weekly trivia team champion with my cohort every Tuesday evening.
Emma Poole, Vice President
I’m a third-year clinical psychology student in the Relationship Aggression and Addictive Disorders Lab, working under the mentorship of Dr. Stuart. My research interests center on how individual-level factors, particularly emotion regulation and substance use, contribute to cycles of conflict in romantic relationships. As PGSA Vice-President, I’m excited to liaise between the students and faculty while helping create an inclusive environment where graduate students feel supported and connected.
Jimena Mendoza, Social Chair
I’m a 3rd year Counseling Psychology PhD student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where I work with Alejandro L. Vázquez in the THRIVE Lab. My research focuses on mental health disparities among immigrant, monolingual Spanish-speaking, and Latine communities, with the goal of making mental health care more accessible and culturally responsive. As PGSA Social Chair, I’m excited to help create opportunities for graduate students to connect outside of classes, research, and clinical work. Outside of academia, I love reading, hiking, checking out local coffee shops and farmers’ markets, and playing pickleball whenever I get the chance!
Sarah Marks, Treasurer
As a second-year Experimental Psychology PhD student with a concentration in Cognitive and Developmental Science, I work with Dr. Jessica Hay, focusing on infant language acquisition and language learning processes. I have a particular interest in investigating how the Appalachian Region may impact these processes through its unique set of linguistic and cultural influences. With PGSA, I aim to offer continued support for the psychology graduate student community, especially those who are new to both grad school and Knoxville (welcome!). Outside of academics, I enjoy tending my garden, hiking, crafting, baking, and trying new restaurants!
Madison Reid, Secretary
As a first-year clinical psychology doctoral student in the PAVES Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Chris Elledge, my research focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating preventive interventions to promote positive youth development and improve mental health outcomes for children and adolescents. My research interests include identifying evidence-based strategies that support youth and families while fostering resilience and well-being. As a member of the Psychology Graduate Student Association, I look forward to connecting with fellow students, contributing to a supportive and collaborative graduate community, and helping create opportunities for professional and personal growth. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, learning new crafts, and playing music in a local symphony orchestra.