People

Dr. Blair E. Braun; PLAM Lab Director

Dr. Braun is an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. She graduated with her PhD in psychological science from Kent State in 2023. She earned her BS in psychology in 2018 from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. In her free time, she likes to run, binge watch the latest Netflix show, and spend time with her dog, Madison.

Liliana Varela; Lab Manager

Liliana Varela is a senior undergraduate student majoring in psychology from Monroe, WI. She is interested in how we come to believe in misinformation and what influences our beliefs. She plans to obtain a PhD in clinical psychology to become a licensed counselor specializing in severe mental disorders. Liliana loves to discover new music, play piano and guitar, try new foods, and find new video games to obsess over

Abby Hanson; Lab Manager

Hi! My name is Abby Hanson, and I am from Oconomowoc, WI. I am a senior here at UWP majoring in psychology and criminal justice. After graduation, I hope to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology with an emphasis in forensic psychology. My research interests include juror decision-making, NGRI, and the mental illness stigma. 

Kyli McCorkle

My name is Kyli McCorkle, I am from Havana, IL. I am starting my junior year at UW-Platteville. After graduation, I want to go to graduate school and get a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I want to go into counseling, working with clients with trauma and disaster response, as well as minority groups. Outside of school, I like to crochet and read, or I am hanging out with my family and friends.

Morgan Williams

Hi! My name is Morgan Williams and I’m from the small town of Bagley, Wisconsin! I’m currently a senior majoring in Psychology and will be graduating in December! After graduation, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work. 

Gianna Avila

Hello guys! My name is Gianna and I’m from Kenosha, Wisconsin! I’m currently a Senior at UW Platteville and I’m majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in substance abuse counseling. After graduation, I plan to get a master’s degree in counseling and maybe pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology! I hope to go into private practice and work with minority groups and children. My research interests revolve around social psychology as well as cognitive psychology: bias, conformity, health, race, memory, perception, human behavior, etc.  In my free time I love to read, write, make bracelets, and spend time with my family and friends!

Nathan Bentti

My name is Nathan Bentti and I am a senior double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice and am from West Allis, Wisconsin. I hope to go into the FBI working with victims of traumatic events. Some of my research interests include Sports Betting and the way it can be framed to a person. Outside of school I’m the Vice President of Programming for Sigma Phi Epsilon on campus and in my free time I enjoy running, playing video games and watching Family Guy. 

Britney Janiszewki

 
Hi! My name is Britney Janiszewski and I am from Tomah, Wi. I will be a senior here at UW Platteville. After graduation, I want to obtain my PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in trauma. My research interests include Imagination Inflation, Artificial Intelligence, and Perceived attractiveness. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, baking, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family. 

Kylie Walker

 
My name is Kylie Walker, and I grew up in the small town of Spencer, Wisconsin. I am currently a fourth year at UWP double majoring in criminal justice and psychology, and after graduation I aim to get my Ph. D in clinical psychology. My research interests include law enforcement and offender mental health and public perceptions of them. Outside of school, I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family, hiking, watching movies, and going to concerts.

Ema Frick

 
My name is Ema Frick and I am from Janesville, Wisconsin. I am currently a senior double majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation with a Psychology and Criminology minor. After graduation, I want to work in property and evidence to get the hands-on experience needed for crime scene work. Outside of research, I enjoy walking with my dog and crafting.

Miranda Cox

I am currently pursuing a BS degree in Psychology. After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school. My goal is to work as a pediatric psychologist in a children’s hospital, as mental health is important to me, and I am passionate about helping children through adversity. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and spending time with my nieces and nephews. And a fun fact about me is that I love animals!

Ashley Rickey

My name is Ashley and I’m a junior psychology major with an emphasis in substance abuse counseling. My career goals are to become a licensed professional counselor. I’m the treasurer of Psychology Club. My research interests include social media, exercise, and the use of artificial intelligence. 

Michelle Sass

Hi! I’m Michelle, a senior at UWP pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a focus on forensics, building on further research experience. I am thrilled to be a member of PLAM!  

Avianna Lee

Hi! My name is Avianna Lee, and I’m a freshman at UW–Platteville majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology, with a minor in Forensic Investigation. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in law enforcement, possibly working in crime scene investigation. Outside of research, I enjoy working out, hiking, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Madison

IG: @madisontheberner