Our Team

 

The Graduate Students

Katelyn Jackman, M.S.

Katelyn is a 4th year Clinical Psychology PhD student. I'm currently studying the psychophysiological outcomes of mindfulness training among K-12 teachers. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, running canyoneering, and crocheting.

UNURZaya Amarsaikhan

Unurzaya is a 2nd year Clinical Psychology PhD student. I love being in nature, serving people, and gaining more awareness and insights through mindfulness, self-compassion, and spiritual experiences. I am currently studying the barriers that we have when practicing self-compassion.

Elijah Kagan

Elijah is a 1st year Clinical Psychology PhD student. His research experience includes mindfulness-based interventions for refugees, yoga and breathing techniques for immune system recovery, and the use of MDMA and psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. In addition to his academic work, Elijah is a military veteran and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor. His unique blend of scientific inquiry and spiritual practice informs a holistic, evidence-based approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit.

Meredith Vagner

Meredith is a 1st year Clinical Psychology PhD student. I am interested in the investigation of biopsychosocial processes underlying chronic pain and mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic interventions. I hope to integrate conventional and alternative healthcare models for underserved populations of interest, such as women managing chronic pain from endometriosis, post-operative orthopedic patients, and individuals experiencing medically unexplained phenomena.

Eve Barton, M.S.

Eve is a 3rd year Clinical Psychology PhD student. I am interested in researching the physiological effects of mindfulness as well as creating translational research that promotes individual well-being and life flourishing. Outside of my work, I love to snowboard, wakeboard, and wakesurf. 

Marinne Hammond

Marinne is a 2nd year clinical psychology student. She is currently conducting research on the relationships between self-compassion, perfectionism, and resilience. In her free time, she enjoys playing violin and spending time with her family in Arizona.

Kathleen Ririe

Kathleen is a 1st year Clinical Psychology PhD student. I think our human bodies are incredible and capable of experiencing so much more joy than we understand or implement in society. I’ve personally learned about and used so many positive psychology techniques in my own life and I’m excited to learn more and help others apply these same principles. I’m specifically interested in how positive psychology practices can decrease anxiety and increase joy.

The Research Assistants

Dan Wellock

I am from Queen Creek, Arizona, and I am a psychology and philosophy double major here at BYU. For the first year of my undergraduate degree, I was primarily interested in psychotic disorders, and I studied them in a computational neuroanatomy research lab. After my brother took his own life in 2025, my life reeled, and mindfulness is what has kept me afloat in the grieving process. Now I do research on mindfulness, seeking to help others find peace in bereavement. In my free time, I like to read, write, run, hike, and discuss philosophy with friends. I hope to get a master’s degree in philosophy and a PhD in clinical psychology so I can be a clinical psychologist and a theoretician/philosopher.

Ella Simpson

Hi there! As a military brat, you can consider me a mix of Louisiana, North Dakota, and Texas for where I'm from. I'm absolutely ecstatic to be a part of Dr. Warren's Lab, researching positive psychology, and helping others access life-changing tools and experiences. I plan on going to graduate school for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I love spending time with family, reading library books, baking gluten-free treats, and watching Survivor.

James pyper

I’m a senior studying Psychology at BYU. I grew up playing competitive soccer and just about every sport imaginable with friends. I was previously a piano performance major and love to sing. I’m also an uncle to 14 nieces and 3 nephews — and counting!

WINslette Quiray

Mabuhay! I’m a BYU psychology student from the Philippines, and I’m so excited to be part of Dr. Warren’s research lab! As a Filipina, I’ve been inspired by the resilience and hope I’ve seen in my culture, which sparked my interest in positive psychology. I’m passionate about mindfulness, gratitude, and evidence-based principles that help people live happier, more meaningful lives. When I’m not studying, you can find me watching movies, enjoying my “grandma” hobbies, or creating itineraries for vacations I haven’t even booked yet!

Ben Anderson

Hey! I'm from Parker, Colorado. I love to play tennis, I enjoy going on walks, especially in Winter. I am a Junior studying Psychology & Philosophy at BYU. I'm personally really interested in the environmental side of positive psychology (how the environment affects how we think and how we ought to respond) as well as the power of small decisions (like going on a walk, meditating, gratitude, journaling, etc.) has on our daily lives and mindsets.

christen craven

I am thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of Dr. Warren’s research lab. I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in psychology at Brigham Young University. After losing my son to cancer, I discovered the life-changing power of mindfulness, which not only guided my own healing but also inspired me to return to school. I am now preparing to apply to a clinical psychology PhD program to help others through evidence-based positive psychology practices that foster resilience, joy, and lasting well-being. Whenever we can, my husband, our eight children, and I love escaping to the mountains to recharge and connect with nature.

Maki Sakai

I grew up in Japan, where self-criticism and mental health stigma are very common. When I discovered self-compassion, it was life-changing, and I wanted to learn more. I am so excited to be part of this lab! I am passionate about psychoeducation and bringing positive psychology and self-compassion to people who are struggling. With a background in social media marketing and design, I am actively sharing these ideas through Instagram, YouTube, and online communities. Outside of psychology, I enjoy watching films and photography.