Bonnie Spring, PhD - Principal Investigator
Dr. Bonnie Spring is a board-certified clinical health psychologist, Krafft Professor of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine and Director of the Florida Blue Center for Rural Health Research and Policy at Florida State University, College of Medicine. Her research develops and evaluates technology-assisted interventions that promote healthy change in multiple chronic disease behavioral risk factors, particularly obesity, poor quality diet, physical inactivity, and smoking.
Keri Anne Gladhill, PhD - Research Project Manager
Dr. Gladhill received her PhD in Psychology from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Prior to earning her doctorate degree, she completed a Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA, and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. Her previous research has focused on various aspects of cognitive neuroscience, specifically, the intersection of time perception and movements in humans. Although new to behavioral health research, Dr. Gladhill has always had a passion for community-engaged research that improves the lives of others and understands the importance of equity in health and research.
Harvey (Gene) McFadden - Data Manager
Harvey, the Data Manager for Spring Lab since 2006, ensures seamless data operations and supports innovative research. He maintains data integrity, manages systems, fulfills requests, and aids in analysis. Additionally, Harvey assists with grant writing, translating complex data into compelling narratives to secure funding, embodying the lab's innovative spirit.
Dominique Moore - Research Assistant (Health Promotionist)
Dominique brings extensive experience in the design and implementation of health behavior change interventions, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based, technology-driven approaches. Her work has primarily focused on weight management, Diabetes Prevention programs, and the promotion of sustainable, healthy lifestyle behaviors. Through her role as a Health Promotionist, Dominique is passionate about translating research into practical strategies and empowering participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make informed decisions that support long-term health and well-being.
Mia Sweeney - Research Assistant (Health Promotionist)
Mia completed her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at Florida State University. She previously participated in a social psychology lab as a DIS student and contributed to research concerning attitudes and behaviors in romantic relationships. Mia will be starting a Master of Public Program in the fall and looks forward to applying her experiences to the Spring Lab to future opportunities in clinical environments that prioritize access to and the effectiveness of mental health care.
Rylee Sullivan - Research Assistant (Health Promotionist)
Rylee is a senior at Florida State University pursuing a double major in Psychology and Media Communication Studies with a minor in Philosophy. She is especially interested in the intersections of health psychology, nutrition, and the media, with a focus on how communication, social media, and culture shape mental health and well-being. Rylee aspires to begin her career in the media and communications field, where she will utilize her background in psychology to create meaningful impact. Long term, she looks forward to pursuing graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling and building a career as a therapist.
Jenesis Rodriguez - Research Assistant (Assessor)
Jenesis received her B.S. in Psychology from Florida State University. While at FSU, she gained valuable research experience through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and as a PURPOSE Research Fellow. Her work in both roles focused on cultural responsiveness and competency in classroom settings, deepening her interest in equity-focused research. Jenesis is excited to bring her skills and experience to her role as a Research Assistant in the Spring Lab.
Volunteers and DIS Students
Shadmam Ishmam - DIS Student
Shadman is a pre-medical undergraduate student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience at Florida State University. He previously conducted research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), where he studied host-microbe interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana. Shadman also works as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), where he supports primarily older adult patients in a rehabilitation setting—an experience that has deepened his interest in preventive care and behavioral health. Passionate about helping vulnerable populations, Shadman is excited to contribute to the Spring Lab’s mission of developing accessible, technology-supported interventions to reduce chronic disease risk. Looking forward, he plans to pursue a career in medicine with a focus on public health and patient-centered care.
Ethan Messier - Volunteer
Ethan is a research volunteer in the Spring Lab and is currently in his third year as an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry. He is passionate about advancing healthcare delivery through research, teaching, and advocacy. His research interests include chronic disease, health disparities, public health, and science education. Ethan plans to enter medical school after graduation and is interested in pediatrics and children's health, neuroscience, primary care, and peer mentorship. He also enjoys teaching chemistry and hopes to integrate education, research, and clinical practice in his future career.
Brandon M. Rowland - Volunteer
Brandon is a doctoral student at Florida State University and a volunteer with the Spring Lab in the College of Medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from Georgia Southern University and dual master's degrees in social work and public administration (MSW/MPA) from Florida State University. In addition to serving as Director of Research Administration at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, Brandon has extensive research experience in mental health, education, and public policy. He is also a practicing clinical social worker, providing individual and group support to those experiencing mental illness, addiction, and other behavioral health challenges. His work bridges clinical practice and research, with a focus on improving health and educational outcomes.
Charlotte Sprecher - DIS Student
Charlotte is a pre-medical undergraduate student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience at Florida State University. She is passionate about innovative lifestyle interventions, patient-centered care, and addressing global health disparities. Her global and clinical experience as a medical assistant has strengthened her commitment to compassionate care and to understanding the diverse factors that shape health outcomes. Guided by values of empathy, curiosity, and innovation, Charlotte aims to contribute to research that expands healthcare accessibility and improves care for underserved populations. She is excited to collaborate with a team focused on medical innovation and advancing clinical care. In the future, Charlotte plans to pursue a medical career that integrates research with clinical practice.
Nicholas Turoff - Volunteer
Nicholas is a junior at Florida State University majoring in Finance while completing pre-medical coursework, with clinical experience through the Medical Response Unit, three semesters as a Clinical College Associate Volunteer in neurology and orthopedics at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and work as an EMT in Gadsden County. He is pursuing research opportunities within the College of Medicine, with strong interests in orthopedics, trauma care, rural healthcare disparities, and behavioral medicine. In addition to his clinical and academic work, Nicholas serves as a Stop-the-Bleed coordinator and youth sports coach, reflecting his commitment to leadership, service, and community health. He plans to pursue medical school and contribute to research that advances evidence-based care and improves patient outcomes.
Sienna Epstein - DIS Student
Sienna is a junior at Florida State University majoring in Psychology. She is particularly interested in social psychology and behavioral health, with a focus on how social interactions, culture, and environmental factors influence behavior, decision-making, and overall well-being. Sienna aims to contribute to research that deepens her understanding of the social and behavioral factors that impact health, while developing her skills in research design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific communication. Through her work, she hopes to apply psychological principles to real-world challenges and support the creation of interventions that promote healthier behaviors and improved well-being across diverse populations.
Arden Lunsford - DIS Student
Arden is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminology at Florida State University. She is interested in understanding the psychological and social factors that influence behavior, with a particular interest in abnormal psychology and mental health. She hopes to help others improve both mental and physical health to promote overall well-being and healthy lifestyles. She is excited to be a part of a study that focuses on these aspects of health and is eager to contribute to ongoing research.
Kate Samford - DIS Student
Kate is a sophomore honors student studying Exercise Physiology on the pre-medical track, with minors in Psychology, Biological Science, and Chemistry. She is passionate about improving individuals’ long-term health and hopes to become a physician who bridges modern science with functional medicine, helping patients make sustainable lifestyle changes rather than relying on short-term solutions. Kate is particularly interested in pediatric oncology. On campus, she is involved in Phi Delta Epsilon, the premedical professional fraternity, and her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and she volunteers at the TMH Cancer Center. A Tallahassee native, she enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, and visiting Starbucks.
Tia Reformato-Santoro - DIS Student
Tia is a senior Behavioral Neuroscience major at Florida State University. At FSU, she served as President of the Undergraduate American Medical Women’s Association, where she worked to support premedical students and women’s health. Tia has also worked for three years with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare in emergency and surgical care. She has developed a strong passion for rural health through clinical experiences in local communities. She is excited to join the Spring Lab and looks forward to continuing to build her research experience after completing her degree as she prepares for a career in medicine.
Baraan Vassighi - DIS Student
Baraan is an undergraduate student at Florida State University, majoring in Biochemistry on the pre-med track. She has been involved in undergraduate research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), where her work focused on pain, opioid use, and cognitive health outcomes in older adults using population-based health data. Her academic interests include biochemistry, molecular mechanisms of disease, neuroscience, and translational medicine. Outside of academics and research, Baraan enjoys fitness and strength training and is actively involved in student fitness organizations on campus. She plans to pursue a career in medicine while continuing to engage in clinical and translational research.
Isabella Azambuja - Volunteer
Isabela is a junior studying Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-medical track at Florida State University. Beyond research, she is dedicated to serving the Florida State community through the FSU Medical Response Unit, leading campus tours as a University Ambassador for the Office of Admissions, and serving as the Marketing Director for Relay for Life. Outside of academics, she is especially interested in rural medicine, healthcare accessibility, and improving patient care for underserved communities, while currently working as a Medical Assistant for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
Sahara Martin - Volunteer
Sahara is a junior pre-medical undergraduate at Florida A&M University, where she is majoring in Biology. She is also a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which has deepened her commitment to patient care and healthcare equity. Driven by her passion to reduce health disparities, she focuses on diversifying the medical workforce, delivering culturally sensitive care, and conducting inclusive research to identify and address systemic challenges in rural and low-socioeconomic communities. Her dedication to family health and obstetrics stems from witnessing her own family members and women in her community face health disparities firsthand. Committed to advancing patient equity, Sahara aims to attend medical school and specialize in family medicine and obstetrics.
Practicum Students
Carlin Weinberg-Scott - Health Promotionist
Carlin is in the Combined PhD in Counseling and School Psychology program at FSU. Prior to enrolling in her PhD program, she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Augusta University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a second major in Criminal Justice from Mercer University. Her research experience varies, having a background in public health including topics such as biobehavioral interventions, understanding facilitators and barriers to conducting research pre-and-post pandemic among at-risk populations, childhood adversity, and assessments within the legal system. Additionally, she has also investigated therapeutic process with a specific focus on attachment style and individual identities such as spirituality. Currently, she is working within a career development research team with the goal of enhancing career assessment and career decision-making processes among youth and young adults.
Alexander Stavropoulos - Health Promotionist
Alex is currently a medical student at the University of Toronto. He completed his Bachelor of Science at the University of Waterloo, where he also established his research interests in using digital technology and artificial intelligence to augment healthcare delivery. His current work focuses on both applying machine learning to create surgical outcome risk calculators that enhance clinical decision-making and investigating the ways in which artificial intelligence is used to support reflective medical practice. Alex is excited to apply his early medical training in working with patients at the Spring Lab.
Jonathan 'JJ' Jerez - Health Promotionist
JJ is a doctoral student in the Combined Counseling and School Psychology Ph.D. program at Florida State University. JJ earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Florida State and his Masters and Education Specialist degree in Counseling in the Human Systems with a concentration in Career Counseling. His research interests include the intersectionality of career and mental health of first-generation college students. Outside of research, JJ enjoys eating at all the local hot spots, traveling when possible, playing video games, and spending time with his cat, Luna.
Qiong Li - Health Promotionist
Qiong is a doctoral student in the Combined Counseling Psychology and School Psychology program at Florida State University. She earned her M.S. in Career Counseling from Florida State University and her B.S. in Applied Psychology from Shenzhen University. Her research interests focus on career development, particularly career transitions and work values. She looks forward to contributing to the lab by applying her counseling training to support the promotion of health-related behaviors.
Danny Chiarodit - Health Promotionist
Danny is a fourth-year student in the Combined Counseling Psychology and School Psychology PhD program at Florida State University. He received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Danny's research interests include investigating the relationship between stigma and mental health among people who stutter, specifically college students. Danny is a graduate assistant at the FSU Career Center, where he serves as a Career Advisor and Lead Instructor of the Introduction to Career Development course. After graduation, Danny hopes to work as a psychologist in a university counseling center, before ultimately starting his own private practice.
Alexander Feliciano - Health Promotionist
Alexander is currently a doctoral student in the Florida State University Combined School Psychology and Counseling Psychology program. His academic and clinical interests include acculturation, immigration, Latino psychology, and minority mental health.
Former Lab Members
Thania Geffrard - Volunteer
John Henry Miller - Volunteer
Nicole Lane - Volunteer