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 looks forward to applying her experiences to the Spring Lab and to eventually moving onto graduate school and future opportunities in clinical environments that prioritize access to and the effectiveness of mental health care.  

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

Rylee Sullivan - DIS Student

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.

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.

Thania Geffrard - Volunteer

Thania is a research volunteer at Florida State University College of Medicine. She is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and is passionate about promoting equitable healthcare through evidence-based interventions. Her interests include chronic disease prevention and behavioral health. With a strong commitment to medicine and public health, Thania plans to become a clinician and one day contribute to research that improves patient outcomes and advances health equity.

John Henry Miller - Volunteer

John holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University and is completing prerequisites for medical school, aspiring to practice psychiatry. As a medical scribe in an inpatient psychiatric setting, he gains valuable clinical experience. John also volunteers as a caseworker with the Red Cross, deepening his understanding of mental health's social aspects. With a focus on bridging clinical practice and research, he aims to contribute significantly to psychiatric care.