Meet the Team

Chanler Hilley, PhD

Principal Investigator

Dr. Chanler Hilley is an Assistant Professor of Psychological Science at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Hilley is a developmental and prevention science researcher who focuses on supporting successful transitions from adolescence to young adulthood for youth who experience adversity, as well as the risk and protective factors that influence behavioral health across this developmental period. He is specifically interested in supporting youth who experience disconnection from school and work, poverty, and exposure to violence. He earned a PhD in Family and Human Development with a specialization in Quantitative Methods from Arizona State University, and then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in health equity and prevention science at the Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center at Arizona State University. 

For more information, please visit: chanlerhilley.com

Briana Rivera

Graduate Researcher

Briana Rivera is a first-year graduate student in the Criminal Justice department and works with RAYA Collab as a graduate research assistant. Before KSU, she was a social worker and teacher at a non-profit organization. Her goals at KSU are to leave as a more well-rounded person, graduate with a master's degree, and gain the most research experience possible. Aside from being the core of academia, what attracts her to research is its ability to propel thinking and move humanity forward. Her research interests involve opportunity youth, criminology, and reentry. Her professional goals are to become a criminal justice professor, contribute to research, and serve on the state parole board. Briana wants to inspire and teach the next generation of students, bring awareness to social issues, and be a positive representation of Latinas in academia. Her personal interests include traveling, dancing, and playing chess and tennis!

Giselle Vazquez

Undergraduate Researcher - Sophomore Scholars Program

Giselle Vazquez is an Honors undergraduate student at Kennesaw State University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. She is pursuing research to make a practical and positive change in the world. Her career goal is to bring financial literacy to underserved communities and assist those who face adversity. 

Avery Kirby

Undergraduate Researcher

Avery Kirby is an undergraduate student at Kennesaw State University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as a minor in statistics. She is set to graduate in the summer of 2024 and plans to get a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She hopes to advance her education and focus on research surrounding addiction psychology, recovery, and psychopathology. Her ultimate career goal is to pursue research in her respective interests and find applications in clinical practice. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and going to the gym. 

Maya Maqousi

Undergraduate Researcher

Maya Maqousi is a third-year psychology student at Kennesaw State University. She works in a biology lab researching parasites in rodents at KSU's biology department. In addition, she serves as a teaching assistant for PSYC 2500, which focuses on producing research. She is also part of the Undergraduate Research Club where she has helped research the impact of discrimination, community support, and burnout in college students. In her spare time, Maya enjoys volunteering at the Home of Hope homeless children's shelter. Her long-term aspiration is to establish her own practice in the field as a clinical psychologist. 

Maya says, "I love doing research because it allows me to dive into unknown territories and unveil unexplored questions. There's a sense of excitement that comes from designing an experiment, navigating through the study, and seeing all the pieces come together." 

Will Hodges

Undergraduate Researcher

Will Hodges is a senior Psychology major at  Kennesaw State University. He is currently working as a neuropsychology intern and Registered Behavioral Technician at Mind and Body Solutions. His professional goals include obtaining more experience working in research and obtaining a Ph.D. in some area of psychology. His main interests lie in neurocognitive diseases, neurodiversity, and the psychological effects of adoption on adoptees. Will is interested in research because he enjoys working on new findings that will lead to better treatments and interventions for psychological disorders.

Alanna James

Undergraduate Researcher - First Year Scholars Program

Alanna James is an honors undergraduate student at Kennesaw State University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is double minoring in criminology and legal studies. She intends to go to graduate school and pursue a degree in forensic psychology in hopes of becoming a forensic clinician. She hopes to work in a juvenile correctional facility so that she can help youth offenders avoid recidivism and successfully reintegrate into society. Alanna hopes to continue to pursue research in the future specifically focusing on child behavior and social development. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, listening to music, and watching documentaries. 

Charlie Barna

Undergraduate Researcher - First-Year Scholars Program

Charlie Barna is an Honors undergraduate student at Kennesaw State University. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Japanese. He intends to pursue a PsyD after graduating and to one day become a counselor. He hopes to study abroad in Japan during his undergraduate years and to learn about the differences in the way mental health is addressed in collectivistic countries. During his free time, Charlie likes to watch anime, indulge in all sorts of horror media, write, and play with his cat.