To aid in the advancement of the HOPE Lab, we are looking for highly motivated undergraduate and graduate research assistants and student researchers.
- Research Assistants will be involved in the data collection and analysis of any ongoing projects.
- Student Researchers will be responsible for conducting a research project of their choosing with the ultimate goal of presenting the findings at various national and/or regional conferences and/or as a published manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal. Student researchers must be highly motivated. In addition to assisting with ongoing projects, these students will be required to conduct a thorough literature review, recruit participants, conduct all data collection and analysis, and interpret the data in the form of a manuscript.
More tangible benefits of participating as a Research Assistant or Student Researcher include the potential to obtain credit hours through an Independent Study, as well as pursuing awards from the Office of Student Research.
Current Graduate Research Assistants
Jacob Jones
Jacob graduated from Appalachian State University in 2022 with a Bachelor's in Exercise Science and a Minor in Psychology. He is pursuing a Masters in Exercise Science with a concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Jacob plans to incorporate his passion for outdoor activities and knowledge gained through his time at App State to continue working with App State and/or work closely with the surrounding communities.
Stella Cybulski
Stella graduated from Appalachian State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management. She spent many years working for a local nonprofit, Mountain Alliance, where she got to teach others to love the outdoors in the ways she does. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Public Administration Program with a concentration in Not-For-Profit Management.
Current Undergraduate Students
Past Graduate Research Assistants and Undergraduate Students
Kenzie Kelleher
Kenzie graduated from East Carolina University in 2021 with a Bachelor in Science in Health & Fitness Specialist, Minor in Nutrition. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning at Appalachian State. She is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and plans to work in sports performance.
Adair Melton
Adair graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Political Science, with a concentration in Public Affairs. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program with a concentration in Community & Organizational Practice at Appalachian State University. She is a volunteer with Guardian ad Litem, District 22A and wishes to pursue a career in child welfare.
Alex Carter
Alex graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology, with a concentration in Human Services and a minor in American Sign Language. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program with a concentration in Individuals and Families at Appalachian State University. She is an intern with the Crisis Team at App Regional Healthcare and wishes to pursue a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Rebecca Hess
Rebecca graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science in 2017 and a Masters of Exercise Science in 2019. She is currently pursuing medical school where she can incorporate the practice of preventative medicine with an emphasis on the importance of physical activity and exercise in children.
Tiana Eovaldi
Tiana Eovaldi completed her Master of Arts degree in Special Education with a concentration in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders at Appalachian State University. Originally from Hawaii, she credits her childhood access to beaches and mountains with a continued love of nature and outdoor activities. Tiana is currently pursuing work as an early interventionist, helping children with exceptionalities access the best opportunities for inclusion and long term success.
Allison Farrell
Allison graduated with a BS in Exercise Science, Psychology minor at Appalachian State University. She is from Apex, NC and enjoys running, hiking, and being active outdoors. She hopes to continue her education and become an Occupational Therapist so that she can help people return to doing the activities they love.
Leigh Bernardy
Leigh graduated with a BS in Exercise Science at Appalachian State University. Originally from Portland, Maine, Leigh came south to pursue her interests in human movement and physical activity. As a former athlete, she has developed a passion for athletics, sport participation, and wellness. She plans to expand her education and attend graduate school to receive a degree in Physical Therapy so she can get athletes back to play and improve quality of life.
Sage Mckenna
Sage graduated from Appalachian State University in 2018 with a Bachelors of Social Work Degree. She graduated with a Masters of Social Work at Appalachian State with a concentration in individuals and families. She is pursuing a career in the mental health field and obtain her license in clinical social work.
Morgan Laird
Morgan graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 2019 with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science while being a four year student athlete on the golf team. She graduated with a Masters of Exercise Science at Appalachian State with a clinical exercise physiology concentration.
