
Alexis Brieant, Ph.D.
Lab Director (she/her)
Dr. Brieant is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Vermont. She received her B.A. in Psychology and French from SUNY Geneseo and her Ph.D. in Psychology at Virginia Tech. Prior to joining the faculty at UVM, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University.

Our Team


Lab Manager

Emma Renwick (they/them)
Emma is our post bac lab manager, and recently graduated from UVM majoring in Psychological Sciences and minoring in Human Development and Family Studies, and Special Education. They are passionate about youth mental health advocacy and community education, with an interest in the effects of interpersonal trauma on development. Emma plans on pursuing a graduate degree in clinical developmental psychology, focusing on the interaction between neurodiversity and early life adversity, and their effects on communication development. Outside of the lab, Emma spends their time being outside in nature, doing yoga, or reading and making art!
Graduate Student (Clinical Psychology Master's Program)

Rachel Lamb (she/her)
Rachel is going into her third year at UVM and is majoring in Psychological Science with minors in Human Development and Jewish Studies. She loves working with kids and hopes to work with them in her future career, focusing on family relationships and adolescent mental health. If she isn't doing school work, you can find Rachel doing something outside- whether it's rock climbing, snowboarding, hiking, or just hanging out with friends at the beach.
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Lexie Divers (she/her)
Lexie is a junior at the University of Vermont, majoring in both Psychological Science and Dance. After UVM, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, Lexie serves as a resident advisor and teaching assistant. She also enjoys teaching her cat, Twyla, new tricks.
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Jenna Gonzalez (she/they)
Jen is a Psychological Sciences major with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Her experiences in trauma-informed settings have fueled her passion for understanding childhood adversity and supporting youth through healing. They are especially interested in how early experiences shape development and mental health outcomes in children and adolescents. They plan to pursue a career in School Psychology, with a growing interest in music therapy. As an active musician in the Burlington community, they are excited about integrating creativity and connection into mental health work with young people.
Undergraduate Research Assistant

OV Poddar (he/him)
Avinabo (OV) is a junior at the University of Vermont majoring in Psychology with minors in Biology and Neuroscience. He is especially interested in how external stressors affect mental health and the application of this knowledge to overcome inequalities in the field of psychology. OV is considering pursuing a Ph.D. program in child clinical psychology after graduation. Outside of the lab, he is a sprinter on the track team at UVM and a peer mentor in the Honors College.
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Emily Tan (she/her)
Emily is a junior Neuroscience and Chinese double major with minors in Psychology and Pharmacology. She is particularly interested in participating in research that works to promote the accessibility of mental health resources in marginalized and underrepresented communities. She hopes to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience after undergrad. Outside of lab and school, you can find her in her apartment trying out new recipes!