The Research Team
Lead by Dr. Martinque Jones, the BWell Lab's current research team consists of psychology graduate and undergraduate students at the University of North Texas. Current Graduate Student
Lab Members
Cassandre Jean-Ceide is a 6th year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program and doctoral intern at the University of Texas-Austin counseling center. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Her research interests broadly center on the experiences of Black women. Currently, she is conducting research on how strong Black women's experiences may be impacted by systems of power such as sexism, racism, and colorism.
Amber Williams, M.S.
Dannie Haakinson
Dionne R. Regis, M.A., Ed.M.
Cassandre Jean-Ceide, M.S.
Amber Williams is a 6th year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of North Texas and doctoral intern at the University of Memphis counseling center. Improving the quality of care and access to mental health services for marginalized communities is the core of her professional aspirations. She has funneled this passion through her research as she focuses on diversifying the mental health field and prioritizing the wellness of Black and Brown populations. In her spare time, Amber enjoys returning to her roots in fine arts by taking dance classes on weekends. She also takes interest in fashion and styling.
Quanisha Whittfield, M.A., M.S.
Quanisha Whittfield is a 5th year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D program. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Baylor University and her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Her research interests broadly center the holistic wellness of Black women and culturally relevant intervention development using yoga and meditation to address mental and physical impacts of gendered racism.
Dionne R. Regis is a 4th year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in French and African American Studies from University of Virginia and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology: School Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests broadly look at how identity-based discrimination in everyday settings and in media have negative impacts on the self-esteem of women in the Afro-Diaspora and leads to increased risk of anxiety and depression for women within the Afro-Diaspora. Dionne is very passionate about translational research and advocacy.
Raven K. Gipson-Washington, M.A.
Raven K. Gipson-Washington is a 3rd year student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University and her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Her research centers and serves Black women, with a special emphasis on strong Black womanhood, help-seeking, and the development and implementation of culturally responsive mental health interventions. Her clinical interests include culturally informed acceptance and commitment therapy, working with high achieving Black women, individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders, and holistic mental health care. Raven has a heart for leadership and mentorship, with an empathetic, relaxed, affirming, and empowering counseling and supervisory style. Raven aspires to own a culturally informed, holistic wellness center designed for Black women, providing evidence-based psychological assessment, treatment, and community support.
Bio coming soon.
Current Undergraduate Student
Lab Members
Maliha Cordero
Bio coming soon.
Edidiongabasi Nkanga
Bio coming soon.
Doctoral Alumni
Melissa Briones-Zamora, PhD
Gabriella Gaskin-Cole, PhD, MS, MS
Dominique Doty, PhD, MS
Kyjeila Latimer, PhD
Undergraduate Alumni
Alia Jones
Autumn Underwood
Bahia Ramirez
Adaroa Okoya
Kathryn Conner
Dolores Clay
Aylin Pena
Faith Ayaji
Gummer Zackaria
Gabrielle Wallace
Lani Ahmed
Laila Gardner
Natalia Barrera
Madison Fox
Zhaire Simmons
Asia Watkins
Onyekachukwu Okoye
Dae Moya