Potential Mentors
The following faculty have expressed an interest in being a DSP mentor. If their research interests match yours, please feel free to reach out to them to discuss their current availability and a potential project. Remember that these are not the only possible mentors- reach out to instructors, advisors, classmates, and faculty to identify a possible mentor!
Psychology
Julia Soares
Email Address: soares@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Psychology
Research: My research investigates how using digital technology affects memory. The lab studies digital technology's effects on learning, memory for personal events, and how people think about and prefer to use their memory. Currently, we're investigating the effects of using digital devices like smartphone cameras, online tools like Google and ChatGPT, and social media on cognition.
DSP expectations: I am interested in working with undergraduates who are looking to get hands-on experience conducting research in psychology. Research assistants in my lab will be trained to run participants in lab studies. They will also attend lab meetings during which they will gain experience reading and discussing research findings, working with data, and discussing research proposals. I am always open to collaborating with interested students to develop new projects and honors theses.
Home Department: Psychology
Research: My research investigates how using digital technology affects memory. The lab studies digital technology's effects on learning, memory for personal events, and how people think about and prefer to use their memory. Currently, we're investigating the effects of using digital devices like smartphone cameras, online tools like Google and ChatGPT, and social media on cognition.
DSP expectations: I am interested in working with undergraduates who are looking to get hands-on experience conducting research in psychology. Research assistants in my lab will be trained to run participants in lab studies. They will also attend lab meetings during which they will gain experience reading and discussing research findings, working with data, and discussing research proposals. I am always open to collaborating with interested students to develop new projects and honors theses.
Skills/Eligibility: Interest in digital technology, memory, and research; willing to attend lab meetings.
Jesse H. Grabman
Email Address: jgrabman@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Psychology
Research: My lab is generally interested in memory and metacognition (i.e., knowing what we know). I enjoy addressing broad questions in these domains, and I'm open to novel project ideas. Some current focuses are: 1) the predictive value of eyewitness confidence in the criminal justice system, 2) better understanding the eyewitness lineup memory procedure, 3) individual differences in metacognitive and memory abilities, such as changes as we age, and 4) developing mathematical models of the decision making and confidence generation process.
DSP expectations: I'm looking for undergraduates who are passionate about asking novel questions in experimental psychology — curiosity is the number one quality I seek in mentees! My approach is to be very hands-on, so you should expect to meet a minimum of once per week. It is recommended that you take a research methods class through the psychology department (as this can significantly speed along project development), though this is not required. By the end of the project, I will expect you to be able to: 1) read and summarize original research articles, 2) design and run an IRB-approved experiment in the lab, 3) do some basic data cleaning and analyses, and 4) write up results consistent with journal reporting guidelines.
Home Department: Psychology
Research: My lab is generally interested in memory and metacognition (i.e., knowing what we know). I enjoy addressing broad questions in these domains, and I'm open to novel project ideas. Some current focuses are: 1) the predictive value of eyewitness confidence in the criminal justice system, 2) better understanding the eyewitness lineup memory procedure, 3) individual differences in metacognitive and memory abilities, such as changes as we age, and 4) developing mathematical models of the decision making and confidence generation process.
DSP expectations: I'm looking for undergraduates who are passionate about asking novel questions in experimental psychology — curiosity is the number one quality I seek in mentees! My approach is to be very hands-on, so you should expect to meet a minimum of once per week. It is recommended that you take a research methods class through the psychology department (as this can significantly speed along project development), though this is not required. By the end of the project, I will expect you to be able to: 1) read and summarize original research articles, 2) design and run an IRB-approved experiment in the lab, 3) do some basic data cleaning and analyses, and 4) write up results consistent with journal reporting guidelines.
Skills/Eligibility: Passion for experimental psychology, curiosity, willingness to learn lab procedures and data analysis.
Communication Disorders
Megan Young
Email Address: mmyoung@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Communication Disorders
Research: I am a speech-language pathologist as well as a researcher. This clinical perspective informs the way that I approach the research process. Within speech-language pathology, my area of interest is stuttering. Through my research, I explore questions relating to stuttering identity and self-disclosure, advocacy, ableism, employment outcomes for adults who stutter, and clinical practice for children and adults who stutter.
DSP expectations: I want to work with students who are curious, enthusiastic, hardworking, and open to new knowledge and experiences. You don’t have to be a Communication Disorders major to benefit from conducting research with me, but being interested in topics such as speech, language, disability, social justice, and stuttering is important in making sure you will get the most out of your research experience.
Home Department: Communication Disorders
Research: I am a speech-language pathologist as well as a researcher. This clinical perspective informs the way that I approach the research process. Within speech-language pathology, my area of interest is stuttering. Through my research, I explore questions relating to stuttering identity and self-disclosure, advocacy, ableism, employment outcomes for adults who stutter, and clinical practice for children and adults who stutter.
DSP expectations: I want to work with students who are curious, enthusiastic, hardworking, and open to new knowledge and experiences. You don’t have to be a Communication Disorders major to benefit from conducting research with me, but being interested in topics such as speech, language, disability, social justice, and stuttering is important in making sure you will get the most out of your research experience.
Skills/Eligibility: Curiosity about speech-language pathology, interest in disability studies, willingness to engage in research.
Communication Studies
Dr. Leah Dajches
Email Address: Lmd13@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Communication Studies
Research: My research examines the effects of popular culture and media on the health and well-being of young people, fans, and marginalized communities. More specifically, much of my work looks at issues related to mental and sexual health, identity processing/acceptance, civic/political engagement, and the general social welfare of these groups.
DSP expectations: Anyone highly interested in popular culture and media is welcome! Expect a minimum of 2-3 hours of work per week (or more if requested), and some basic research skills (e.g., searching library databases, writing annotated bibliographies) are highly preferred, but not required.
Home Department: Communication Studies
Research: My research examines the effects of popular culture and media on the health and well-being of young people, fans, and marginalized communities. More specifically, much of my work looks at issues related to mental and sexual health, identity processing/acceptance, civic/political engagement, and the general social welfare of these groups.
DSP expectations: Anyone highly interested in popular culture and media is welcome! Expect a minimum of 2-3 hours of work per week (or more if requested), and some basic research skills (e.g., searching library databases, writing annotated bibliographies) are highly preferred, but not required.
Skills/Eligibility: Interest in popular culture and media; basic research skills helpful.
Kinesiology
Hillary Yoder
Email Address: hyoder@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Kinesiology
Research: My research interests center around the acute and chronic responses to physical activity in hot environments, with a focus in occupational health. Recently, we have been exploring these topics in females and during the menstrual cycle.
DSP expectations: The undergraduate scholar should be interested in working with human subjects in hot and humid environments and be comfortable analyzing blood and urine samples. Other responsibilities will include general lab duties such as cleaning, paperwork, and adhering to lab policies. Beyond general interest in these topics, we want someone who will be reliable, trustworthy, and committed to the research process.
Home Department: Kinesiology
Research: My research interests center around the acute and chronic responses to physical activity in hot environments, with a focus in occupational health. Recently, we have been exploring these topics in females and during the menstrual cycle.
DSP expectations: The undergraduate scholar should be interested in working with human subjects in hot and humid environments and be comfortable analyzing blood and urine samples. Other responsibilities will include general lab duties such as cleaning, paperwork, and adhering to lab policies. Beyond general interest in these topics, we want someone who will be reliable, trustworthy, and committed to the research process.
Skills/Eligibility: Interest in human physiology, reliability, and willingness to handle lab samples.
School of Teacher Preparation, Administration and Leadership
Rhianna Thomas
Email Address: thomasrk@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Teacher Preparation Administration and Leadership (Curriculum and Instruction)
Research: Dr. Thomas utilizes qualitative, arts-based, and action research methods to support more just and culturally sustaining social studies and child guidance practices in birth through 4th grade settings. She is experienced in collaborative action research methods with teachers, students, and community stakeholders.
DSP expectations: Dr. Thomas is excited to work with undergraduate scholars who have growing expertise in teaching, social work, and public health. She enjoys working with scholars who embrace visual representation of research and alternative forms of academic writing such as poetry, choose your own adventure, and zines.
Home Department: Teacher Preparation Administration and Leadership (Curriculum and Instruction)
Research: Dr. Thomas utilizes qualitative, arts-based, and action research methods to support more just and culturally sustaining social studies and child guidance practices in birth through 4th grade settings. She is experienced in collaborative action research methods with teachers, students, and community stakeholders.
DSP expectations: Dr. Thomas is excited to work with undergraduate scholars who have growing expertise in teaching, social work, and public health. She enjoys working with scholars who embrace visual representation of research and alternative forms of academic writing such as poetry, choose your own adventure, and zines.
Skills/Eligibility: Interest in teaching, social work, public health, openness to alternative academic writing methods.
Melissa Warr
Email Address: warr@nmsu.edu
Home Department: School of Teacher Preparation, Administration and Leadership
Research: I study educational uses of AI, focusing on using AI critically and creatively. My research undercovers bias inherent in AI as well as works with local teachers to address the challenge of critically integrating AI int heir classrooms. I primarily use qualitative research methods, but sometimes use basic statistics to describe bias in AI tools.
DSP expectations: I'm looking for a student who is open minded and a deep thinker. They should be willing to engage in critical discussion that questions common assumptions about teaching, learning, and technology.
Home Department: School of Teacher Preparation, Administration and Leadership
Research: I study educational uses of AI, focusing on using AI critically and creatively. My research undercovers bias inherent in AI as well as works with local teachers to address the challenge of critically integrating AI int heir classrooms. I primarily use qualitative research methods, but sometimes use basic statistics to describe bias in AI tools.
DSP expectations: I'm looking for a student who is open minded and a deep thinker. They should be willing to engage in critical discussion that questions common assumptions about teaching, learning, and technology.
Skills/Eligibility: Open-mindedness, interest in AI in education, critical thinking skills.
Sociology
Julie Steinkopf
Email Address: juliestk@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Sociology
Research: I am a qualitative researcher who is interested in economic and community issues. However, I have published several projects with students in scholarly journals (the students are all in first author position with me as second author) on topics including LGBTQ and religion; veterans issues; and homelessness.
DSP expectations: I am interested in working with students who are passionate about their idea, are intellectually curious, have a disciplined work ethic, and are willing to work in a collaborative manner.
Home Department: Sociology
Research: I am a qualitative researcher who is interested in economic and community issues. However, I have published several projects with students in scholarly journals (the students are all in first author position with me as second author) on topics including LGBTQ and religion; veterans issues; and homelessness.
DSP expectations: I am interested in working with students who are passionate about their idea, are intellectually curious, have a disciplined work ethic, and are willing to work in a collaborative manner.
Skills/Eligibility: Passion, intellectual curiosity, collaborative work ethic.
Art
Megan Metcalf
Email Address: mgm27@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Art
Research: My current research in contemporary art examines authorship and ownership in the art world, covering topics such as computer-generated/AI art, appropriation, social media and crowd-sourced creations, land art and real estate, and immaterial practices including dance and performance art. In addition to these topics, I am researching artists who are coming up with creative ways to protect their creations as well as exert influence on the art market and museums.
DSP expectations: I am excited to work with undergraduates in the humanities and/or creative fields with an interest in these topics and contemporary art in general. Discovery Scholars should plan to take my Spring 2026 seminar Art + Property (ARTH 478) for an orientation to the subject; our work together will enable the student to contribute creatively to the seminar’s examples, develop their own interests within this frame, and expand beyond the standard seminar paper.
Home Department: Art
Research: My current research in contemporary art examines authorship and ownership in the art world, covering topics such as computer-generated/AI art, appropriation, social media and crowd-sourced creations, land art and real estate, and immaterial practices including dance and performance art. In addition to these topics, I am researching artists who are coming up with creative ways to protect their creations as well as exert influence on the art market and museums.
DSP expectations: I am excited to work with undergraduates in the humanities and/or creative fields with an interest in these topics and contemporary art in general. Discovery Scholars should plan to take my Spring 2026 seminar Art + Property (ARTH 478) for an orientation to the subject; our work together will enable the student to contribute creatively to the seminar’s examples, develop their own interests within this frame, and expand beyond the standard seminar paper.
Skills/Eligibility: bibliographic research; artist research; critical thinking; initiative and engaged participation
Political Science, Public Law and Administration
Dr. Neil Harvey
Email Address: nharvey@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Political Science, Public Law and Administration
Research: My main research concerns three aspects of migration from Latin America to the US from the early 1990s to the present: (1) the root causes of migration - why people leave their home communities (including criminal and/or state violence, poverty, climate disasters, political instability); (2) the externalization of border enforcement policies from the US to Mexico and other Latin American countries; (3) the methodological innovations in the field of migration and border studies, including community-based participatory research, testimonios, and the humanization of migration and deportation through digital narratives in different languages.
DSP expectations: DSP Scholars would help conduct literature reviews, interviews with local nonprofit organizations, and creation of multi-lingual digital archives of migrant stories.
Home Department: Political Science, Public Law and Administration
Research: My main research concerns three aspects of migration from Latin America to the US from the early 1990s to the present: (1) the root causes of migration - why people leave their home communities (including criminal and/or state violence, poverty, climate disasters, political instability); (2) the externalization of border enforcement policies from the US to Mexico and other Latin American countries; (3) the methodological innovations in the field of migration and border studies, including community-based participatory research, testimonios, and the humanization of migration and deportation through digital narratives in different languages.
DSP expectations: DSP Scholars would help conduct literature reviews, interviews with local nonprofit organizations, and creation of multi-lingual digital archives of migrant stories.
Skills/Eligibility: motivation to learn about, and apply, qualitative research in the social sciences; language skills besides English (particularly Spanish but also other languages), interest in developing skills for presenting research in professional and publicly accessible online formats; interest in continuing to graduate school in the social sciences, presenting work at academic conferences and on campus (URCAS, The Agora, GRAS, etc.)
Sociology
Bertha A. Bermúdez Tapia
Email Address: berthabt@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Sociology
Research: My research explores the human impact of migration and border enforcement through ethnographic and participatory approaches, with a focus on lived experience, violence, and community resilience at the U.S.–Mexico border.
DSP expectations: I enjoy working with students who are curious, committed, and willing to think creatively about social problems, especially those interested in engaged, community-centered research that moves beyond traditional boxes.
Home Department: Sociology
Research: My research explores the human impact of migration and border enforcement through ethnographic and participatory approaches, with a focus on lived experience, violence, and community resilience at the U.S.–Mexico border.
DSP expectations: I enjoy working with students who are curious, committed, and willing to think creatively about social problems, especially those interested in engaged, community-centered research that moves beyond traditional boxes.
Skills/Eligibility: Creativity; interest in participatory research; qualitative and ethnographic methods; visual ethnography; migration, race, and diversity; open to students from any background or discipline.
Kinesiology
Dr. Katie Agnew
Email Address: hirsch@nmsu.edu
Home Department: Kinesiology
Research: My research explores sport psychology concepts. More specifically, my research investigates leadership and group dynamics on sport teams to better understand how leaders (athletes and coaches) can provide effective leadership and how teams can develop strong cohesion.
DSP expectations: DSP scholars working under my supervision should have an interest in human interaction and social sciences. They will be trained in research methods used in the sport psychology lab, and will also be expected to learn about research methods, leadership literature, and group dynamics literature while working with me. An ideal DSP scholar is thoughtful, reliable, curious, and effective at communicating orally and via email.
Home Department: Kinesiology
Research: My research explores sport psychology concepts. More specifically, my research investigates leadership and group dynamics on sport teams to better understand how leaders (athletes and coaches) can provide effective leadership and how teams can develop strong cohesion.
DSP expectations: DSP scholars working under my supervision should have an interest in human interaction and social sciences. They will be trained in research methods used in the sport psychology lab, and will also be expected to learn about research methods, leadership literature, and group dynamics literature while working with me. An ideal DSP scholar is thoughtful, reliable, curious, and effective at communicating orally and via email.
Skills/Eligibility: Reliable, effective communicator, interest in social sciences.