
The AMPP Lab presenting at the 2018 APA Convention in San Francisco, CA.
Dr. Brian Cole
Hello! I am Dr. Brian Cole and I am the founder of the AMPP Lab. I joined the KU Counseling Psychology Faculty in 2015. I earned degrees from the University of Kansas (B.G.S., 2006; M.S., 2008) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Ph.D., 2013). I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Counseling Center where I received specialized training in multicultural issues in psychological assessment. I am an active member of the Society of Counseling Psychology (APA Division 17), where I serve as the Past Chair and Webmaster for the Section on Positive Psychology. I am also the Membership Committee Co-Chair for the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity (APA Division 51). When I am not conducting research or teaching, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our two small humans, cooking, watching KU basketball and Royals games, and a side of occasional geekdom.
Alyssa Dye
Sam Swisher
Lauren Zaeske
Hi, I’m Lauren Zaeske. I’m a fourth year Counseling Psychology PhD student at KU. Originally from Illinois, I received my B.A. in Spanish/Honors Humanities/ Pre-OT from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN. My research and clinical interests pertain to positive psychology and religious/spiritual trauma and abuse, predominantly out of intersectional feminist and person-centered lenses. I look forward to learning more about research in masculinities. I am currently a member of APA’s Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology), but I’m hoping to become a member of other divisions as well. I enjoy running, coffee, and spending time with friends and my cat.
Itzik Harosh
Hi! I’m Itzik and I am in my third year in the Counseling Psychology PhD program here at the University of Kansas. I received an M.S. degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in DBT from California Lutheran University. My research background focuses on depression, CMNI, and help-seeking barriers/ behaviors. In this program I developed so much clinically and I typically run my therapy through a ACT protocol with a sprinkle of Strengths-based approach and Feminist theory. While I enjoy research, I do have a life outside of psychology. I am a California native who enjoys watching sports (Rock Chalk!), eating copious amounts of food, and spending time with my miniature dachshund-Augustine aka demon Dog.”
Hannah Adams
Hello! My name is Hannah Adams, and I am a second year student in the Counseling Psychology PhD program at KU. I completed my B.S. in Human Development at Kansas State University, then traded in my purple for crimson and blue to complete my M.S. in Counseling Psych here at KU. My research interests revolve primarily around self-compassion, including but not limited to the influences of gender norms and men’s adherence to masculine norms, specifically. In my free time, I enjoy running, yoga, and reading. Mostly, though, any free time I get is spent with my sweet Catahoula Leopard dog, Blue.
Elisabeth England
Hi there! My name is Elisabeth England, and I am a second-year doctoral student in KU’s Counseling Psychology program. I am originally from Iowa where I received my B.A. in Psychology at Cornell College. My research interests include eating disorders with emphasis on men’s disordered eating and its effects on masculinity. I am also interested in the idea of using positive psychology in eating disorder treatment modalities. Outside of research and academics, I enjoy playing and watching soccer, spending time with friends and family (ideally boating on a lake) and traveling. Fun fact: I grew up on a miniature cow farm, so I was surrounded by half-sized cows most of my life.
Jared Ohm
Hey! My name is Jared Ohm. I am a second year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology PhD program here at KU. I completed my undergraduate degree at Northwest Missouri State University (#GoBearcats) in biology and my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Emporia State University (#Stingersup). I am a Kansas native and excited to finally being part of the Jayhawk Nation! My research interests revolve around masculinity, but more specifically with men’s friendships with one another. My experience working in an a correctional setting has solidified my research interests and desire to better understand men’s capacity for connection. Outside of academic pursuits, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, doing Zumba in my garage, and spending time with my wife and daughter.
Sarah Bugg
Hi! My name is Sarah Bugg. I am a first year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology PhD program at the University of Kansas. I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Oklahoma. Then, I completed my master’s degree in counseling at Oklahoma City University. My research interests include mental health stigma and help seeking behaviors. I have interest in how masculinity and gender norms affect these factors. I my free time I enjoy hiking, listening to podcasts and trying out new restaurants.
Olivia Jones
Hi! My name is Olivia Jones, and I am a first-year student in the Counseling Psychology PhD program at KU. I also attended KU for my undergraduate career where I received a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Applied Behavioral Science with a focus area in Community Health and Development. My research interests are focused on using the principles of positive psychology to create a more inclusive and accessible therapy culture for multicultural individuals and communities. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, rewatching my favorite Netflix series, and creating new Spotify playlists for any and all occasions!
AMPP Alumni
- Tristan Patterson, PhD- Xavier University Clinical Psychology Program
- Matt Kane, PhD- Private Practice
- Sara Fiene, PhD- Kansas City VA Medical Center
- Kelsey Moffitt-Carney, PhD, Private Practice
- Amanda Lappin, PhD- Kansas City University Counseling Services
- Michael Baglieri, PhD- Private Practice
- Maggie Brennan, PhD- DePaul University Counseling and Psychological Services
- Scott Ploharz, PhD- Topeka VA
- Aishah Parham, PhD- CMA Global
- Troy Fox, PhD- Topeka VA