Meet the Team

Past Members

Many students have helped make the ACCESS lab a success! Below are students that have previously participated in the lab, for which we are grateful!

Gabriella Sanabria

Gabriella Sanabria earned her MEd in Community Development, with a certificate in Global Health at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Although originally a Florida native, Gabby has spent the last several years living in New York City working at Columbia University Irving Medical Center as a Research Coordinator specializing in mHealth interventions. Gabby recently moved back to Florida in the Fall of 2020 to begin her PhD at the University of South Florida, College of Public Health.

Her research interests include using eHealth technology for health interventions surrounding mental health and access to care. She is particularly interested in using eHealth to help provide equitable access to health services for Spanish-speaking community members. When not in lab or class, Gabby enjoys taking her English Mastiff, Niko, out on walks in the neighborhood and spending time with family.

JULIA HORNUNG

Julia Hornung is majoring in psychology at the University of South Florida. During her academic journey, Julia managed to earn her associates in arts degree while simultaneously attending high school. Throughout her time in high school, she presented presentations at research conferences regarding personality disorders and additional topics involving motives and behaviors. Julia’s passion for mental health has originated throughout her own personal experiences and wishes to apply her knowledge and personal experience into the field of clinical psychology. Julia gradually gained experience in the mental health field during her first years attending USF. Throughout her time attending USF she earned her certification as a behavioral technician, and she is eager to continuing aiding the community while earning her education.

Once Julia graduates with her bachelor’s degree, she aims to attend the clinical program at the University of South Florida and will continue to participate in research during her academic and professional journey.

KIERRA CYDRUS

Kierra is an undergraduate student at USF working toward her Bachelor's in Social Work.  The mental health field has been a growing interest for her as she progresses through her academic career. While still new to research, she was helping with the ACCESS Lab and learning along the way.

Kierra hopes to one day become a mental health therapist. She plans to pursue her Master's in Social Work so she can further involve herself in the field of mental health and follow her passion. Her outside interests include creative and mindful activities such as painting and puzzles.

KHUSBU PATEL

Khusbu is an undergraduate student at USF. She is majoring in Biomedical Science and minoring in Psychology. She has always been a very huge advocate of mental health and became more passionate about this field after taking Psychology classes. 

After obtaining her Bachelor's, Khusbu wants to apply to Medical schools and aspires to become a Physician one day. In her free time she loves to hang out with family and friends, travel to new places, photography, and eat new foods!

SHELTON GILYARD

Shelton is a Ph.D. student in the Social Work program, and earned his BSW/MSW from the University of South Florida. His professional experiences include work as a funding Contract Manager for a local funder, an Autism Consultant at CARD-USF, and a Case Manager in USF Pediatrics. Shelton’s passion for social work started in during undergraduate studies, when he volunteered in the rehabilitation hospital which had provided comprehensive care and support for his grandmother. He is a former Olympic level athlete, competing at the 2004 Olympic Team Trials and broke multiple American records in the sport of Olympic Weighting.

Shelton’s research interest is in the area of community health outcomes and equitable access to mental health services for individuals with special needs. He has particular interests in the intersectionality of mental health and obesity among children impacted by autism spectrum disorder. When he’s not in classes, Shelton enjoys working out, mentoring and coaching youth athletic

TANNER BAEDER

Tanner is a USF MSW graduate. He received his bachelor’s degree in Social Work as well (BSW) and has experience serving individuals living with HIV by providing case management, advocacy, education and outreach. Tanner worked with the ACCESS Lab on a variety of projects, kickstarting his interest in Behavioral Research. Tanner is pursuing clinical licensure followed by a PhD in the mental health field. He hopes to utilize his experience in clinical work to inspire further research and assist in the development of the mental health field.

Tanner’s work with the ACCESS lab was on the accessibility and feasibility of chatbots as mental health resource navigators. Through focus groups, interviews and pilot testing, the projects investigated the impact that a chatbot has on first responders who are in direct contact with COVID-19. Led by Principal Investigators, Jerome Galea and Kristin Kosyluk, Tanner and the research team hope to address the stigma that first responders face in regard to their mental health and connect them to the appropriate resources based on the severity of their distress.

RITA AMES

Rita is a psychologist and graduate of the San Agustin National University in Peru and holds a Master's Degree in Occupational Health and Safety from Monash University in Australia.
She is currently teaching at the undergraduate level in Peru. Her research is oriented to the promotion of mental health and awareness of social determinants. She does volunteer work with vulnerable groups, mostly women in Peru. She plans to pursue a PhD in mental health and wellness in the near future.

daniel Dieva

Dan is a veteran that has served in the United States Marine Corps and has deployed in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). After 8 years, earning the rank of Sergeant, Dan was honorably discharged and transitioned back to civilian life. He was a truck driver for 3 years before realizing his true purpose is being of service to others. Dan then quit his job, enrolled in school full-time and became an active member within the veteran community. He started the Stockton (CA) chapter of Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB), which is a nationally known Veteran Service Organization. Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. Dan was able to grow the Stockton chapter to over 200 members within 2 years, and has been professional recognized by the city’s Mayor and local officials. Dan has been a volunteer mentor for Veterans Treatment Court and was s founding member of the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County.

Dan moved to Tampa with his son in 2019 and earned his BSW at USF in May 2021. He has been involved with the ACCESS lab since January 2021 and worked on several projects. He is currently enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC) and pursuing his MSW with a concentration on Military Social Work. Dan’s professional goals include obtaining licensure as an LCSW and earning a PhD with specific interests in Adverse Childhood Experiences, childhood trauma, resiliency, and the developing concept around Positive Social Work.