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MENTAL STATE PROCESSING &
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY LAB
Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech
Chloe C. Hudson, PhD
Principal investigator
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Dr. Chloe Hudson (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Science area of the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She received her PhD in Psychology at Queen's University, and completed both her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Her research focuses on identifying the structure, functional outcomes, and malleability of mental state processing (also referred to as theory of mind or mentalization). Dr. Hudson's research has been supported by the Canadian Institute for Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Rory McKemey, B.S.
Graduate Student
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Rory is a graduate student in the Clinical Science concentration at Virginia Tech Department of Psychology. He received his Bachelor of Science from UCLA in psychobiology. He is interested in the intersection of cognitive and clinical psychology, specifically the role that individual variation in certain cognitive traits/abilities plays in mental illness.
Jess Kilmer, B.S.
Graduate Student
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Jessica (Jess) Kilmer (she/her/hers) is a first-year graduate student in the Clinical Science program at Virginia Tech. She received her Bachelor of Science from James Madison University in psychology. For 2 years, she studied social memory in rodent models at the UVA Center for Brain Immunology & Glia and worked clinically with adults with serious mental illness. She is interested in social memory and cognition in presentations of psychopathology. In her spare time she enjoys drawing, volunteering, and spending time with her fiancé & 2 cats.
Lydia Dorr, B.A.
Lab Manager
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Lydia (she/her) graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a B.A. in psychology and cognitive science. She is interested in studying social cognition in individuals with serious mental illness. Lydia plans to pursue a PhD in psychology. In her free time, Lydia likes to hike, listen to podcasts, and cross stitch.
Hannah Young
Research Assistant
Hannah Young is an undergraduate student who is in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is a senior studying Biochemistry. Hannah is a pre-med student who has hopes of practicing psychiatry and has a special interest in mental health and the stigma surrounding it. In her free time, she is often seen on the field with the Marching Virginians where she is a member of the VTubas and participates as a Rank Captain.
Breanna Brooks
Research Assistant
Breanna Brooks is a junior studying Psychology and Criminology. She is interested in the research and practice of clinical psychology and hopes to further pursue clinical research and a career in clinical practice by obtaining a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. In the free time she loves to read all kinds of books, listen to music and hang out with her loved ones and dog. Outside of the lab you can find her with fellow members of Mu Epsilon Delta, at the gym, or relaxing and watching cartoons.
Zoe Webster
Research Assistant
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Zoe earned her B.S. in psychology from Bridgewater College. She is especially interested in clinical psychology and enjoys researching mental health and well-being in young adults. Zoe hopes to pursue a PhD in psychology to keep exploring these topics. Outside of her studies, she likes hiking, making pottery, and finding new coffee shops.
Sarah Yaregal
Research Assistant
Sarah Yaregal is an undergraduate research assistant in the lab interested in becoming a clinical psychologist with a focus in adolescents. She aspires to obtain her PhD in Clinical Psychology to help expand the scope of treatments and acessible care for young kids in underserved communities. In her spare time, Sarah likes to watch re-runs, listen to music, and travel.
Zoe Gainer
Research Assistant
Zoe Gainer is a rising junior studying Psychology and Political Science (with a focus in national security). She is interested in the relationship between moving multiple times during childhood and its influence on psychological disorders. Ultimately, she hopes to continue her education by obtaining a PhD in clinical psychology. In her free time, Zoe enjoys going to concerts, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Cam Porter
Research Assistant
Camille (Cam) Porter is an undergraduate research assistant in the lab who is studying Biochemistry. Cam is currently in the process of applying to graduate school to study microbiology in the hopes of becoming a professor and hopes to destigmatize mental health so that she can one day be a resource to her students. In her free time, she can be seen shopping for rubber ducks to put in her car, or collecting superhero action figures.
Nora Refai
Research Assistant
Nora Refai is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Clinical Neuroscience with a minor in adaptive brain and behavior. She is an undergraduate research assistant and is planning to apply to medical school as she is interested in the field of psychiatry and psychological disorders. Outside of the lab, you can find her reading, snowboarding, tutoring, and traveling!
Emily Stephens
Research Assistant
Emily Stephens (she/her) is a junior studying Psychology. She hopes to go to graduate school for clinical psychology and eventually receive her PhD. Her career goal is to become a psychologist who helps children dealing with mental health issues. In her spare time, Emily likes to read and hike.
Dylan Lyons
Research Assistant
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Dylan is a Virginia Tech graduate that majored in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. He is passionate about applying neuroscience to psychological research, with particular interests in psychopathology, memory and learning, and addiction. He plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology to further explore these areas. In his free time, Dylan enjoys listening to music, antique shopping, and wood/metalworking.
ALUMNI
Emma Rosman
Leandra Gillie
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