Idil Ugurluoglu (she/her/Idil), MS
email: idil.ugurluoglu@bsu.edu
Idil is a fourth-year international doctoral student from Turkey in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Ball State University. She is in her third year of the program and enjoys the science and practice parts of what she is doing! Idil investigated the life experiences of trans women sex workers in Turkey using an ecological model in a qualitative study format. She wrote her master’s thesis “The effect of mental representation of romantic partner on affect regulation in bisexual women’s romantic relationships with men and women+: The role of partner gender identity” using experimental study design. Her clinical and research interests are primarily focused on the mental health of trans/nonbinary and bisexual individuals.
In her free time, Idil edits and mixes reggae, dancehall, and afrobeat music and used to perform as a DJ in Turkey. Her favorite TV shows of the moment are Sex Education and Insecure.
Ash Moomaw (they/them), MA
Ash is a third-year doctoral student from Western North Carolina in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Ball State University. In the past, Ash has done research concerning the LGBTQ+ community, particularly as it relates to trans and nonbinary experiences with psychological services. Ash particularly has focused on minority stress and how it can be addressed in a therapy setting for trans and nonbinary individuals. They are in the second year of the program and are looking forward to continuing research in this area as well as continuing to grow their skills in working with queer and multicultural clients.
In their free time, Ash enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and spoiling their cat, Clio.
Jessi Schroeder (she/her), MA
email: jbeaver@bsu.edu
Jessi is a third-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Ball State University and a Ball State “lifer,” having already received both her bachelor’s and master’s from the university. Her research centers around sexuality, with a specific focus on bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism (BDSM) as it relates to sexual health. She aspires to eventually work in academia, where she will be able to continue her research and promote sexual health education.
In her free time, Jessi enjoys knitting and nearly anything that has to do with the outdoors (especially knitting outdoors).
Alex Whitman (she/her), MA
email: awhitman@bsu.edu
Alex is a scholar-activist, sexuality educator, and second-year doctoral student in the Ph.D. program at Ball State University. With a background in TV development, she shifted to the mental health field where she provided research support for a sexual psychophysiology lab, contributing towards research in sexual functioning and sexual violence labels. She then developed programming and curriculums in sexuality education, sex therapy, and ethical non-monogamy for an organization training mental health professionals in sexuality topics. She has a passion for provocative and honest dialogue about sexuality and culturally responsive counseling. Her current research interests include but are not limited to, the intersections of culture and sexuality, destigmatizing individuals on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, neurodivergence, audio erotica, and identity development.
If you’re interested in her sexuality educator work, check her out on Zillennial Therapy!
In her free time, Alex enjoys her evolving puzzle addiction, reading queer graphic novels, and taking road trips to unknown places.
*Alex also loves talking to prospective students! Do not hesitate to reach out if you are applying to Ball State’s CMHC master’s program and/or Counseling Psychology doctoral program. 🙂
Nawar Albarak (she/her), MSEd, MA
email: nawar.albarak@bsu.edu
Nawar is a second-year doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Ball State University, originally from Kuwait. She holds a BS in Psychology from Northeastern University, an MSEd in Human Development from The University of Pennsylvania, and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Nawar’s research focuses on sexual health, gender-based violence prevention, sexual violence, trauma-informed practices, post traumatic growth, resilience, and intersectional feminism. Passionate about community safety, she is committed to providing culturally responsive interventions in both counseling and community-based programs. Nawar has participated in research projects in Kuwait and the US and has served as a project manager for a non-profit combating gender-based violence. She is also the co-founder of ‘Eithar,’ a non-profit advocating for women’s rights in Kuwait. Her work is driven by the belief that culturally informed, trauma-sensitive approaches can foster resilience and promote healing in individuals and communities alike.
Alysse Wiggins (she/her), MA
email: alysse.wiggins@bsu.edu
Alysse is a first-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Ball State University.
Matt Kasopsky (he/him), MA, NCC
email: matt.kasopsky@bsu.edu
Matt is a first-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Ball State University. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at West Virginia University. Drawing from his experiences in public service and direct advocacy, Matt believes that psychologists have the potential to serve as powerful advocates and agents of change. Matt’s research interests primarily consist of examining group attitudes and behaviors, including mental health disparities, among sexual and gender minority communities.
In his free time, Matt enjoys hiking, camping, spending time with friends, and weekend road trips to new places.