Psychology Department Welcomes Three New Faculty
The Utah State University Department of Psychology is welcoming three new faculty members to campus as the 2020-2021 academic year begins. Each new faculty member brings a different viewpoint and a fresh perspective on education and psychology.
Two of the new faculty members come to the Psychology Department’s Combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology program. Dr. Tyler Lefevor, an assistant professor, holds a PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Miami, completed a yearlong postdoc at Stanford University, and most recently taught at Rhodes College. Lefevor teaches graduate courses in the Combined Program as well as courses in the undergraduate program. His research examines how religiousness relates to health among sexual and gender minorities.
“I am excited to start an LGBTQ practicum through the Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence to train students in the specific concerns and developmental pathways of sexual and gender minorities,” said Lefevor.
Dr. Sara Boghosian, a clinical assistant professor, has been teaching with the Psychology Department as an instructor since 2015. She transitioned to her new role in the Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence (SCCE) in August. Boghosian received a PhD from Utah State in 2011 and completed a predoctoral internship at Primary Children’s Hospital. She will be responsible for supervising doctoral student therapists in the Combined Clinical/Counseling Program as well as engaging in direct service with the community. Her clinical interests include multicultural psychology, the treatment of eating disorders and anxiety, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
The Department is also pleased to welcome Daniel Piper, a professional practice assistant instructor and faculty advocate in the Mentoring & Encouraging Student Academic Success (MESAS) program. Through MESAS, Piper supports Indigenous students in their educational trajectories. He will receive his PhD in Language, Culture, and Curriculum from the University of Utah in the fall of 2020. His research focuses on school-based Native American language revitalization, Native American education policy, and the impact of Indigenous language- and culture-based education on students and families.
“I am excited to meet faculty, staff, and students at USU and in the Psychology Department,” said Piper. “I am also excited to work creatively and collectively to better understand how to support students through creating digital learning communities during our current context of the global pandemic.”
Welcome to our department!