August 12, 2021

Three New Faculty Join Psychology Department

Brenna Gomer

The Utah State University Psychology Department welcomes three new faculty members to campus as the 2021-22 academic year begins. All three faculty will support different areas within the department and bring unique perspectives as researchers and mentors.

Dr. Brenna Gomer, Quantitative Psychology

Dr. Brenna Gomer will join the department’s Quantitative Psychology specialization as an assistant professor. Gomer holds a PhD in psychology from the University of Notre Dame, where she also completed an MS in applied computational mathematics and statistics. Her areas of expertise include missing data analysis, structural equation modeling, and robust methods.

“I am excited to teach Psych 3010 this fall,” said Gomer. “I am also excited for the chance to collaborate with other faculty members across areas of psychology.”

Maria Kleinstaeuber

Dr. Maria Kleinstaeuber, Combined Clinical/Counseling

Dr. Maria Kleinstaeuber, assistant professor, will join the department’s Combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology specialization. She comes to USU from New Zealand, where she worked for four years as a researcher, lecturer, and clinician in various research and clinical institutions. Kleinstaeuber received her PhD from Johannes Gutenberg-University in Mainz, Germany and completed her postdoctoral service at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Kleinstaeuber’s specialties include the interface between mental and physical health and the development of evidence-based psychological interventions for individuals with somatic symptom disorders.

“I am very excited to be back in Utah,” said Kleinstaeuber. “It is wonderful to be reconnecting with people and places that have special meaning in my life, and to be welcomed by the inspiring and diversity-encouraging faculty and staff of Utah State University and of the Psychology Department.”

 

Jessie Koltz

Dr. Jessie Koltz, Professional School Counseling

Finally, the department welcomes Dr. Jessie Koltz as an assistant professor and director of the Professional School Counseling program. Koltz earned her PhD in counselor education and supervision at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her research interests include supporting at-risk and minority youth education with mental health support, as well as how stigma can be a barrier for at-risk, minority, and student-athlete youth populations.

“I am excited to be an influential part of the USU professional school counseling program, supporting counselors in training towards professional licensure,” said Koltz. “I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders across the state to increase confident and competent counselors in K-12 settings.”

The Psychology department is thrilled to have these faculty join our community. Welcome!