CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS:
Jaylan Aliev, HBS
Jaylan was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. In 2024 she received an M.S. in Experimental Psychology with a concentration in Law from the University of Wyoming. She is a third-year graduate student in the Psychology and Law PhD program. In 2024 she received a fellowship from the NSF GRFP. Her research interests include jury decision making in relation to discrimination/prejudice towards child victims of sex crimes, and disparities in the U.S. juvenile legal system. In her free time, she enjoys reading and crafting.
Olivia Grella, MA
Olivia grew up in Watertown, CT and received her BS in Psychology from Eastern CT State University. After completing her undergraduate degree, she received her MA in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Assumption University. She is currently a graduate student in the Psychology and Law PhD program. Her research interests broadly focus on factor that influence jury decision making in sex crimes. Specifically, she focuses on defendant characteristics, rape myths, victim blame, and language use. In her spare time Olivia enjoys running, true crime podcasts, listening to Bruce Springsteen, and spending time with her partner, Thomas, and dog, Toulouse.
CURRENT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS:
Dylan Chatterley - Lab Manager
Dylan grew up in Rock Springs, Wyoming and is currently working on graduating with his BS in psychology with a minor in honors. After graduation Dylan plans to pursue a PhD, but doesn't quite know what he'd like to focus in. Dylan's interests include hiking, camping, thrifting, and hanging out with friends.
Harrison Blakely - Assistant Lab Manager
My name is Harrison Blakely, and I am undergraduate student in the Psychology Department at UW. My hobbies include reading, cooking, running, drawing, playing the guitar, and watching films. In the Social Cognition and Law lab, I am involved in multiple projects that aim to study the influences of jury deliberations. Most of my training involves researching the components of reasoned verdicts, data cleaning, and assisting my fellow research assistants. After obtaining my bachelor's in psychology, I plan to attend graduate school for counseling and become a licensed therapist.
Melissa Galles - Research Assistant
Hi, my name is Melissa Galles. I grew up in Casper, Wyoming and I am a senior at the University of Wyoming. I am studying psychology, and I will graduate next fall. I want to go to grad school for counseling psychology after I graduate and want to become either a therapist or school counselor. In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends and family, traveling, watching TV shows and movies, baking, and going to concerts.
Aurora Hanson - Research Assistant
Aurora Hanson was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. She will graduate in May 2026 with a B.S. in Psychology with minors in Neuroscience, Literary Studies, and Honors. She plans to go on to pursue graduate school, getting her graduate degrees in psychology as well. She is also a piccolo player in the Western Thunder Marching Band. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cozy games, crafting, and more.
Gavin Derosas - Research Assistant
Originally from Texas, Gavin has lived in several parts of Wyoming over the past decade. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in psychology from Western Wyoming Community College in 2023 before transferring to the University of Wyoming, where he is pursuing a B.S. in psychology with minors in sociology and philosophy. After completing his undergraduate degree, he plans to pursue an experimental psychology program and is interested in research in the realms of social psychology, personality psychology, political psychology, and psychology and law. In the Social Cognition and Law Lab, Gavin has taken interest in the ways individual differences in ideology, beliefs, and attitudes shape perceptions of stigmatized individuals in legal settings. During his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, whether through backpacking, gardening, traveling, or hanging out with his two cats.
