University of Tennessee Department of Psychology & Neuroscience

Sixteen Students Earn Gilman Scholarships for International Study and Internships Sixteen UT students have received Gilman Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State to support their studies or internships abroad.

"Professor Emeritus Gordon Burghardt is part of an international team of researchers that has identified the strongest predictor of why some primate species do not engage in social play past their juvenile years."

We are 🧡

Social Play by Adult Primates Is Linked to Social Style - College of Arts and Sciences UT Professor Emeritus Gordon Burghardt is part of an international team of researchers that has identified the strongest predictor of why only some primate species continue to engage in social play past their juvenile years. Although about half of primate species play as adults with other adults, a....

Congratulations, Marion! We are 🧡

Congratulations to Marlon Tully, one of our 2026 Torchbearers! 🍊

This award is UT’s highest undergraduate student honor. Graduating with a B.A. in psychology on a pre-law track and a minor in human development and family sciences, he shines with leadership, service, and the Volunteer Spirit.

He has held leadership roles in the VolCorps program, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Future Minority Leaders of Justice, and countless other organizations during his undergraduate years.


University of Tennessee Department of Psychology & Neuroscience

🎓 Congratulations, Rutvi Patel!

The Department of Psychology & Neuroscience is excited to celebrate Rutvi, who is graduating this spring 2026 with a major in Psychology, a Pre-Law concentration, and minors in Business Administration and Public Health.

During her time at UTK, Rutvi served as a research assistant and youth mentor. She also earned an honors cord and a service medallion after completing more than 225 hours of community service.

One of Rutvi’s favorite UTK Psychology memories is working in the PAVEs Lab, where she had the opportunity to mentor a 4th grader.

Rutvi also gained research experience in the PAVEs Lab and the Infant Visual Cognition Lab.

Her advice to her younger self is a wonderful reminder for all students: when opportunities are available, do not wait. Go for it. You never know where it may lead.

After graduation, Rutvi will attend law school.

Congratulations, Rutvi! We are for you and can’t wait to see how your passion for psychology, service, public health, and law shapes what comes next. 🧡

🎓 Congratulations, Victoria Hayes!

The Department of Psychology & Neuroscience is excited to celebrate Victoria, who is graduating this spring 2026 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology with a Criminology focus.

During her time at UTK, Victoria completed every semester on the Dean’s List and was nominated for the Torchbearer Award.

Victoria shared several favorite UTK Psychology memories, including her first college class, Research Methods with Dr. John Connell. She said that Dr. Connell helped make college feel less scary during her freshman year. She also loved Abnormal Psychology with Dr. Whitley and shared an appreciation for Dr. Olsen, noting how much he cares about students and their understanding of the material.

Her advice to her younger self is a practical reminder for students to think intentionally about their career plans and future goals.

After graduation, Victoria is considering a master’s degree and hopes to build a career in Human Resources or Education.

Congratulations, Victoria! We are for you and can’t wait to see where your hard work, curiosity, and commitment take you next. 🧡

🎓 Congratulations, Chantel Maravilla!

The Department of Psychology & Neuroscience is excited to celebrate Chantel, who is graduating this spring 2026 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Child and Family Studies.

During her time at UTK, Chantel served as a Leadership Knoxville Scholar.

One of Chantel’s favorite UTK Psychology memories is taking Trenton Johanis’s psychology class, which reminded her of how much she loves learning and her major.

Chantel also gained research experience in Jessica Hay’s Infant Language and Perception Lab and Kirsten Gonzalez’s ReSIst Lab.

Her advice to her younger self draws from Alice in Wonderland: “I thought I knew myself this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.” For Chantel, that quote captures the beauty of growth, one small step at a time.

After graduation, Chantel will attend Johns Hopkins for a clinical and mental health counseling program.

Congratulations, Chantel! We are for you and can’t wait to see how your love of learning, growth, and service shapes what comes next. 🧡

🎓 Congratulations, Emily Hamrick!

The Department of Psychology & Neuroscience is excited to celebrate Emily, who is graduating this spring 2026 with a major in Psychology.

During her time at UTK, Emily led a women’s ministry with Delight UTK, building community and helping support others through meaningful connections.

One of Emily’s favorite UTK Psychology memories is taking classes with Katherine Rowinski. Those courses clearly made a lasting impact on her learning and her UTK experience.

Her advice to her younger self is a thoughtful reminder to trust the process and not feel intimidated by not having everything figured out right away. Emily shares that growth at UTK comes from showing up, trying things outside your comfort zone, learning from both successes and setbacks, and recognizing that effort and connection matter just as much as grades or outcomes.

After graduation, Emily hopes to pursue a career in higher education as an academic advisor.

Congratulations, Emily! We are for you and can’t wait to see the difference you make as you support students in finding confidence, direction, and belonging. 🧡

🎓 Congratulations, Samantha Sigler!

The Department of Psychology & Neuroscience is excited to celebrate Samantha, who is graduating this spring 2026 with a major in Psychology, a second major in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and a minor in Business Administration.

During her time at UTK, Samantha served as Best Buddies Chapter President, helped her chapter earn Best Buddies Overall Outstanding Chapter of the Year and Best Buddies Tennessee Colleges Chapter of the Year, served as a First Year Experience Team Lead, completed more than 380 service hours as a FUTURE Program Lead Mentor, and joined Psi Chi Honor Society.

One of Samantha’s favorite UTK Psychology memories is from her freshman year in Brain Science Applications, when instructor Jeff Kelly brought in a human brain for students to hold.

Her advice to her younger self is a powerful reminder for all students: it is okay not to know. You do not need a perfect plan right away. Enjoy college, focus on being present, and trust that many people are figuring things out as they go.

After graduation, Samantha will work full-time as an Employment Consultant for Best Buddies Tennessee in Nashville.

Congratulations, Samantha! We are for you and can’t wait to see the difference you make through psychology, service, inclusion, and community leadership. 🧡