Assistant Professor & Director of the BAUER Lab

Dr. Bauer joined the faculty at UCCS in 2025. She earned her Ph.D. in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience from Texas A&M University, where she trained in a multimethod clinical neuroscience lab. Before joining UCCS, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Bauer's research utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) event-related potentials (ERPs) and peripheral psychophysiology (e.g., skin conductance response, startle eyeblink) to examine cognitive and affective mechanisms underlying emotion processing, and to apply this knowledge to internalizing disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD). The goal of this work is to contribute to improved classification and treatment of these disorders, as well as identify pathways towards resilience. In her free time, Dr. Bauer enjoys fiber arts (knitting, sewing, and needlepoint), going on walks with her dog, working on home projects, and spending time with family and friends.

Psychological Science M.A. Student

Mel graduated from Texas State University with her B.A. In Psychology and a minor in English. She worked on post-baccalaureate research at CU Denver before coming to UCCS, where she is pursuing a M.A. in Psychological Sciences with a subplan in cognition. She is interested in cognitive neuroscience and mindfulness research, with the intention of exploring these interests in a PhD program. Mel eventually hopes to work in higher academia as a professor, as she feels at home in the university atmosphere. In her free time, Mel enjoys spending time with her cats and family, doing crafts and puzzles, and reading. 

Psychological Science M.A. Student

Steven is a first-year student in the Psychological Science Master's program. Their research interests include psychopathology, the cognitive processes underlying emotion, PTSD and moral injury in veteran populations, and moral cognition and its relationship to psychopathology. Following graduation, Steven plans to pursue a PhD in Psychology at a program with an emphasis on cognitive neuroscience, with the goal of continuing in research.

Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Student

Bo is an incoming Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, beginning in Fall 2026. Originally from Connecticut, Bo earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Science from the University of Connecticut in 2023. Following graduation, she moved to Northern California, where she spent three years at Stanford University School of Medicine and the VA Palo Alto under the mentorship of Dr. Michelle Madore. Her work used EEG to characterize target-driven biomarkers of response to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Veterans with depression and PTSD. Outside of her brain research duties, Bo enjoys traveling, live music, skiing, and needlepointing! 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Bridget is a senior majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in American Sign Language. She wants to continue in research to earn her PhD and study how neuroplasticity affects language function and recovery after injury. Outside the lab, Bridget enjoys running and being outside in the mountains. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Taylor Chapman first found interest in psychology after multiple deployments in the Army. He noticed behavioral changes in both himself, and his colleagues following various traumatic experiences overseas. This observation motivated his decision to return to school with the intention of better understanding the cognitive mechanisms underlying such symptoms. He is now a psychology major at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. His goal is to develop new research that re-establishes perspectives towards modern addictions—such as screen-based forms of entertainment and pharmaceuticals.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Raquel Curran is a psychology student and research assistant graduating in May 2027 from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Through her academic and research experiences, she has developed a strong interest in understanding human behavior, mental health, and the factors that shape people’s development and well-being. Although she is still exploring her path after graduation, she is open to opportunities that allow her to continue learning, work with people, and make a meaningful impact. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Benny is a junior at UCCS and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology. After graduation, they hope to pursue a Clinical PhD program. Benny is super passionate about the Chancellor’s Leadership Class at UCCS, playing the violin, and always learning more about the brain.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Jessie is an undergraduate student at UCCS pursuing a BA in psychology. While her passion for psychology is at the forefront of her education, she is completing additional prerequisites in hopes of getting into a physician assistant program. Her ultimate goal is to practice medicine as a physician assistant while applying her knowledge of psychology in order to have a well-rounded perspective on wellness. Outside of school, Jessie currently works as a veterinary assistant and enjoys caring for her menagerie of house plants and pets!

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Talon is a junior at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. He is interested in cognitive studies, especially related to how past experiences/trauma influence current behavioral patterns. He is also interested in how increased generativity improves health outcomes in older adults and informs positive decision-making. In his free time, Talon enjoys volunteering at local food banks and cat sanctuaries, hiking, video editing, photography, and spending time with his two cats.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Undergraduate Research Assistant

I'm Makena, a second-year psychology undergraduate at UCCS in the Baur Lab! I've had experience/certifications in the medical and experience working in ABA but I'm new to lab research. My many interests in psychology are in emotion, personality and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. If I'm not working or swamped with schoolwork I'm definitely dancing, playing music, writing, drawing, or attempting to learn a language!

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Annabelle is an undergraduate student at UCCS pursuing a BA in Psychology. She hopes to get into a PhD program after graduating and ultimately become a clinical neuropsychologist. In her free time, she likes to spend time outside and explore the city, watch movies, and spend time with friends and family!

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Katie Sartin is on her way to get her psychology degree from the University of Colorado Colorado  Springs. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PHD in clinical psychology. Outside of being a research assistant, she likes to draw and walk.