Research Team

Meet Dr. Kelsey Autin's graduate research team!

Megan Herdt (she/her/hers)

I entered the counseling psychology doctoral program at UWM in the fall of 2019 after graduating from Elon University in May 2019 with my bachelor's degree in psychology. My research, based primarily in the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT), lies at the intersection of counseling psychology and vocational psychology. Specifically, I study how intersecting forces of privilege, power, and oppression impact workers’ vocational trajectories and access to decent, dignified work. I successfully proposed my three-article dissertation in January 2023, and my three studies examine ways in which workers use their internal and external strengths and resources to navigate organizational and structural obstacles in the world of work. I also love teaching counseling and vocational courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. Outside of the program, I love spending time outside (kayaking, hiking, learning new winter sports), reading (especially feminist and queer theory), exploring the local brewery scene, and going to concerts.

Roberto Garcia (he/his/him)

Gabriel Ezema (he/his/him)

My name is Gabriel Ezema, a third year doctoral student in counseling psychology, at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. I obtained a dual master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling/Theology and Ministry from Boston College. I was ordained a Catholic priest in Nigeria before I moved to the USA for my graduate studies and have provided pastoral care to diverse population in Nigeria and the USA.

My research interest revolves around college students’ mental health and career development, peer mentoring, and how the family, individual identity, and social contexts affect youth and young adults’ psychosocial and career development and access to decent jobs. I like spending my free time with friends and family, regular exercises, and meditation.

Publications

Ma, Y., Autin, K. L., & Ezema, G. N. (2022). Validation of the Chinese Decent Work Scale. Journal of Career Development, 08948453221080980.
Blustein, D. L., Erby, W., Meerkins, T., Soldz, I., & Ezema, G. N. (2022). A critical exploration of assumptions underlying STEM career development. Journal of Career Development, 49(2), 471-487.
Autin, K. L., Herdt, M. E., Garcia, R. G., & Ezema, G. N. (2021). Basic psychological need satisfaction, autonomous motivation, and meaningful work: A self-determination theory perspective. Journal of Career Assessment, 10690727211018647.
Ezema, G. N. (2013). Revealed secrets about boys & girls: A handbook for youth, parents and youth counselors. New Look Publishers.

Lina Zhu (she/her/hers)

I entered the Counseling Psychology Program at UW-Milwaukee in the Fall of 2021. I have undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication and Technologies and decided to switch my career to counseling psychology. My broad research interest is the intersection of clinical and vocational psychology. I am particularly interested in examining the experience of the chronic pain population and their vocational and mental health issues: the impact of work conditions and environment on work-related injuries and chronic pain, access to decent work and work volition, and how chronic pain affects their work experience and mental health. Outside of graduate school, I enjoy traveling and outdoor activities such as hiking, running, camping, playing beach volleyball, and spending time with friends and family.

Mukadas Abdullah (she/her/hers)

Mukadas Abdullah is a second-year doctoral student in Counseling Psychology PhD program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she serves as a advisee to Dr. Kelsey Autin. Her research interests include first-generation college students, BIPOC students, college students of Middle Eastern descent in the US and how to promote access to mental health treatment for these groups, in addition to understanding their experiences with mental health services and in the higher education setting. She graduated with her bachelor's in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Spring of 2021, where she was a McNair Scholar.