Dr. Michael Mrazek

Michael is an Associate Professor at UT Health Houston. He received his B.A. from Rice University, his Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from UC Santa Barbara, and he is the co-founder of UCSB’s Center for Mindfulness & Human Potential. Michael’s prior research has shown how reading comprehension, working memory, and fluid intelligence are highly influenced by attentional lapses that occur during these assessments, and training sustained attention can improve these cognitive abilities that have historically been considered fixed traits. Michael’s current overarching research interest is to leverage emerging technologies to improve the focus and mental health of adolescents. Partnering with his younger sister, Alissa, he has co-created Finding Focus, an evidence-based digital intervention that has been shared with more than 40,000 high school students.

Dustyn Ransom

Dustyn graduated in May 2024 from UT Austin with a major in Psychology and a minor in Applied Statistical Modeling. In the Applied Psychology Lab, Dustyn utilizes his advanced R skills to assess the efficacy of Finding Focus—both the 10-Day Course and the Focus Coach— in classrooms nationwide. Dustyn hopes to obtain his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is most interested in working with military and first responder populations. When not on campus, Dustyn likes to play soccer, watch new movies, and have a laugh with his friends.

Contact Dustyn at: dustyn.ransom [at] utexas.edu

Calvin Tower

Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow

Calvin graduated from the University of Maryland with a MPS in Clinical Psychological Sciences after earning his B.S. in Biological Sciences and minor in Psychology from Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo. Calvin’s professional journey spans numerous research projects in psychology and neuroscience, as well as clinical trials focused on cancer research. Calvin is deeply committed to promoting mental health through the practice of meditation and mindset training. He’s interested in the synergy between mindfulness, therapeutic intervention, and personal health strategies to foster resilience across diverse populations. Calvin is currently helping with the DOE-funded randomized controlled trial on Finding Focus.

Contact Calvin at: calvin.tower [at] austin.utexas.edu

Angie Trotter

Angie is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Social Work. As a research assistant in the Applied Psychology lab, she supports the many educators bringing Finding Focus into their classrooms. Providing individuals with the tools they need to better their quality of life is a strong motivation behind her studies, and the primary motivator for working on the Finding Focus research project. After completing her undergraduate studies at UT, Angie plans to attend graduate school where she will pursue a license in Clinical Psychology.

Contact Angie at: angietrotter [at] utexas.edu

Elijah Woodson

Elijah is a junior at UT Austin, studying Psychology with a minor in Educational Psychology. As a research assistant in the Applied Psychology Lab, Elijah helps teachers utilize Finding Focus in their classrooms. He enjoys providing people with tools and resources previously unknown or inaccessible, allowing them to improve their well-being and, more specifically, their focus. Elijah is passionate about learning more effective ways to decrease the harmful effects of depression and anxiety experienced by high school students, which drew him to this lab. After completing his undergraduate degree, he would like to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and become a practicing Clinical Psychologist. Outside of the lab, you can find him in the Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium with the Longhorn Marching Band, listening to music, or spending time with friends.

Contact Elijah at: elijah.woodson [at] utexas.edu