MIRECC / CoE

Meet the New SC MIRECC Fellows

Kent D. Hinkson Jr., PhD

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas.

Educational and Military Background: I received my PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Utah and completed a predoctoral internship with the Charleston Consortium (jointly the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC and the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC).

I served in the United States Marine Corps as non-commissioned officer in military intelligence and Special Forces until I was injured and subsequently medically retired. Special thanks to VA Vocational Rehabilitation for funding and supporting my undergraduate and graduate journey!

Research Interests: Suicide prediction and intervention, PTSD intervention and mechanisms (including non-therapeutic interventions like service dogs and equine-assisted fun).

Mentors: Drs. Jeff Pyne and Rick Owen.

Hobbies: Backpacking, hiking, college-level indoor volleyball, and board games. I’m really willing to do almost anything if it involves spending time with people or being in nature!

Other Work: I provide suicide intervention training and workshops (e.g., Crisis Response Planning, Means Safety Counseling, etc.) across the country, and would love to collaborate as your “suicide guy” on your research papers and studies. Hit me up!

Rachele Lipsky, PhD, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Location: Houston, Texas.

Educational Background: I received my PhD in nursing from University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Research Interests: Gene-environment (GxE) interactions, pharmacogenomics, precision medicine, and trauma.

Mentors: My mentorship team includes Dr. Drew Helmer and Dr. Nathan Kimbrel (Durham VA).

Alan Sheinfil, PhD

Location: Houston, Texas.

Educational Background: I received my PhD in clinical psychology from Syracuse University and completed a predoctoral internship at UTHealth Science Center – Houston.

Research Interests: My research is focused on the intersection of substance use and HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) health behaviors in high-risk populations. The ultimate goal of this work aims to develop theoretically-grounded prevention interventions that address substance use and promote adaptive HIV-related health behaviors.

Mentors: My mentorship team includes Drs. Anthony Ecker and Thomas Giordano.

Last updated: November 10, 2022