I’m Jocelyn Mueller

Hi!

A Little About Me

I am a first-year PhD student at the University of South Florida. Using a variety of research methods (e.g., experimental, observational, and ecological momentary assessment), to examine how factors such as hormonal birth control, dyadic conflict, and substance use influence romantic relationship quality and dynamics.

Previously, I was a research assistant on other NIH-funded studies. See my current and past projects below!

Current Projects

FLorida Intimate Relationships Research Team (FLIRRT)

PhD Student, 2026 — Current
Conducted under Dr. Juliana French at the University of South Florida
This internally funded study aims to understand factors associated with partner selection and relationship satisfaction across early adulthood in a community-based sample. Additionally, this lab examines the effects of hormonal birth control on relationship functioning.
Methods: This lab conducts cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, recruiting couples from the St. Petersburg community and from undergraduate student populations at the University of South Florida. Validated instruments and observational methods are used to assess romantic partner preferences, relationship satisfaction, and conflict resolution.
Genetics of Antisocial Drug Dependence (GADD)

Research Coordinator, 2023 – 2026
Conducted under Dr. Tamara Wall at the University of California, San Diego
This NIDA-funded study aims to understand factors associated with the progression of adolescent-onset substance use disorder into adulthood in a high-risk mixed gender sample.
Methods: This multi-site longitudinal study follows a cohort of clinical probands and their siblings from adolescence into adulthood, with ongoing data collection in a fourth wave (current ages 35–40). Validated structured interviews were used across waves to assess alcohol and other substance use, antisocial behavior, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Past Projects

Young Adult Education on Alcohol and Health (YEAH)

Research Assistant, 2023 – 2026
Conducted under Dr. Jessica Blayney at the University of Washington
This NIAAA-funded study aims to develop and test a technology-based intervention to reduce alcohol and sexual risk in young women with a history of sexual victimization.
Methods: This multi-phase study focused on incorporating methods from user-centered design (e.g., double diamond, design thinking) into intervention development by working alongside the target population to gather feedback on the program’s content, design, and delivery. Currently, a large-scale randomized controlled trial is being conducted to compare the developed intervention to a control group in terms of alcohol and sexual risk outcomes over time.
Health Education for Youth (HEY)

Research Assistant, 2023 — 2026
Conducted under Dr. Jessica Blayney at the University of Washington
This NIMH-funded study aims to understand how female adolescents navigate sexual situations and their barriers to safer sex behaviors to develop a technology-based intervention to reduce STI/HIV risk.
Methods: This study involves developing a sex-positive program for high school women by gathering feedback on its content and design. Participants complete a user feedback interview and a short survey that assesses alcohol use, mental health, and sexual experiences, while intervention materials focus on emotions, sexual communication, consent, boundaries, and sexual health.
Substance Use, Women's Health and Nations (SWAN)

Research Assistant, 2021 — 2026
Conducted under Dr. Karina Villalba at the University of Central Florida
This internally funded pilot study aims to understand the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of cannabis use in cisgender women.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited women aged 18 and older with lifetime cannabis use. Participants completed surveys assessing adverse childhood experiences, substance use patterns, physical health, prescription medication use, and measures of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, semi-structured interviews explored cannabis knowledge, reasons for use, barriers, and facilitators.

CV Highlights

Education

B.A.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Behavioral Healthcare from the University of South Florida. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a foundational understanding of psychological science, with specialized coursework in women and gender studies and social psychology.

After graduation, I began working in population health research at the University of Central Florida, with a focus on cannabis use among older women, and continue to support this work as a volunteer research assistant. Using a mixed methods approach, we identified perceived benefits, substitution behaviors, and facilitators of cannabis use. This experience deepened my interest in research and inspired me to pursue graduate training.

M.A.

I graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Master of Science in Applied Psychology. What excited me most during my early graduate training was the opportunity to learn more about developmental processes and statistical analyses. I found it especially insightful to apply these approaches through independent studies, where I explored stress, substance use, and family dynamics.

Ph.D

I am a first-year PhD student in the Cognition, Neuroscience, and Social Psychology program at the University of South Florida, where I conduct research within the Florida Intimate Relationships Research Team (FLIRRT). My research explores the complexities of romantic relationships, with a focus on attachment, satisfaction, and conflict resolution. I’m particularly interested in how hormonal birth control influences relationship dynamics and partner perception, as well as the effects that substance use has on romantic relationships.

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