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Meet the
RAYA Team

Behind our research is a dedicated team of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers passionate about youth development. We bring deep curiosity and a shared commitment to building brighter futures for the next generation.

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Chanler Hilley, PhD

Director of the RAYA Collab

Dr. Chanler Hilley is an Assistant Professor of Psychological Science at Kennesaw State University and Director of the Research in Adolescent and Young Adult Development (RAYA) Collab. Dr. Hilley is a developmental and prevention science researcher who focuses on supporting successful transitions from adolescence to young adulthood for youth who experience adversity, as well as the risk and protective factors that influence behavioral health across this developmental period. He is specifically interested in supporting youth who experience disconnection from school and work, poverty, and exposure to violence. He earned a PhD in Family and Human Development with a specialization in Quantitative Methods from Arizona State University, and then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in health equity and prevention science at the Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center at Arizona State University.

More information here.

Research Assistants

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Alanna is a senior Public Health student at Kennesaw State University and Senior Scholar in the RAYA Collab. She is also working on her honors capstone exploring social media vaping prevention messaging. Alanna's research interests include substance use, mental health, and environmental health. In her spare time, she likes to watch movies, hike, and bake.

Alanna James

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Kait North is a senior Psychology student and a Junior Scholar through the Office of Undergraduate Research. Her current project focuses on young adults’ executive functioning and future orientation. She previously participated in the First Year and Sophomore Scholars Programs researching memorable messages about the transition to adulthood. In the future, she plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology to become a clinical neuropsychologist. She wants to work with young adult patients with brain injuries/trauma and examine how it affects mood and behavior.

Kait North

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Natilee is a senior Psychology student at Kennesaw State University. She previously participated in the First Year and Sophomore Scholars programs in the RAYA Collab and is currently working on her senior capstone research experience. Natilee is passionate about supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Her experiences working with children in educational settings have strengthened her interest in pursuing a career in school counseling. After completing her undergraduate degree, Natilee plans to pursue a master’s degree in school counseling.

Natilee Johnson

RAYA Alumni

    • Bailey Tocups

    • Elon Haynes

    Learn more about capstone projects.

  • Amari Cody, Avery Kirby, Maya Maqousi, Charlie Barna, Giselle Vazquez, Will Fulton, Kayla Little

    • Briana Rivera, MS Criminial Justice

    • Paige Giddens, MS Criminial Justice