Hi! My name is Lexie Bendigo, and I graduated in May 2025 from BHSU with a double major in Psychology and Human Services and a minor in Sociology. I grew up on a small ranch on the Cheyenne River Reservation, and now I live in Spearfish with my fiancé and our kitty. I am an associate clinician at a local mental health agency, and I provide counseling/community work services to children and families. My goal is to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. This would allow me to be able to provide therapy and assessment services, and also conduct research on topics such as childhood trauma, religion, and mental health. I am so excited to be back in SLAP Lab for my 4th year!
Lexie Bendigo
Hi! My name is Tayleigh Hopkin, and I am a senior at Black Hills State University, majoring in Psychology and Sociology. Following graduation, I plan to pursue a career in criminal justice. Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Tayleigh Hopkin
Howdy. I received my B.S. in Psychology from BHSU in the Fall of 2022, with minors in Spanish and Sociology, and a certificate in Social and Cultural Awareness. I’m currently in my third and final year of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. program at USD, where I also work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. I’ve found myself back at BHSU as a Mental Health Counseling Intern. If I had any free time, it would be spent with my dogs or outdoors.
Chloe Lesmeister
Hi! My name is Mackenzie Gill, and I am a junior at Black Hills State. I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in History. After graduating I hope to pursue a master's degree with a focus on forensic psychology. In my free time I like to bake, go to concerts, and spend time with family.
Kenzie Gill
Hi! My name is Paetyn Van Bibber and I am a sophomore at BHSU. I am majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. Following graduation, I hope to attend a clinical PhD program with a concentration in neuropsychology. Additionally, I would like to specialize in pediatrics and language development. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with my family!
pAETYN vAN bIBBER
My name is Mirei Ukaji, and I am a junior at BHSU. I am majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. I am from Nikko City, Japan, and after graduating from BHSU I am hoping to go to graduate school. I am still unsure about my future career, so I am trying to figure out what field of psychology I am most interested in. I enjoy working out, playing video games, and being outdoors in my free time.
Mirei ukaji
Hi! My name is Grace Boe, and I am a junior here at BH. I am majoring in Psychology with minors in speech communication and military science. I am from the Black Hills and grew up here in Spearfish. In my spare time I’m working, hanging out with my friends or involved with ROTC and the Veterans club. I also really enjoy music and play a few different instruments in my spare time too. After I graduate I hope to commission as an officer in the U.S Active Duty Army.
Grace Boe
Trent schmeichel
Hi! My name is Josie, and I am a sophomore here at Black Hills! I am a double major in psychology and human services. I am from Chadron, Nebraska, and will always be a faithful cornhusker! After I graduate from Black Hills I want to continue my education and earn my master’s in psychology! When I am not reading my psychology textbooks or watching Nebraska Football, I am probably with my friends, on a hike, or just simply outside!
Josie Downing
Hi! My name is Jocelyn Corrales and I am double majoring in Psychology and Human Services with a Sociology minor. This is my first year at BHSU and when I graduate, I plan to enter a Doctoral Program studying Criminal Psychology. In my free time I love to swing dance, play tennis, and read.
Jocelyn Corrales
Hello! My name is Abby Hall, I am a Sophomore at Black Hills State University. I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. After graduation I hope to get into a masters program for counseling. In my free time I like to bake, read, go hiking, and camp with family in the summer.
Abby Hall