People

Sophia is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UC Davis pursuing a degree in Psychology with minors in Public Health Sciences and Human Development. She joined the lab in Summer 2024, drawn to its emphasis on how executive functioning and cognitive processes vary across development and diverse contexts. Sophia is particularly interested in how cognitive development influences mental health and well-being, especially in relation to social and environmental factors. She is passionate about integrating psychological research with public health approaches to help create more equitable and accessible mental health resources and services. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology or in public health. Outside of the lab, Sophia works as a Mental Health Ambassador on campus and enjoys dancing, traveling, practicing Pilates, and spending time with friends.

Quincy is an undergraduate at UC Davis studying Cognitive Science with a computational emphasis. Quincy has Previously worked in the Janata lab, has made contributions to simulation software for the Computational Cognitive Science Textbook, and Currently works in the Cognition in Context lab. His research interests include computational neuroscience, executive functioning, and assistive technology. Quincy writes music and practices Olympic Weight lifting in his free time.

Ashley joined the Cognition in Context Lab in Summer 2024 and is currently pursuing a B.A. in Psychology. Ashley enjoys learning about children's cognitive and social development through diverse contexts. Outside of academic activities, she enjoys nature, spending time with pets Nila and Bobbi as well as spending time with family.

Ria joined the lab in the Winter 2026 and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a biological emphasis. She is primarily interested in learning how executive functions, along with environmental and culture influences, shape behavior and development. Her volunteer work with children inspired her to join a developmental psychology lab, where she is excited to gain experience in research and community outreach. Outside of the lab, Ria enjoys going on walks, listening to music, and trying new coffee shops.

Adithya is an undergraduate student at UC Davis majoring in Human Biology. He joined the Cognition in Context Lab as a research assistant and currently serves as a session lead on Diego's project. Adithya is interested in cognitive neuroscience, medicine, and how social and environmental contexts influence brain function and health outcomes. He is particularly passionate about addressing health disparities through research at the intersection of neurobiology, language, and food justice. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, exploring skincare science, and volunteering at the ASUCD Pantry.

Wyatt joined the lab in Spring 2025 and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science with a computational emphasis. He is interested in the lab because of the focus on cognitive development and its integration of cognitive control. Wyatt hopes to continue conducting research after graduation, with a particular interest in modeling the brain’s information-processing capabilities. Outside of the lab, he enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding, creating art, being in nature, and spending time with friends.

Jacob is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Psychology (Biology Emphasis) and a minor in Public Health. He is interested in biopsychology and cognition, specifically the intersection between the physical basis of behavior and mental processes. His curiosity in psychology came from a practical perspective—how the development of executive functions like cognitive flexibility and working memory could optimize performance. Outside of the lab, he is a member of the Men’s Lacrosse team and spends his free time playing poker and reading manga.

Shreya is an undergraduate at UC Davis majoring in Cognitive Science and Statistics. She was drawn to the lab’s focus on understanding how children’s cognitive development is shaped by cultural, social, and environmental contexts and loves exploring these ideas as a research assistant! Shreya is especially interested in how different settings such as schools, homes, and broader communities influence executive functioning and, in particular, learning outcomes. She hopes to better understand the relationship between cognitive development and disparities in access to health and education resources in order to help inform more equitable support systems for children and families. In her free time, she loves to travel, explore nature, and crochet.

Cade is an undergraduate student at UC Davis majoring in Cognitive Science and Psychology, with a minor in Neuroscience. He joined the lab in January 2025, driven by a deep interest in cognitive development and prospective research. Cade is passionate about the field of sports psychology and aspires to transform athletic training by placing a stronger emphasis on the brain's role in performance. Outside of the lab, he enjoys staying active through sports and working out, snowboarding, spending time in nature, cooking, and music.

Grace joined the lab in the winter of 2025 and is pursuing a Psychology (Biology emphasis) degree. She is primarily interested in children's cognitive development, especially the differences in child development across cultures. She hopes to gain a better understanding of developmental psychology through working with children. In the future, she hopes to continue her studies in graduate school. She likes watching movies and traveling in her free time.