People

Michelle joined the Cognition in Context Lab in Summer 2026 and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive Science with a Neuroscience emphasis. Her academic focus centers on the biological foundations of health and the neurobiological mechanisms that shape how individuals process information and make decisions across the lifespan. She is specifically drawn to the Cognition in Context Lab because of its commitment to understanding how learning and cognition are shaped by the environments in which they occur. By joining this lab, she hopes to explore how different kinds of stimuli people experience at various phases of their life impact future processing of information and affect the decisions they choose to make, ultimately applying these insights to advocate for more equitable mental health resources and healthcare systems. During her free time, Michelle enjoys watching thriller or science fiction films, reading critical theory, and gardening.

Mai joined the lab in Summer 2026 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Cognitive Science with a minor in Data in Society at UC Davis. She is interested in law and psychology, specifically how psychology impacts decision making and the rationale behind right from wrong. She hopes to learn more about how social environments influence reasoning and apply that knowledge to how laws are interpreted. Outside of the lab, she likes to bake, rockclimb, and read.

Advika is an undergraduate studying Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior at UC Davis. She joined the Context in Cognition Lab as a research assistant during June of 2026. Advika is developing an interest in neurodevelopmental disorders and how familial environments shape perception and behavior. She hopes to explore, through this lab, how various facets of context manifest into development and thought processes in people. Apart from labwork, she enjoys listening to instrumental music, reading and painting.

Hannah joined the lab in summer 2026 and is currently pursuing a B.A. in International Relations. She is interested in how different environments in which children are raised shapes behavior later in life. As a non-psychology major, Hannah hopes to gain experience in the field to better understand the interdisciplinary applications of psychology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and playing ultimate frisbee.

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.

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.

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.