Graduate Student | Cognition in Context Lab

Diego Placido

7th year; Developmental Psychology, Quantitative Psychology, Computational Social Science Designated Emphasis

In his research, Diego applies a multi-modal approach that includes behavioral, pupillometry, EEG, and computational neural network modeling measures to investigate the role of early life experiences—particularly unpredictable family dynamics—on adaptive behavior engagement in response to environmental demands, and to probe the neural mechanisms underlying flexible cognitive control. Prior to joining the lab, Diego graduated from Brandeis University in 2015. He then continued research at Brown University until 2019 to study the development of executive functions and visual attention in children and adolescents. Outside of the lab, Diego enjoys weight-lifting, rock climbing, pickleball, and Brazilian jiu jitsu.

http://diegoplacido.com

Tzu-Ching Lin

3rd year, Psychology

Tzu-Ching joined the Cognition in Context Lab as a graduate student in 2023. She received her B.S. in Psychology from National Cheng Kung University, and was the Lab Manager at the National Taiwan Normal University where she studied the development of executive function across childhood through adolescence. Her research interests include the relationships among executive functions, academic performance, and the willingness to engage cognitive control. Outside the lab, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and is excited to explore the U.S!

Rachel Foster

4th year, Psychology

Rachel joined the lab as a graduate student in 2022. Her research focuses on the developmental interactions of learning and cognitive control. She is currently studying how sociocultural environments influence the development of cognitive control and self-control through the formation of habits, and the relative contributions of habits and effortful strategies to adaptive behavior across development. Prior to joining the lab, Rachel completed her B.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience at Brown University and a fellowship in Developmental Psychopathology and Social Neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine. Outside of the lab, you can find Rachel enjoying the California sun, learning new water sports, or exploring new cities through their coffee shops!