Graduate Student

Ellie joined the lab as a graduate student in 2026. She earned her B.S. in Neurobiology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked as a research coordinator at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Ellie is interested in studying how environmental factors influence children's engagement in executive functioning, and how these cognitive skills relate to student learning and academic outcomes. She is especially excited to consider how children build resilience and develop adaptive strengths. Outside of the lab, you can find Ellie reading, running, or cheering on Wisconsin sports teams!

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 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!