Research Assistant

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.

Esther joined the lab in Winter 2026, and is currently a third-year transfer student pursuing a B.S in Psychology with a Biological Emphasis and a minor in Biological Sciences. She is interested in exploring how early childhood experiences can impact development, as well as underlying neurobiological mechanisms of developmental disorders. During her free time, she enjoys reading, taking long walks, and spending time with friends and family.

Fatima is a third-year undergraduate student at UC Davis pursuing a degree in Psychology with a biological emphasis and a minor in Public Health. She is interested in understanding the human mind and exploring the various factors that make each individual unique. Through this lab, she hopes to gain hands-on experience in psychological research and to better understand how the development of executive function is influenced by different contexts and stages of development. In her free time, Fatima enjoys going on runs, spending time with friends and family, and watching shows on Netflix.

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.

Alinda joined the lab in Fall 2025 and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Cognitive Science with a neuroscience emphasis as well as a B.A. in Psychology. She is interested in the ways that people change across contexts, specifically how cognition, personality, and social factors work in combination to influence decision-making. In her free time, Alinda likes to read, play video games, practice wushu, and spend time with family and friends.

Rosanna joined the lab in fall 2025 and is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with an emphasis in biology. She joined the lab after working with children and seeing how their executive function changes with age. She is interested in learning cognitive neuroscience and how it develops as children grow up. Outside of the lab, she enjoys hanging out with friends and reading.

Ashley joined the lab in the Fall of 2025 and is currently a second year pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. She is interested in how cultural factors influence mental health and how it changes the approach of clinical treatment. Through this lab, she hopes to explore more about the different professions of psychology and gaining research experience. During her free time, Ashley enjoys trying new restaurants, taking scenic walks, listening to music, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Christopher joined the lab in the spring of 2025 and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UC Davis. He is interested in cognitive and clinical development, with a particular focus on how mental health resources can be made more accessible to low-income communities. He hopes to increase awareness and reduce stigma around conditions like autism by contributing to research that supports earlier diagnosis and more equitable care. Christopher plans to attend graduate school in psychology and is passionate about using research to bridge the gap between science and community support. Outside of academics, he enjoys working out, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.