Research Assistant

Saachi joined the lab in Spring 2026 through ASPIRE and is a second-year student at UC Davis pursuing a B.S. in Human Biology. She is interested in understanding how people learn and hopes to explore the influence of early life experiences and cultural context on education. Through her work in the lab, she aims to gain hands-on research experience and deepen her understanding of how childhood factors shape outcomes later in life. In her free time, Saachi enjoys spending time with loved ones, trying new foods, watching Bollywood movies, and dancing.

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.

Sia joined the Cognition in Context Lab in Summer 2026 and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a biological emphasis. She is interested in developing effective teaching methods for undergraduates and graduates based on how students think and learn prior to beginning post-secondary education. Sia is passionate about how to integrate scientific methods of teaching into large classrooms to benefit students with a diversity of experiences, skills, and knowledge. 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. During her free time, Sia enjoys exploring new coffee spots, reading, and going on long walks.

Marissa joined the lab in Summer 2026 and is majoring in Cognitive Science with an emphasis in Neuroscience. She is interested in understanding how the cognitive, neurological and computational processes can be affected with early childhood experiences. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in research on memory and attention. In her free time, she is spending time with her friends and family, reading, crafting, or watching basketball.

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.

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.

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.

Chloe joined the lab in summer 2026 and is pursuing a B.A. in Psychology. She is particularly interested in how different contexts and cultures influence people’s developmental outcomes. Her experience working with children greatly inspired her interest in developmental psychology. In her free time, Chloe enjoys hiking, reading, and playing video games.

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.