Undergraduate Students

Current Undergraduate Students

Sophie Baird

Major: Psychology

I am an undergraduate student studying Psychology with a certificate in Classical Studies. I have previously worked with children with ADHD and other behavioral disorders in an intensive therapeutic program. I intend to pursue a Doctorate in Psychology in School Psychology, where I can continue my passion for working with children to help them develop coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and achieve success in school. In my free time, I enjoy running by the lake and playing guitar!

Ethan Blum

Major: Psychology

Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in both social and developmental psychology. I find it fascinating how so many seemingly insignificant factors in one’s life can drastically affect how a person thinks and reacts in a certain situation. I hope to learn more about what leads to these differences and how it impacts emotional well-being. As well as learn how to help those individuals who deal with mental disorders. 

Noel Brusnahan

Major: Psychology

As a psychology major aspiring to become a psychiatrist, I am passionate about understanding how childhood development shapes resilience, particularly in managing stress and deriving a sense of self. I want to learn evidence-based ways that alter a person’s life for the better. When I am not studying, I enjoy cooking, badminton, and sharing conversations about good books over good coffee. 

Will Bush

Major: Neurobiology and Education Policy

I am studying Neurobiology and Education Policy. I’m excited to be joining the Child Emotion Lab and begin contributing to the valuable work that takes place here. I’m interested in how neuroscience and psychology can be used to inform policy, especially related to children’s health and development.

Marissa Chitwood

Major: Psychology

I am majoring in Psychology with a certificate in Education and Educational Services. After college, I aspire to work as a School Psychologist or Therapist for children and young adults. I’ve always adored working with kids, whether through babysitting or teaching dance, so I am excited to join the Child Emotion Lab! I am interested in understanding how different risk factors impact the way children process and experience emotions.

Payton Fuller

Major: Psychology

I am majoring in Psychology with a certificate in Studio Art. I am fascinated by the intersection of art and psychology and hope to one day combine that with my interest in child psychology. After graduation, I aspire to attend graduate school and earn my PhD in clinical psychology. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, traveling, and baking!

Zoe Gawlinski

Major: Psychology & Communication Arts

I’m majoring in Psychology and Communication Arts. In addition to my studies, I work as a behavior therapist for children with autism, where I deeply value providing behavioral interventions, supporting development, and building meaningful connections with children and their families. I aspire to pursue a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy and eventually open a private practice. I am fascinated by learning about why our brains work the way that they do and how our daily interactions shape our identities. In the lab, I aim to merge my passion for psychology and child development with new insights to explore how early childhood experiences influence future outcomes.

Julia Gourtzelis

Major: Psychology

I am currently working toward a degree in psychology. After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and potentially pursue a career in pediatrics. I have always had a passion for working with kids; I worked as a babysitter, a sleepaway camp counselor, a day camp counselor, and currently volunteer at an after-school care program. I aim to further my understanding of child development and to contribute to discoveries that will improve the wellbeing of all children.

Sophie Huddlestun

Major: Psychology

I am currently an undergraduate studying Psychology. In the future, my goal is to pursue a Doctorate in Psychology and do clinical work with children and adolescents. In my free time, I love to cook, run, play board games, and spend time with my dog Gordie.

Michael Montgomery

Major: Biology & Psychology

I’m majoring in biology and psychology. I love spending time with kids and am planning on going into medicine. I’ve been fascinated with science for years, and after my first psych class,  I’m realizing more and more that the people I’d help are just as interesting as the medicine itself. I’m looking to find that middle ground and learn more in the process. In my free time, I love hanging out with friends, being by the water, playing guitar, and writing/listening to music.

Lauren Rosmarin

Major: Psychology & Statistics

I am an undergraduate student studying psychology and statistics. Following graduation, I am hoping to go to graduate school and receive my PhD in clinical child psychology, where I would be able to go on to become a child psychologist. I am incredibly passionate about mental health and love working with kids. I have spent the majority of my life working with kids through teaching dance, teaching preschool, and babysitting.

Clara Sainz Prats

Major: Psychology & Neurobiology

My name is Clara Sainz Prats and I am an international student from Barcelona, Spain. I am a junior majoring in psychology and neurobiology who’s deeply interested in the intersection of both. In my free time I like to read mystery novels, bake fruit pies for my roommates, and go on runs. I look forward to furthering my education on psychology research through the Child Emotion Lab.

Hailey Sullivan

Major: Psychology

I am majoring in Psychology with a certificate in Education and Educational Services. I am primarily interested in the interaction between children’s early life adversities and the development of psychopathology. I am striving towards graduate school focused on the clinical and developmental pathway with my end goal aiming to improve treatments and support for children’s overall emotional well-being.

Amber Weiss

Major: Psychology & Human Development and Family studies

I could not be more excited to be a part of this team since psychology has always been a passion of mine. Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, group fitness classes, grabbing coffee and shopping with friends, and binging sitcoms. My goal is to work as a behavioral scientist in the future and I am so thankful for this job opportunity because it gives me the experience that I need to be successful in the future!

Hannah Weissman

Major: Psychology

I am particularly interested in neuropsychology, specifically how the brain affects behavior and learning in children. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I hope to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus in neuropsychology. Outside of my academics, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, traveling, and cooking.