Undergraduate Students

Current Undergraduate Students

Eric Biolos

Major: Psychology

I am a Psychology major here at UW-Madison.  I have previously worked with children with selective mutism, and I have also worked as a camp counselor and tennis instructor. I am primarily interested in how the intersection between biological, environmental, and psychological factors influence the way we think and behave.  I intend to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology after I finish my bachelor’s program. In my free time I enjoy working out, listening to music, playing guitar, and hanging out with friends.

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. 

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.

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.

Sascha Krause

Major: Neurobiology & Spanish

I am a pre-med undergraduate student majoring in Neurobiology and Spanish with a certificate in Health Policy. I aim to become a bilingual physician. I am interested in how environmental attributes, from nutrition to economics, affect one’s overall wellbeing. In my academic and professional career, I intend to further analyze the disparities within our healthcare system and incorporate solutions into my role as a patient provider. Outside of working, I love to travel and explore new places!

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.

Emma Southard

Major: Psychology & Social Welfare

I am double majoring in Psychology and Social Welfare. I have worked with children through summer camp, tutoring, and volunteer coordinating and am eager to do so in a research context. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outside, being with friends, cooking and reading.

Allaina Struve

Major: Psychology & Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies

I am currently studying Psychology and Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies with hopes to pursue a future in consumer insights and market analytics. I enjoy working with children and have been a nanny and lifeguard in the past. In my free time, I love making memories with family and friends, being in the sun, and trying new restaurants.

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.

Gabriella Torzewski

Major: Psychology & Human Development and Family studies

Currently, I am  studying Psychology & Human Development and Family studies with a certificate in Disabilities Rights and Service. I work as an ABA behavioral therapist for children with autism and I hope to continue down this path by furthering my education in psychology post-graduation, with a focus on autistic care and research.

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.

Chongjing Zhou

Major: Psychology

I am majoring in Psychology. My research goal is to explore how external factors influence children’s quick judgments about newcomers and their interpersonal relationships, with the aim of understanding how schools and parents can foster a positive social atmosphere that supports healthy interpersonal connections.

Xinchun Zhu

Major: Biology & Psychology

I’m majoring in biology and psychology with a theater certificate. I have previously worked as a child mentor and teacher for summer school. I’m mostly interested in how the intersection between the mechanism, perception and behavior lead to various mental disorders. For my future education, I hope to pursue a Ph. D. in clinical psychology. In my free time, I enjoy spending lap time with my cat, baking, and discovering more drama and musical production!