Undergraduate Students

Current Undergraduate Students

Eric Biolos

Major: Psychology

My name is Eric Biolos and 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.

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

Hi! I’m Zoe Gawlinski, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison 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.

Sophie Huddlestun

Major: Psychology

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

My name is Michael Montgomery, and 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 Smith

Major: Neurobiology & Spanish

I am studying Neurobiology and Spanish. I love to spend time outside doing activities such as tennis, pickle ball, soccer and swimming in Lake Michigan. I spend my summers working as a part of the summer camp director team at YMCA Camp Minikani. In that position, I am in charge of running the part of camp that is specific for 5 and 6 year olds. I love working with kids and hope to go back to school and be a pediatric nurse.

Emma Southard

Major: Psychology & Social Welfare

Hi, I’m Emma! 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

My name is Allaina Struve. 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

Hello, my name Hailey Sullivan and 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.

Chongjing Zhou

Major: Psychology

I am a senior 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

My name is Xinchun Zhu, and 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!