Undergraduate Research Assistants

Nuha is a junior from Arlington, Virginia, majoring in Psychological and Brain Sciences and minoring in Anthropology: Global Health. Her research interests lie in understanding implicit biases among children across age ranges, how children develop their personalities, and exploring therapeutic techniques to help children with disabilities in their daily lives. She has worked with children as a camp volunteer, tutor, and assistant teacher and is hoping to pursue a career as a pediatric OT.  Outside of the lab, Nuha works as a WashU Box Office Assistant and is involved in the African Student Association and Natural Ties. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies/tv, listening to music, thrifting, and baking.

Estefhany is a sophomore from Cabot, Arkansas. She is majoring in Psychological & Brain Sciences and Accounting, and minoring in Spanish. Her interests lie in understanding the impact of racial biases and beliefs on the development of children, specifically in children of immigrants and Latino ethnicity/backgrounds. She plans to become a child psychologist and  hopes to serve under resourced communities. Outside of the lab, she volunteers and tutors young children in the St. Louis area. She also loves to attend concerts, read, and hang out with friends.

Ethan is a senior from St. Louis, MO. He is majoring in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology with minors in Spanish and Film and Media Studies. His research interests center on how personalities and racial biases develop in childhood, which help to shape individual identities. After college, Ethan plans to pursue a career in pediatric neurology. Outside the lab, he works in WashU’s admissions office and plays French horn in the university wind ensemble. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, baking, going to concerts, and watching movies!

Aisha is a junior from Seattle, Washington. She is majoring in Psychological and Brain Sciences and minoring in Children’s Studies. Her interest primarily lies in the neurobiological basis for behavior and cognition and how early intervention, therapy, and assistive technology can level the playing field for children on the autism spectrum. She has worked extensively as a peer mentor and cognitive instructor for neurodiverse learners. This has inspired her to explore how various types of children see the world differently and has given her a firsthand look into how children learn. She hopes to pursue a career in Child Psychology and/or ABA therapy. Outside of the lab, Aisha is involved in Night Off, a club that offers free babysitting to families who have children with autism. She also serves as a behavioral technician, providing individualized ABA therapy for children with autism. In her free time, she loves to volunteer, stay active, spend time outdoors, and listen to podcasts.

Alana is a junior from Brooklyn, New York. She is double majoring in Psychological and Brain Sciences with a focus on Cognitive Neuroscience and Data Science. Her research interests lie in developmental neuroscience, specifically the neurobiological processes of category-based socialization, language development, and personality formation in young children. Alana has worked as a resource teacher, camp counselor, peer mentor, and dance instructor for toddlers and preschool-aged children, which has greatly influenced her interest in learning the processes by which children perceive and understand the world. Outside of the lab, she is the Vice President of the Caribbean American Students Association, as well as performing in Black Anthology and Carnaval, and being a member of the WashU Data Science Network. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, roller skating, and playing video games.

Mia is a sophomore from Fort Lee, New Jersey. She is double majoring in Psychological & Brain Sciences and Organization & Strategic Management. Her current interests lie in exploring children’s development of personality and the formation of biases. She has enjoyed working with children as a camp counselor, gymnastics coach, and English tutor, and plans on pursuing a career as a child & adolescent psychologist. Outside of the lab, Mia serves on the executive board of WashU’s club gymnastics team. In her free time, she loves swimming, baking, hiking, and listening to live music.