Lab Members
Susan M. Rivera, PhD (University of California, Berkeley), Professor, Psychology
tel: 530-747-3802 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 245
email: srivera@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Rivera uses classic behavioral as well as neuroimaging (fMRI) techniques to investigate such things as the development of dorsal vs. ventral visual processing, object representation, numerical cognition and affective processing. As a member of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, she also conducts research contrasting typical development with that of children with neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism and fragile X Syndrome. One of her main research goals is to build a framework for integrating the previously disparate methodological and theoretical orientations of cognitive developmental and neuroscience research. By employing a variety of converging research techniques, she strives to elucidate the complex brain-behavior relationships that underlie cognitive development.
Curriculum Vitae
Jun Yi Wang, PhD (University of Texas at Dallas), Project Scientist
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 248
Jun Yi is a project scientist working with Susan Rivera, Randi Hagerman and Paul Hagerman. Her long-term research goal is to bridge the gap between neuroimaging and molecular biology, particularly for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, she conducts neuroimaging studies to detect structural abnormalities associated with Fragile X premutation and performs biochemistry studies to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroimaging findings,
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 248
Jun Yi is a project scientist working with Susan Rivera, Randi Hagerman and Paul Hagerman. Her long-term research goal is to bridge the gap between neuroimaging and molecular biology, particularly for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, she conducts neuroimaging studies to detect structural abnormalities associated with Fragile X premutation and performs biochemistry studies to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroimaging findings,
Varun Chandran, PhD (University of Reading, UK), Postdoctoral Research Fellow
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Varun is a postdoctoral research fellow, currently working for the TraX research project (funded through Dr. River's NIH grant, USA) at the Neurocognitive Development lab, UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain. He studied PhD in Neurosciences at the University of Reading, United Kingdom. His research interests include understanding the neural underpinnings using multimodal MR neuroimaging techniques in various neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorders. In the current research project at UC Davis CMB, he look forward to examine the brain structure and function (using Structural MRI, Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Task-based fMRI) in individuals with fragile permutation carriers possessing high likelihood of developing FXTAS using a longitudinal approach.
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Varun is a postdoctoral research fellow, currently working for the TraX research project (funded through Dr. River's NIH grant, USA) at the Neurocognitive Development lab, UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain. He studied PhD in Neurosciences at the University of Reading, United Kingdom. His research interests include understanding the neural underpinnings using multimodal MR neuroimaging techniques in various neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorders. In the current research project at UC Davis CMB, he look forward to examine the brain structure and function (using Structural MRI, Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Task-based fMRI) in individuals with fragile permutation carriers possessing high likelihood of developing FXTAS using a longitudinal approach.
Mariya Chernenok, BA (The Pennsylvania State University), Graduate Student
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Mariya is a graduate student in the Human Development department. She is interested in investigating how low-level visual perception and attention influence affective processes across typical development and in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. She plans to use ERPs and eye-tracking to explore these themes.
Mariya Chernenok, BA (The Pennsylvania State University), Graduate Student
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Mariya is a graduate student in the Human Development department. She is interested in investigating how low-level visual perception and attention influence affective processes across typical development and in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. She plans to use ERPs and eye-tracking to explore these themes.
Emily Fourie, BA (Princeton University), Graduate Student
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Emily is a psychology graduate student and a member of the Neurocognitive Development Lab. She is interested in studying facial and affective processing in both typically- and atypically-developing children, especially individuals with autism. She plans to use eye-tracking and imaging techniques to draw comparisons between populations.
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Emily is a psychology graduate student and a member of the Neurocognitive Development Lab. She is interested in studying facial and affective processing in both typically- and atypically-developing children, especially individuals with autism. She plans to use eye-tracking and imaging techniques to draw comparisons between populations.
Patrick Dwyer, BA (University of Victoria), Graduate Student
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Patrick is a graduate student in the psychology department with a broad interest in helping to ensure that autistic and neurodivergent people can lead fulfilling lives. He plans to use eye-tracking and electrophysiology to explore the heterogeneity of the autism spectrum and different phenotypes of autism, and is particularly interested in studying sensory processing and sensory sensitivities in autism.
Curriculum Vitae
Posters
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Patrick is a graduate student in the psychology department with a broad interest in helping to ensure that autistic and neurodivergent people can lead fulfilling lives. He plans to use eye-tracking and electrophysiology to explore the heterogeneity of the autism spectrum and different phenotypes of autism, and is particularly interested in studying sensory processing and sensory sensitivities in autism.
Curriculum Vitae
Posters
Steve Grugan, BA (University of Iowa), ACE Junior Specialist
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Steve earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Iowa. He is the ACE Junior Specialist for the Neurocognitive Development Lab, where he assists in EEG data collection and ERP data processing for the BRAIN study at the Center for Mind and Brain. Previously, Steve worked as a research assistant in the Developmental Psychopathology and Cognitive Neurology Labs at the University of Iowa. His research interests include neurodivergent development and externalizing behaviors, specifically, aggressive behaviors in children and adolescents. In the future, Steve plans to attend graduate school to study law and clinical psychology in a joint J.D/Ph.D. program.
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Steve earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Iowa. He is the ACE Junior Specialist for the Neurocognitive Development Lab, where he assists in EEG data collection and ERP data processing for the BRAIN study at the Center for Mind and Brain. Previously, Steve worked as a research assistant in the Developmental Psychopathology and Cognitive Neurology Labs at the University of Iowa. His research interests include neurodivergent development and externalizing behaviors, specifically, aggressive behaviors in children and adolescents. In the future, Steve plans to attend graduate school to study law and clinical psychology in a joint J.D/Ph.D. program.
Karina Mandujano Rojas, BS (University of California, Davis), TraX Junior Specialist
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Karina earned her bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (NPB) and a minor in computer science from the University of California, Davis. She is the TraX junior specialist for the Neurocognitive Development Lab. She previously worked as a research assistant in the Brain Development, Psychopathology, and Mental Health Lab as well as in the Psychopathology and Emotion Processing Lab. Here she used her computer science background to develop and adapt programming pipelines to preprocess and analyze functional MRI data to understand how brain connectivity changes with aging, and to examine differences in emotion regulation, network activity, and connectivity between healthy individuals and individuals with schizophrenia. She is interested in investigating how factors like neurodegenerative diseases and aging, impact the brain, especially in terms of connectivity and the impacts that they have on the tasks that we carry out in our daily lives. She plans to pursue an MD/PhD in the future to become a neurologist and continue her work as a researcher.
tel: 530-754-4508 office: 202 Cousteau Pl., Suite 250, Room 249
Karina earned her bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (NPB) and a minor in computer science from the University of California, Davis. She is the TraX junior specialist for the Neurocognitive Development Lab. She previously worked as a research assistant in the Brain Development, Psychopathology, and Mental Health Lab as well as in the Psychopathology and Emotion Processing Lab. Here she used her computer science background to develop and adapt programming pipelines to preprocess and analyze functional MRI data to understand how brain connectivity changes with aging, and to examine differences in emotion regulation, network activity, and connectivity between healthy individuals and individuals with schizophrenia. She is interested in investigating how factors like neurodegenerative diseases and aging, impact the brain, especially in terms of connectivity and the impacts that they have on the tasks that we carry out in our daily lives. She plans to pursue an MD/PhD in the future to become a neurologist and continue her work as a researcher.
Lab members in order from left to right: Diego Placido, Emily Fourie, Mariya Chernenok, Svjetlana Vukusic, Susan Rivera, Patrick Dwyer, Jun Yi Wang, and Andre Sillas
Undergraduate Research Assistants
David Chang
David is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education. He participates as a research assistant in conducting data processing and collection for the BRAIN Study within the Neurocognitive Development Lab. He is interested in the effects of developmental disorders on child development and plans to study Clinical Child Psychology in graduate school.
David is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education. He participates as a research assistant in conducting data processing and collection for the BRAIN Study within the Neurocognitive Development Lab. He is interested in the effects of developmental disorders on child development and plans to study Clinical Child Psychology in graduate school.
Samantha Fong
Sam is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Cognitive Science with an emphasis in Neuroscience and a minor in Education. She works as an undergraduate research assistant for the BioMotion project where she aids in participant visits, data collection, and data processing. She was drawn to the project because of its novel use of an iPad for various drawing and tracing tasks as well as her interest in learning more about autism and its motor signature. While she is unsure of her post graduate plans, she hopes to continue research in some capacity in graduate school.
Sam is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Cognitive Science with an emphasis in Neuroscience and a minor in Education. She works as an undergraduate research assistant for the BioMotion project where she aids in participant visits, data collection, and data processing. She was drawn to the project because of its novel use of an iPad for various drawing and tracing tasks as well as her interest in learning more about autism and its motor signature. While she is unsure of her post graduate plans, she hopes to continue research in some capacity in graduate school.
Lynnette Hersh
Lynnette is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Social-Personality Psychology. As a research assistant for the BRAIN study, she is trained in EEG, eyetracking and audiometry data collection as well as ERP data processing. In addition to her involvement in autism research, she is interested in disability advocacy and mental health awareness. Her academic goals encompass investigating the mechanisms of mental health disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities while studying Clinical Psychology at the doctoral level. She hopes to one day become a clinical psychologist that conducts both assessment and therapy.
Lynnette is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Social-Personality Psychology. As a research assistant for the BRAIN study, she is trained in EEG, eyetracking and audiometry data collection as well as ERP data processing. In addition to her involvement in autism research, she is interested in disability advocacy and mental health awareness. Her academic goals encompass investigating the mechanisms of mental health disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities while studying Clinical Psychology at the doctoral level. She hopes to one day become a clinical psychologist that conducts both assessment and therapy.
Jessica Jones
Jessica is a third year, undergraduate student majoring in Human Development and minoring in Linguistics and Communications. She joined the lab as a BRAIN undergraduate research assistant and was intrigued by their work that aims to understand auditory processing differences between typically developing and atypically developing children. She wants to obtain her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and pursue a career as an SLP, specifically working with children with autism.
Jessica is a third year, undergraduate student majoring in Human Development and minoring in Linguistics and Communications. She joined the lab as a BRAIN undergraduate research assistant and was intrigued by their work that aims to understand auditory processing differences between typically developing and atypically developing children. She wants to obtain her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and pursue a career as an SLP, specifically working with children with autism.
Moises De Jesus Lopez
Moises De Jesus Lopez is a third year Psychology and Cognitive Science double major who is passionate about research on neurodivergence and its relation to developmental psychology, plans on attending graduate school and further pursuing similar research. Experienced with childcare, eye-tracking, EEG capping software as well as running ERPs.
Moises De Jesus Lopez is a third year Psychology and Cognitive Science double major who is passionate about research on neurodivergence and its relation to developmental psychology, plans on attending graduate school and further pursuing similar research. Experienced with childcare, eye-tracking, EEG capping software as well as running ERPs.
Mary Rose
Mary is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology. She works as a research assistant in the BRAIN study at the Neurocognitive Development Lab where she assists in data collection and processing. She was interested in joining the lab to gain a deeper understanding of how children on the spectrum differ in their development from typically developing children. Her academic goals are to get a Masters in Social Work and to pursue a career working with children with autism in underprivileged communities.
Rhea Sehgal
Rhea is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Biopsychology at UC Davis. As a part of the Neurocognitive Development Lab, she’s a Research Assistant for the BRAIN study where she helps collect and process ERP data. She’s interested in the analysis of ERP data and how that data can be used to ultimately find new subgroups within the autism spectrum. Eventually, she plans on obtaining an MD and becoming a future Physician.
Rhea is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Biopsychology at UC Davis. As a part of the Neurocognitive Development Lab, she’s a Research Assistant for the BRAIN study where she helps collect and process ERP data. She’s interested in the analysis of ERP data and how that data can be used to ultimately find new subgroups within the autism spectrum. Eventually, she plans on obtaining an MD and becoming a future Physician.
Alumni
Eleanor Palsner, MSc (Durham University, UK), Visiting Graduate Student
Annie Shelton, PhD (Monash University, Australia), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Kathryn Yoo, PhD (University of Maryland), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Jessica Burris, BS (UC Davis), PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Emily Halket, BS (MIT), PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Kim Gaul, BS (UC Davis), Former Junior Specialist
Ryan Barry, PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Emily Owen, BA (UC Berkeley), BSN (Johns Hopkins), PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Pam Gallego, Former Junior Specialist
So-Yeon Kim, PhD (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Alireza K. Javan, BS (UC Berkeley), Former Graduate Student
Jennifer Pokorny, PhD (Emory University), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Lena Rothstein, BS (UC Davis), Former Junior Specialist
Dolores Garcia Arocena, PhD (UC Davis), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Eric Charles, PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Ryu-Ichiro Hashimoto, PhD (University of Tokyo), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Faraz Farzin, PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
John Wang, BS (University of Michigan), Former Junior Specialist
Frederick Bassal, BA (UC Davis), Former Junior Specialist
Kristi Hendrickson, BA (UC Davis), Former Junior Specialist
Emily Katon, Former Junior Specialist
Kami Koldewyn, BA (Pomona College), PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Lyndsey Marie Marcelino, Former Junior Specialist
Diana Selmeczy, Former Junior Specialist
Lauren Frizzi, Former Junior Specialist
Tawny Bussey, Former Junior Specialist
Andre Sillas, Former Junior Specialist
Diego Placido, BA (Brandeis University), Former Graduate Student
Eleanor Palsner, MSc (Durham University, UK), Visiting Graduate Student
Annie Shelton, PhD (Monash University, Australia), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Kathryn Yoo, PhD (University of Maryland), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Jessica Burris, BS (UC Davis), PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Emily Halket, BS (MIT), PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Kim Gaul, BS (UC Davis), Former Junior Specialist
Ryan Barry, PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Emily Owen, BA (UC Berkeley), BSN (Johns Hopkins), PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Pam Gallego, Former Junior Specialist
So-Yeon Kim, PhD (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Alireza K. Javan, BS (UC Berkeley), Former Graduate Student
Jennifer Pokorny, PhD (Emory University), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Lena Rothstein, BS (UC Davis), Former Junior Specialist
Dolores Garcia Arocena, PhD (UC Davis), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Eric Charles, PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Ryu-Ichiro Hashimoto, PhD (University of Tokyo), Former Postdoctoral Scholar
Faraz Farzin, PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
John Wang, BS (University of Michigan), Former Junior Specialist
Frederick Bassal, BA (UC Davis), Former Junior Specialist
Kristi Hendrickson, BA (UC Davis), Former Junior Specialist
Emily Katon, Former Junior Specialist
Kami Koldewyn, BA (Pomona College), PhD (UC Davis), Former Graduate Student
Lyndsey Marie Marcelino, Former Junior Specialist
Diana Selmeczy, Former Junior Specialist
Lauren Frizzi, Former Junior Specialist
Tawny Bussey, Former Junior Specialist
Andre Sillas, Former Junior Specialist
Diego Placido, BA (Brandeis University), Former Graduate Student