Research Team

Kyla Burfoot is a first year undergraduate student intending to major in Cognitive Science and Film. She is studying Cognitive Science with the intention of understanding early childhood knowledge acquisition, and thus is excited to explore how context determines executive function. Motivated by efforts for educational equity, she hopes to contribute to the advancement of such research in the Miller-Cotto lab. Outside of her studies, she enjoys hiking, swimming, gardening, and live music.

Hi! My name is Kiara Eng and I am a first-year intending to major in psychology and linguistics at UC Berkeley. I joined the Berkeley Lab for Opportunities in Cognition and Knowledge because I am passionate about understanding how cognitive processes and environmental factors intersect with academic performance. I believe the research conducted here can effectively improve learning materials in schools in order to reduce educational inequities, and I am very excited to be a part of this change. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing volleyball, pickleball, piano, and spending time with family and friends. 

Hi! I’m Ayanna Lee, a second-year student at UC Berkeley from the Central Coast. I’m double majoring in Cognitive Science and Psychology because I’m passionate about exploring the connection between our behavior and the various influences that shape it, from our environment to our internal cognitive processes.

Hi! My name is Helen Luong Bui and I am a second-year at UC Berkeley currently studying Microbial Biology. As an aspiring pediatrician, I have always been fascinated by children, especially how their environment affects their academic and cognitive development, which is what initially drew me to Dr. Miller-Cotto's lab in the first place. On campus, I am actively involved in Volunteers for Medical Outreach and Volunteer Health Interpreters Organization. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at elementary schools, babysitting my nephews and niece, and exploring new food spots with my friends and family.

Hi, I'm Emily, a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in data science and cognitive science. I play for the Cal women's soccer team and am involved in neurotech@berkeley and Thrive Campus Ministry. My passion for understanding cognition and its role in academic success drew me to research in executive function, particularly how it can help bridge the gap for students at risk of falling behind. With so many competing demands on children’s (and adults’) attention today, I’m excited to be part of research that can advance the literature on executive function and its role in educational success.

My name is Mira Patel and I am a second-year student at UC Berkeley studying Political Science with a goal of attending law school in the future. I joined Professor Miller-Cotto's lab because I am passionate about education and equalizing educational access for all. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and listening to new music. Fun fact: I was born and raised in Texas. 

Cheyenne Paw (she/her) is a freshman at University of California, Berkeley studying Cognitive Science and Sociology. She is interested in learning more about educational inequities and how to build solutions to bridge these gaps. Outside of school, she enjoys pottery, penpalling, and scrapbooking. 

Hello! My name is Fakhrunnesa Samim, and I am a third-year studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. I hope to attend Physician Associate school and participate in more research surrounding pediatrics. I am excited to research how children's cognitive processes interact with the various contextual factors influencing their academic development. Specifically I am interested in socio-economical impacts on childrens executive fucntions early on development. In my free time I like to go on picnics and spend time with my family. 

Hi! My name is Katie Torres-Romero, and I am a third-year Psychology major at UC Berkeley. I'm originally from Southern California, and I intend on pursuing an MD-PhD with a focus on pediatric neurology. I joined the Miller-Cotto Lab at Berkeley's School of Education, because I'm fascinated by Dr. Miller-Cotto's work towards understanding the intersectionality between children's cognitive processes and the complex environmental frameworks influencing their academic development. Outside of class, I love working out, hiking, trying new matcha recipes, and spending time with my family! 

Hi! I’m Aly Turfler, a third-year student at UC Berkeley majoring in cognitive science and minoring in CalTeach. My interests in cognitive science, psychology, and education intersect in my research on the role of executive function in learning. I am passionate about education, particularly STEM education, and empowering students to find joy in their learning. Outside the classroom, you can find me playing club field hockey, coaching, or spending time outdoors with a book.

Ysabelle (she/they) is a senior majoring in Cognitive Science with a strong interest in the intersection of cognitive science and education and finding ways to support diverse learning needs. She works with marginalized students, aiming to demystify and provide resources to support their journey towards higher education through an on-campus Recruitment and Retention Center. In her free time, she enjoys rewatching movies and exploring new creative outlets.

Shiyu Hu is a Master of Development Practice student at UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy, specializing in education policy, equitable access, and the intersection of cognitive science and learning environments. With experience in policy analysis, impact evaluation, and data-driven education research, Shiyu is particularly interested in how executive functions influence learning outcomes, especially for historically marginalized students. Shiyu’s past research has explored digital governance in education, financial accessibility in higher education, and the role of technology in improving learning equity. Passionate about bridging research and practice, Shiyu seeks to contribute to designing evidence-based interventions that support diverse learners and foster inclusive educational opportunities.

Josie is a junior majoring in Sociology and Linguistics. She is passionate about educational equality and child development, interests she also applies in the preschool classrooms at the Center for Early Intervention on Deafness in Berkeley. In the future, she hopes to study language acquisition in Deaf children. Outside of the lab, you can find her playing guitar, reading fiction, or looking at cool bugs.

Hi! My name is Abigail Villa (she/her/ella) and I am a fourth-year studying psychology and educational sciences at UC Berkeley. I am passionate about serving and learning from children and the intersection that education and culture play in cognition. I was drawn to Dr. Miller-Cotto's lab through her research related to cognitive processes with marginalized populations with an emphasis on culture and context. In my free time you can find me volunteering at K-12 schools, peer advising, or listening to music! 

Taloa Yvonne Cardinal is a Master of Public Health graduate from UC Berkeley, where she specialized in population health on a global and domestic level. She also holds a B.A. in Chemistry and Psychology–Neuroscience with a minor in Physics from the University of Denver. Her work spans public health research, policy, and digital innovation—collaborating with the California Department of Public Health, UC Berkeley, and UCLA on projects addressing adolescent health, food security, obesity prevention, and health equity.