Research Team

Hi! My name is Aleeza Chaudhry and I am a first year student at UC Berkeley. I joined the Berkeley Lab for Opportunities in Cognition and Knowledge because I’m interested in understanding how children’s development is shaped by their environments. On campus, I’m also involved with the American Red Cross. When I’m not in class or at the lab, you can usually find me climbing, taking a trip to Walnut Creek, or hanging out with friends and family! 

Hi! I’m Ayanna Lee, a senior 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.

Hello! I'm Connor Chang (he/him), a second year studying Society & Environment and Education. General topics that I want to learn more about are the sociology of education and environmental racism. I also volunteer at an elementary school in Oakland, where I work with students from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The intersection of my academic interests and work tie into what drew me into researching with the BLOCK Lab—focusing on understanding how different aspects of a student's background, such as race, may influence their readiness for education. In my free time I love spending time with my cats, going on food crawls, and watching the Knicks!

Hi! My name is Eshwar, and I am a junior majoring in Cognitive Science. I joined this research project because I am interested in understanding how children use attention and working memory while solving problems. Through my experience as a Behavioral Technician working with neurodivergent children, I developed an interest in cognitive development and learning. Outside of academics, I enjoy going to the gym, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.

My name is Janani and I am a first year student studying Statistics, with an interest in data science and education research. My research interests stem from working with children in different contexts throughout high school, and wanting to understand how educational environments and social contexts influence students’ learning and opportunities. Before Berkeley, I participated in BU Rise Data Science program, where I used Massachusetts Department of Education data to investigate factors associated with teacher retention. Through this experience, I learned Python, R, and how to do Time Series Forecasting and work with Machine Learning models. Because I have observed students offered different opportunities to succeed in different environments, I am interested in BLOCK's research on students executive functioning skills in their respective environments. I hope to contribute my quantitative background while also gaining valuable community-centered research experience. 

Hi! I'm Keyu Lin, an undergraduate student majoring in Statistics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, currently studying at UC Berkeley as an exchange student. I'm a research assistant in the BLOCK Lab, where I work on the Offloading Project investigating how children use external aids to support working memory. My research interests include cognitive development, executive function, and the role of working memory in children's math learning. I'm also interested in how computational tools can be used to support teaching and learning in real-world settings. Previously, I interned in an AI-related role, where I worked with large language models and AI-powered workflows. Outside of academics and research, I enjoy traveling, working out, and exploring new places.

Hi! My name is Kiara Eng and I am a third-year majoring 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, rock climbing, and spending time with family and friends. 

Kyla Burfoot (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Cognitive Science and Integrative Biology. She is interested in neuroplasticity, and is studying Cognitive Science with the intention of understanding early childhood knowledge systems. She is motivated by a passion for educational equity, particularly across health, economic, and environmental barriers. Outside of her studies, she enjoys hiking, swimming, gardening, and live music.

Hi! My name is Lucy Goetz (she.her) and I am a fourth-year student at UC Berkeley studying Social Welfare and Educational Sciences. I am interested in the ways that young children engage in and learn from discovery and inquiry-based teaching styles as well as how cognitive development milestones map onto curriculum standards and perceived success in school. I'm passionate about supporting children, teachers, and families to create positive community learning environments for kiddos from all backgrounds. Outside of academics, you can find me volunteering in an elementary classroom, running with my friends, and spending time in nature!

Hi! My name is Meiting Liu, a sophomore at UC Berkeley studying Cognitive Science. I'm interested in child development and human cognition, particularly how children learn, think, and understand of the world around them. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring nearby cafes and baking! 

Hi! My name is Milana Nalitkina (she/her), and I am a senior student studying Psychology and Educational Sciences. I am hoping to work in school psychology or education policy after graduation. I joined the lab because I am passionate about education equity and creating better tools for educators. Outside of my studies, I enjoy hiking, painting, and dancing! 

Hi! My name is Rosa, and I’m a sophomore at UC Berkeley. Before coming to Berkeley, I studied and graduated in Early Childhood Education from College of the Redwoods, and worked at a child development center as an assistant teacher. I've long held my interest in child development, early learning, and studying how children develop their understanding of the world. In BLOCK Lab, I have worked on the TK Math Study and Assessor Identity projects. Through my work in the lab, I hope to continue developing my research skills and learn more about how our research can transform the teaching and learning of young children!

Hi! My name is Sarah Grace Lueck-Rosenson (she/her), and I am a second-year student at UC Berkeley studying Psychology. I am particularly interested in behavior and mental disorders in adolescents. My academic goal is to become a clinical psychologist and research Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors and OCD. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing with my dance team MainStacks, reading, hanging out with my pug, and exploring. I am so excited to be a part of the BLOCK lab and contribute to education research. 

Hi! My name is Ulara Amano, and I am a second-year UC Berkeley student intending to major in Cognitive Science and Psychology. I was drawn to the BLOCK Lab for its perfect intersection between my academic interests and passion for working with children. I'm excited to bring what I'm learning in the classroom to a hands-on research setting, and to contribute to a deeper understanding of how we can shape school environments and learning materials to best support children's growth. My love for working with kids extends beyond the lab, as I also teach youth dance classes at my home studio, which has only deepened my curiosity about how children learn and thrive. Outside of the lab, you may see me performing on Sproul Plaza or at California Memorial Stadium as a member of the Cal Dance Team!