Research Team

Hi! My name is Meiting Liu, a first-year student at UC Berkeley intending to major in Cognitive Science and Data Science. I’m interested in how the brain processes information and how computational tools can help us better understand human cognition and behaviors, particularly in educational contexts and child development. 

Hi! My name is Kiara Eng and I am a second-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 third-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.

Razylin (she/her) is a fourth-year studying Psychology with a strong interest in cognitive psychology and how research on executive function can be used to support children's education and development. She currently works as a literacy mentor for elementary school students and is excited to bring these perspectives into the Berkeley Lab for Opportunities in Cognition and Knowledge. Outside of school and work, she enjoys listening to music, swatching lipsticks at Sephora, and petting stray cats.

Hi! My name is Samir Ali and I am an exchange student (Junior) here at UC Berkeley from London. My home university is University College London (UCL) where I study Social Sciences. I joined the lab as I am excited to further my knowledge of educational equity and academic outcomes from a psychological lens. Outside the lab, you would catch me bouldering, hiking or blasting music out a speaker.

Hi, I'm Kaho Furukawa and I'm a sophomore from Tokyo studying Cognitive Science. I'm excited about interweaving Cognitive Science and EdTech, and I'm hoping to one day create technology that makes the learning experience more exciting and immersive for each student. In my free time, you can find me going on mini-trips with friends and family, discovering good food and sweets, playing the trumpet, climbing, and reading heartwarming novels. 

Hi! My name is Milana Nalitkina (she/her), and I am a third-year 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 Jaymee Cheng and I’m a sophomore at UC Berkeley, majoring in Psychology. I’m super interested in forensic psychiatry and pathology, so my goal is to work in one of those fields in the future! I was drawn to Dr. Miller-Cotto’s lab because I wanted to better understand the impact of environment and sociocultural differences on displays of executive function. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, doing crafts, and hanging out with my friends!

Hi! I’m Sarah, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Education and Early Learning & Developmental Science. I’m passionate about early childhood and have a particular interest in supporting children with disabilities. I joined the BLOCK Lab to learn more about research methods and executive function, particularly as they relate to supporting young children’s learning. When I’m not at Berkeley, you can find me teaching preschoolers at farm school or spending time outdoors with my own three kiddos.

My name is Samantha, but you could call me Sam! I am a third year studying Social Welfare with an Education minor. In my free time, I like to work out, go out with friends, travel, explore restaurants and work with little kids! That being said, I joined this lab in hopes to further explore working hands-on with kids, and I hope to pursue a career in child welfare, supporting kids in times of struggle or need for support. 

Saidy Aceituno graduated from San Francisco State University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a minor in Education. She has worked for three years with the Early Childhood Education Program at University of California, Berkeley, where she developed a strong interest in child development and shaping educational experiences for future generations. Saidy is passionate about education and particularly interested in how early learning environments influence long-term academic outcomes. Outside of academics and work, she enjoys hiking and exploring new places.

Hi! My name is Rosa, and I am a first-year student at UC Berkeley interested in understanding how children grow, learn, and make sense of the world around them. I’m especially focused on researching human development from both a biological and behavioral perspective, and I hope to eventually pursue a path that combines these two with research focused on children and adolescents. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going on long walks, reading, and writing letters!