Former Team Members

I am a fourth-year Traditional School Psychology doctoral student at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Previously, through S.U.C.C.E.S.S. I worked as part of a qualitative analysis team to research parents experiences raising an autistic child in Central Asia. Currently, I am serving as a coach for the Smooth Sailing Program through the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. research team. While working in both roles, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with teachers, graduate students and faculty around the country, fostering my passion and knowledge about autism research.

I am a School Psychology doctoral student at Fairleigh Dickinson University, thrilled to serve as a graduate assistant for the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. research team! Through the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. lab, I have served as both a research assistant and in the role of coach for the Smooth Sailing Program, which has allowed me to connect with other researchers, teachers, and graduate students and share our passion for the field of autism research. These experiences have greatly enriched my academic and professional journey in the field of school psychology. 

I am a first-year student in Fairleigh Dickinson University's Advanced PsyD program, and I will be serving as a coach in the Smooth Sailing program. I am currently working as a school psychologist for a charter school district in the central New Jersey area. I am excited to join the team and gain a deeper understanding of consultation and collaboration with teachers!  

I am an incoming Research Assistant with the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. research team at Fairleigh Dickinson University. As a double major in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice, and a participant in the Criminal Justice 4+1 program, I am eager to contribute to a project that aligns with my academic and research interests. As a rising senior, I am passionate about the intersection of psychology and law, with aspirations of becoming a lawyer and private practice counseling psychologist. This role allows me to deepen my understanding and make meaningful contributions to both academia and the communities we aim to serve, with awareness centering all.

I am an incoming junior Creative Writing major on the Florham campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University and on the autism spectrum. Through my work with the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. lab, I have come to learn more about the experiences of others on the spectrum while also sharing my own experiences. I am looking forward to continuing this work into the summer and work on behalf of neurodivergent children and the rest of the neurodiverse community, while also learning more about the neurodiversity rights movement, others, and myself along the way.

I am a senior at Tenafly High School. As a member of the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. lab, I focus on educating and raising awareness about the important work the team is conducting, including disseminating the team’s research to the public. Within the field of psychology, I have a strong interest in developmental psychology and mental health support awareness. I joined this team to expand my knowledge of autism in academia and get hands-on experience in psychological research. 

My name is Shrivathsan Sakthisundaram and I’m a rising senior at Morris Hills High School. I served the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. team for nearly a year. Through my work with S.U.C.C.E.S.S., I gained a deeper understanding of autism and the way it is perceived in areas of high stigma. I have also been working on researching and spreading awareness on identity-first language about autism, where the autistic community favors being called "autistic people" over "people with autism". Outside the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. lab, I am a passionate mental health content creator, a year-round track athlete, and a competitive Bollywood dancer.

I am an incoming junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minor in psychology. Prior to serving as a Research Assistant for the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. research team, I had previous research experience through Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Honors Program. I attended the Northeast Regional Honors Conference in April 2024. I have also conducted research outside of my institution. I am passionate about studying healthcare and medicine on an international basis.

I am a third-year biology major on the pre-med track at Fairleigh Dickinson University. My past research projects in medical misogyny and in analyzing the brains of race car drivers combined with my passion for medicine, journalism, and storytelling across various media allow me to bring a diverse and creative approach to the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. lab as a research assistant. As an individual who loves learning and wants to study medicine, I am excited about the opportunities that S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will give me to grow and share my knowledge and skills.