Current Team

Graduate Students

richard Liu

I am a third year graduate student in social psychology. I study the affective, cognitive, and behavioral changes that result from the interaction between emotions and cognitive processes. I am also interested in the therapeutic effects of utilizing memory reconsolidation processes to reduce the impact of negative memories.

Hannah Chimowitz

I am a third year graduate student in social psychology. My general research interests include the relationships between emotion, cognition, and social identity, specifically in the context of moral judgments and legal decision-making.

Nathan huff

I am a first year graduate student in social psychology, studying how hidden identities, stigma around mental illness, and emotions can influence person perception and categorization. I am also working on a large project investigating the effects of Emergency Department providers' emotions on diagnostic error. Outside of academia, I am an avid rock climber and hiker from the Pacific Northwest, who is excited to explore the northeastern United States!

Joel Ginn

I am a fifth year graduate student in the social psychology and peace and violence programs. I study how people think about larger social issues such as climate change or inclusion, how identity and other strongly held beliefs affect their opinions, and how they react to strategies meant to address these issues.

Research Coordinator

Janvi D. Nanavati

I am a UMass Psychological & Brain Sciences student graduating in 2021. I am fascinated by how emergency room personnel are affected by their biases when making diagnostic decisions. While at school, I am a supplemental instructor and a teaching assistant for various introductory biology courses while being an active member of many student groups including UMass Emergency Medical Services. Off campus I have worked as a patient advocacy intern at The Dimock Center and as an advanced clinical intern at New England Hospice. I look forward to furthering my contribution to the laboratory, the university, and the community. Joined the lab in Spring 2019

Research Assistants

Honors Students and Independent Studies

david cellucci

I am a senior psychology major on the neuroscience track. I hope to enter medical school with the goal of going into Emergency Medicine. Outside of class I work as an EMT and Director of Administration with UMass EMS. I also enjoy my work as an ER Technician while I am on breaks. Joined the lab in Fall 2019

Kamran Noori-Shirazi

I’m a member of the Class of 2021 as well as a member of the Commonwealth Honors College here at UMass. I am a Biochemistry and Chinese double major with an interest in applying my studies to the field of medicine. I strive to become a physician in order to help and heal the most ill and incapacitated persons of our communities. My hobbies and interests include swimming, hiking, jogging, biking, origami, and volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America. Joined the lab in Spring 2018

isabella levesque

I am a senior Commonwealth Honors College student majoring in Psychology on the Neuroscience Track and completing an Honors Thesis with Dr. Isbell. I am interested in healthcare disparities affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with mental health/substance use disorders. On campus, I am a TA and co-president of the Association of Women in Science. I am also a research intern at Brigham and Women's Hospital's Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment where I work on Alzheimer's disease clinical research trials. I have been in the lab since Spring 2018.

maria delpico

I am a senior, Commonwealth Honors student majoring in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Psychology on the Neuroscience Track. In the future I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career as a psychiatrist where I can be an advocate for those with mental illness. On campus, I am treasurer of Nu Rho Psi Honors Society and a part of the Women’s Club Soccer team at UMass. Outside of the classroom, I am an EMT-B and enjoy volunteering at my local animal shelter. Joined the lab in Fall 2018.

margaux welsh

I am a senior Commonwealth Honors student majoring in biology on the pre-med track. I am interested how the emotions of emergency medicine physicians influence their decision-making and performance. More generally, I am interested in staying active in research. In the future, I hope to go to medical school and become a physician. In my free time I enjoy hiking, playing basketball and hanging out with friends. Joined the lab in Spring 2018

Students

Tess Lepler

I am a Senior Psychology and Communication double major, pursuing a social work certificate. I have worked at a school and residence for young adults with brain injuries and other neurological challenges beginning during the summer of 2019. I am interested in many areas of psychology, and excited to participate in research that will improve people’s lives. I also hope to integrate what I learn into my future career in social work. I’m eager to dive into research, as it is a new and exciting experience for me. In my free time I enjoy going to shows, cooking, playing music, and spending time with family and friends. Joined the lab in Spring 2020.

Emilie Paterson

I am a senior Biology major with a minor in Psychology and I joined the lab in the spring semester of 2019. My plans are to pursue a career in reproductive science and women's health after graduation. Joined the lab in Fall 2019.

Hannah Kelly

I am a freshman Psychology and Biology major on the neuroscience track and a part of the Commonwealth Honors College. I've always been really interested in how the mind is impacted by certain experiences and trauma, so I knew I wanted to get involved in this lab and gain valuable experience in a research environment. I hope to use my degree to study mental illnesses in adolescents and work to help those who cannot help themselves. Outside of the lab, I love to volunteer at Not Bread Alone and take part in the UMass Neuroscience Club. In my free time, I love to travel, stay active, and cook. Joined the lab in Spring 2020.

Laura Dunderdale

I am a sophomore Commonwealth Honors College student majoring in biology with a minor in psychology. I have always been interested in medicine but the psychological side of it has really captivated me. After my time as an undergraduate, I hope to be able to continue my education to become a PA. Outside of the classroom, I am apart of the national honor fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi. I also volunteer on a Crisis Text Line. I enjoy running, reading, and being with my friends. Joined the lab in Fall 2020.

Hannah Ammirato

I am a sophomore Commonwealth Honors College student majoring in biology and psychology on the neuroscience track. I have always been interested in the relationship between psychology and the medical field, specifically how the healthcare system is influenced by individual biases. Around campus, I am involved in many clubs and organizations, including the Association of Women in Science and the UMass Neuroscience Club. I am also a biology course TA, volunteer at the Amherst Survival Center, and have worked as a medical scribe. In the future, I hope to attend medical school and advocate for equal treatment in the medical field. Outside of school, I enjoy running, reading, and art, especially design. Joined the lab in Spring 2021.

THALIA DULLIGAN

I am a sophomore public health major on the pre-med track. I’ve always been very interested in how our emotions affect the way that we perceive and interact with the world. Specifically, I’m excited to learn more about how these concepts can impact vulnerable populations in the delivery of emergency medicine. I’m an EMT-B and volunteer at my hometown’s first aid squad over breaks. Joined the lab in Spring 2021.

Matthew Bird

I am a sophomore Psychology in Public health major through BDIC, on the pre-medical track. I am also a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. My research interests include how those with mental illness present differently to clinicians, and how those differences in presentation can affect patient care. I work on campus as a tour guide, and in neighboring Springfield as an EMT-B. I look forward to my experiences in the lab, and I am excited to push the boundary of known and unknown science.

Jared STOTSKY

I am a sophomore psychology major (possibly on the neuroscience track) in the Commonwealth Honors College. Since a young age, I have been fascinated by the motivations, emotions and attitudes of other people, and look to study such things further in a career in either therapy, clinical psychology or neuroscience. My interests in these fields lie in substance abuse research and treatment, as well as aid and treatment of individuals with mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and OCD. I am also a part of the Boltwood Project, a program at UMASS that works with individuals with intellectually or physically diverse abilities. Joined the lab in Spring 2021.

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