Director of Graduate Studies
Psychological Sciences, Neuroscience
Honors Student:
My name is Nate Boyle, and I am a psychology major with a minor in global business. I am originally from Fairfax, Virginia and have been a part of the lab since my freshman year. I have an interest in clinical psychology, counseling, and social psychology as it pertains to race and ethnicity. Outside of the lab, I love cooking with friends and doing photography and videography!
My name is Gretchen Swartz, and I'm a Senior, Neuroscience major from Bolton, MA. I joined the lab in Fall 2025 and have enjoyed working on projects that investigate racial prejudice, gender prejudice, and contemplation exercises. Outside of lab, I play ice hockey, scrapbook, and run!
My name is Aurelie Flowers, and I am a senior pre-med student majoring in biology and minoring in French & Francophone studies. I am originally from Newport News, Virginia. I joined the lab in Fall 2025 and have enjoyed everything we have studied so far! Although I am studying biology, I enjoy studying how we can use research to understand how racial prejudice affects different aspects of life. Outside of the lab, I am the PR Chair for ESSENCE: Women of Color, and I enjoy reading, going on walks, and hanging with friends!
Elyssa Kancherla: Hi! I am a pre-med student from Martinsville, VA and I joined the lab Spring 2022. As a research assistant, I have had the opportunity to help collaborate with fellow lab members on projects concerning hate crimes, implicit biases, and the psychological impact of exposure to racism. Being a part of this lab has served as a great learning experience, both from Dr. Dickter and other students in the lab. Outside of the lab, I play rugby and enjoy watching “Criminal Minds” and “Grey’s Anatomy”!
Hi! My name is Helagenet, but everyone calls me Hela. I'm currently a Junior CAMS pre-medical student at William & Mary. I joined Dr. Dickter's Social Cognition Lab during the spring of my freshman year and have loved every moment since! Although my major is in computational mathematics, statistics, and biology, I have a deep passion for neuroscience, which makes this lab a perfect fit for me. I primarily collaborate with Adriana Lopez, a graduate student specializing in EEG, and I assist her with EEG data collection and analysis using BrainVision Analyzer to explore the neural mechanisms underlying racial bias.
Outside the lab, I'm actively involved in ACS and the CAMS Club, and I work as an IT student worker for W&M TSC!
Hi, I’m Meg Champagne! I’m a junior pre-med Neuroscience major from Southern Maine. Since joining the lab in my freshman year, I have had the opportunity to work on multiple EEG projects, focusing on data collection and analysis. I have enjoyed working alongside fellow students in the lab and gaining a better understanding of the research process. Outside of the lab, I am the Vice President of the Women’s Gold Club Soccer team and enjoy running, hiking, and coffee!
Hello! My name is Matthew Hwang, and I am a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biochemistry on the Pre-Medicine track from Fairfax Station, VA. Joining the Social Cognition lab, as a research assistant, I have had the opportunity to work on EEG studies that focus on contemplative practices as well as exploring in-group/out-group dynamics. Being part of the lab has helped me understand the possibilities of applying research techniques to explore social issues and applications. Outside of the lab, I am involved with Student Assembly as the Class of 2025 President, and I enjoy dancing and listening to music.
My name is Hannah Khan and I'm a junior from Reston, VA. I am majoring in psychology with a minor in religious studies. I've been working for the lab since Summer 2021, and I've really enjoyed the collaborative experience of working in Dr. Dickter's lab. Outside of the lab I am the president of W&M Knitting Club and I love dancing!
Hi! My name is Jaenya Cooper, and am a senior pre-law student from Portsmouth, VA, and I joined the lab in Fall 2024. Since joining the lab, I have had the opportunity to work on multiple EEG projects, focusing on data collection and analysis, code and analyze survey responses to perceptions and attitudes toward transgender individuals. This lab has allowed me to connect my Anthropology courses with hands-on research as well. Outside of the lab, I'm involved in orgs on campus such as Black Student organization, Anthropology Club, and Service Saturdays.
Howdy! I'm Emily Garloff and am a junior pre-med student from Richmond, VA, and I joined the lab in Fall 2024. As an RA, I've been able to help with the Cultural Competency Study as well as code and analyze survey responses to perceptions and attitudes toward transgender individuals. This lab has allowed me to connect my Neuroscience courses with hands-on research. Outside of the lab, I'm involved in orgs on campus such as WCWM Radio, Alzheimer’s Buddies, and Service Saturdays.