MEET THE LAB MEMBERS!

Assistant Professor | Department of Psychology | St. Louis University

2025 CV

Student Research

Education and Training:

Staff Scientist – Washington University in St Louis, 2019-22 – Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stony Brook University, 2015-19 – Department of Psychology

Ph.D. - Washington University in St Louis, 2008-15 - Neurosciences Program

Cognitive Neuroscience PhD Student | St. Louis University

Arlinda is a third-year graduate student in the cognitive neuroscience doctorate program. She graduated from SLU with a B.S. in Neuroscience in 2023. Her research explores how different developmental trajectories/ cultural contexts contribute to the onset of mental illnesses that disproportionately affect individuals assigned female at birth, such as eating disorders, PMS/PMDD, and identity disturbances. Her master's project focuses on the menstrual cycle as a physiological mechanism for binge eating behaviors, and how features of identity disturbance influences experiences of negative affect after binge eating.

Cognitive Neuroscience PhD Student | St. Louis University

Jakub is a second-year graduate student in the Experimental Psychology Ph.D. program with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, where he was part of a neuropharmacology lab and a social cognitive affective neuroscience lab. His research interests include the neurophysiology of cognition and emotion, working closely with EEG methodology. Upon completion of his degree, he aspires to pursue a career in academia as a research scientist. 

Cognitive Neuroscience PhD Student | St. Louis University

Lani is a second-year graduate student pursuing her doctorate in experimental psychology with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience. She graduated with her B.A. in Psychology from Rockhurst University in May 2024. Her research interests revolve around the effects of adverse childhood experiences across different concentrations, such as cognition and development.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student | St. Louis University

Obed Usenbor is a first-year student in the Clinical Psychology Graduate Program at Saint Louis University. He earned his B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from the University of Delaware and completed his M.S. in the Applied Health and Behavior Research Program at Washington University School of Medicine. His research focuses on the antecedents of aggressive behavior, with a particular emphasis on social aggression across the lifespan. More broadly, he is interested in how environmental, biological, and psychological factors contribute to maladaptive behavior and emotional dysregulation.

B.S. - Neuroscience '26 | St. Louis University

Richa is a research assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience and has been working on her project on puberty and neural response to rejection. She is excited to work as a Head EEG Tech and participate in upcoming projects related to hormonal sensitivity and mental health. At SLU, Richa is involved in Policy Pods, Global Medical Brigades, and Campus Kitchen. She also volunteers with Christian Friends of New Americans and the American Red Cross.

B.S. - Neuroscience '26 | St. Louis University

Ugo is a junior at Saint Louis University majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. She is currently interested in emotions, cognition, and the impact of hormonal fluctuations caused by puberty on these concepts. She hopes to pursue a PhD is Social Neuroscience. She is involved in Psi Chi and she likes reading, music and thrifting. Fun fact, she grew up in Nigeria.

B.S. - Neuroscience '26, B.A. - Bioethics & Health Studies '26 | St. Louis University

Pranavi is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience and B.A. in Bioethics & Health Studies and is in the Medical Scholars Program. She is involved with American Medical Women’s Association, Audre Lorde Scholars, and volunteers for Christian Friends of New Americans. She also serves as a TA for General Biology and as a Pre-Health Ambassador. She is interested in investigating the development of psychopathology of addiction and depression with a focus in women’s mental health.

B.A. - Biology '26 | St. Louis University

Michelle is an Undergraduate Research in the Luking Lab. She is Junior studying Biology B.A. and minor in psychology on the pre-med track.  She hope to go to medical school or pursue a career in laboratory research using my degree. She is involved in the chemistry club as a demo chair, volunteer and food outreach and work at the hospital as a Technical Imaging Assistant.  She very excited to learn and participate in research for hormones and emotional response. Specifically on how menstrual cycles affect women's behavior and mood looking through brain responses.

B.S. - Neuroscience '27 | St. Louis University

Maeve is an undergraduate research assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a sophomore pursuing a B.S in Neuroscience and is a part of SLU’s Medical Scholar Program. She is currently interested in the development of psychopathology and sleep science.

B.S. - Health Sciences '26 | St. Louis University

Richa is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Health Sciences with minors in Biology and Psychology. She joined the Luking Lab in Spring 2024, and her interests include early pubertal development and its connections with sleep and the reward pathway. Richa is also involved with Student Government Association as VP of Academic Affairs, and she currently volunteers with Overground Railroad and Labre. She is involved with the St. Louis community through working with the International Institute and Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Her career goals lie in attending medical school after graduation.

B.A. - Medical Sciences '27 | St. Louis University

Gauri is a sophomore majoring in Medical Sciences and minoring in biology and Spanish. She is interested in bipolar disorder and child developmental psychology. At SLU, she is involved in Healthcare Policy Pods, Global Medical Brigades, Minority Association for Pre-Health Students, and Girls, Period. In the future, Gauri hopes to become a physician.

B.A. - Nutrition & Dietetics '27 | St. Louis University

Savanna is an undergraduate research assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in nutrition and dietetics. In the lab, she is excited to experiment with EEGs and explore how hormonal sensitivity impacts binge eating behaviors. Outside of the lab, Savanna is involved in STEM education, Reformed University Fellowship, and various service projects.

B.S. - Neuroscience '26 | St. Louis University

Lajja is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience on the pre-medicine track. She is VP of Membership for SLU’s Sexual Assault Advocacy Group, volunteers for Christian Friends of New Americans and Campus Kitchen, and works as a neuroscience lab TA. She is interested in learning more about women’s health and investigating the effects of mood PMS on mental health and neurodevelopment.

B.S. - Neuroscience '27 | St. Louis University

Shruti is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Health Care Ethics and Psychology. Her research is focused on understanding Borderline Personality Disorder. On campus, she is the president of SLU Crocheting Warmth and a Pre-Health Ambassador. In her free time she enjoys volunteering and listening to music.

B.A. Psychology '26 | St. Louis University

Mya Falkenhain is an undergraduate research assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a junior pursuing a B.A. in psychology with the hopes of going into the clinical psychology field. Currently her interests are in psychopathology, specifically in adolescents, young adults, and women. Besides her research involvement, Mya participates in sorority life and holds a leadership position. She also volunteers at the West Pine Ronald McDonald House weekly. 

B.S. - Psychology '26 | St. Louis University

Sumayya is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Political Science. Her primary research interests are intersectionality, the postpartum period, and child & adolescent psychopathology. She plans on pursuing Clinical Child Psychology in graduate school.