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 | St. Louis University

Arlinda is a second-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 | St. Louis University

Jakub is a first-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 neural dynamics of cognition, empathy, rejection sensitivity, social feedback, and psychopathology, particularly in bicultural, minority, and marginalized populations. Upon completion of his degree, he aspires to pursue a career in academia as a research scientist. 

Cognitive Neuroscience | St. Louis University

Lani is a first-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.

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.A. - Psychology '25 | St. Louis University

Heidi is an undergraduate research assistant in the Luking Lab. She is currently a senior pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in English. She is interested in ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and anxiety disorders. With that, Heidi plans to go to graduate school for clinical psychology.

B.S. - Psychology, Communication '25 | St. Louis University

Ajla is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology, as well as Communication. She is interested in the development of psychopathology in various contexts and demographics, including trauma and depression among immigrant and refugee populations. She is planning on going to graduate school in the future for Clinical Psychology.

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.S. Neuroscience - '25 | St. Louis University

Ava is a senior pursuing a B.S. in psychology. She is currently interested in child development, especially as it relates to memory, attention, and emotional behavior. With such interests, Ava hopes to earn a graduate degree in school psychology. 

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.S. - Health Sciences '25 | St. Louis University

Rossana is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Health Sciences along with a minor in Spanish. She is involved with SLU Days for Girls, an organization that focuses on menstrual health and education, and holds a leadership position. Currently, she is interested in the neurodevelopment and psychopathology of adolescents and women. In the future, she hopes to attend Medical School.

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.S. Neuroscience '25 | St. Louis University

Jake is a senior who is majoring in Health Management on the Pre-Med track. He is interested in ADHD, TBI, and substance use and is hoping to learn more about the intersections between them. After college he hopes to attend med school. 

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.