MEET THE LAB MEMBERS!

Assistant Professor | Department of Psychology | St Louis University

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

Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) - Centre College, 2004-08 – Psychobiology/Financial Economics 

Cognitive Neuroscience | St. Louis University

Arlinda is the Graduate Research Assistant in the Luking Lab pursuing her doctorate in Experimental Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. She recently graduated from SLU with a B.S. in Neuroscience. As an undergraduate, she dedicated her time to volunteering at the Loyola Academy as a tutor and working as a TA, which led to her interest in academia. She is excited about her upcoming projects investigating hormonal sensitivity and differences in depression symptomology based on biological sex. She plans to research the development of psychopathology in bicultural children/ adolescents in the future. 

Cognitive Neuroscience | St. Louis University

Stephanie is a second-year doctoral student in the Cognitive Neuroscience program. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and a Master's degree in Psychology from Illinois State University. Her research interests include using neuroimaging to investigate the impact of aging on emotional control and decision-making. She is also interested in the effects technology and personality have on sensory control processes and cognitive control processes, respectively.

B.S. Neuroscience '24 | St. Louis University

Maria is the Lead Research Assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience and hopes to attend Medical School. She is currently very excited to be working on her Capstone Project that will investigate Neural and Affective Sensitivity to Hormones across the Menstrual Cycle, as well as publish her findings within the ABCD Study.  Maria is also involved in numerous projects with the Early Emotional Development Program at WUSTL SOM. She is a volunteer of NAMI STL, and is an award-winning advocate for the awareness of PMDD (Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder). 

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

Rowan is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Luking Lab.  He is pursuing a B.S. degree in Neuroscience at Saint Louis University.  Currently, he is interested in the pathophysiology of ADHD and other cognitive disorders, as well as how they develop throughout adolescence, and into early adulthood.  After his time here at SLU, he hopes to move on to a graduate program in neuroscience!

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

Ava is a junior 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.S. Neuroscience '25 | St. Louis University

Jake is a junior 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.S. Neuroscience '25 | St. Louis University

Stevie is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in American Studies, and hopes to attend schooling to become either a Physician's Assistant or a Neurologist. She is excited to continue her research exploring the interaction between ADHD and TBI in children and adolescents. In the future, she plans to involve herself in research surrounding psychopathology and childhood trauma. 

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

Pranavi is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience and B.A. in Bioethics & Health Studies and is part of SLU’s Medical Scholar Program. She is involved with the American Medical Women’s Association and volunteers for Overground Railroad and Christian Friends of New Americans. She is interested in investigating the development of psychopathology of addiction and depression.

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

Mya Falkenhain is an undergraduate research assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a sophomore 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. Neuroscience '26 | St. Louis University

Richa is a Research Assistant in the Luking Lab. She is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience and is part of the Medical Scholars Program at SLU. She is very excited to explore and research the neurodevelopment and psychopathology in middle childhood and early adolescence. Richa is also involved in Global Medical Brigades and volunteers with Christian Friends of New Americans and Campus Kitchen.

BS | St. Louis University

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BS | St. Louis University

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BS | St. Louis University

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BS | St. Louis University

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