Bella is the Lab Coordinator and a doctoral student in the General Clinical Ph.D. program at UNCW. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame where she earned her bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Behavior. Bella is particularly interested in positive psychology interventions and developmental origins. Bella's Master's thesis, "Children's best possible selves: A best possible self intervention with children in preschool and elementary school" and her Doctoral dissertation, "The power of gratitude: An evaluation of a food gratitude intervention's effectiveness at reducing disordered eating behavior," reflect her passion for these subjects. 

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Hannah is a senior in the Honors College at UNCW majoring in Psychology. This is Hannah’s second year in the Cognitive Development Lab. She became interested in cognitive development after discovering how fascinating the field is and is excited to learn more through research. 

Riley is a junior at UNCW and is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She has a passion for children’s development and mental wellbeing. This is her first year in the Cognitive Development Lab and is very excited to learn more about cognition and the impact of gratitude. 

Johnny is a junior at UNCW and is majoring in Psychology. He plans on going to graduate school to study clinical or counselling psychology with a focus on mental health. This is Johnny's first semester in the CDL, and he looks forward to expanding his skills and collaborating with everyone else in the lab! 

Talia is a senior at UNCW majoring in Psychology and minoring in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has a passion for working with children and researching ways to benefit them and their individual learning. This is Talia’s first year in the Cognitive Development Lab, and she hopes to use the skills she learns to create a bridge between cognition and behavior analysis. 

Makayla is a senior in the Honors College at UNCW, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Whole Health and Wellness Studies. Her research interests include nutrition and physical activity, particularly how these factors interact with mental health. Makayla plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in Clinical Psychology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a child therapist. She is excited to expand her knowledge and gain research experience through her involvement in the lab. 

Chloe recently graduated from UNCW, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has a passion for working with children and making an impact on the world. Chloe’ collaborates with the Cognitive Development Lab and is eager to grow her skills as she prepares for a future career working with children. 

Bea completed her Honors Thesis, "Exploring the effects of health status labels on children's and adults' perceptions of the future possible selves of others," in the CDL and graduated from UNCW in 2023 with a B.A. in Psychology. Her interests center on health and developmental science, and she continues to collaborate with the CDL on ongoing work.

Brianna graduated from UNCW with a B. A. in Psychology. She is delighted to continue contributing her skills and enthusiasm to ongoing research as a postbaccalaureate volunteer.  Her research interests include child cognitive and behavioral development, and the intersection of art therapy and mental health.  She is planning to attend graduate school and hopes to continue working with children and families. 

David graduated from UNCW, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Leadership Studies. David is excited to continue dedicating his time and skills as a postbaccalaureate volunteer in the CDL, supporting our research efforts. His research interests include child behavior and exercise science, and he plans to pursue graduate training in sports psychology. 

Micah earned a M.S. from UNCW after completing her Master's thesis on "The influence of socioeconomic status labels on children's and adults' perceptions of others' future possible selves." She also holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in Sociology from UNCW. Micah's research interests are focused on social influences on developing children. She remains a collaborator with the CDL, contributing to the lab's research efforts. 

Alexis graduated from UNCW with a B.A. in Psychology. She has been in the CDL since August 2021. Alexis is currently an Elementary Special Education teacher for students in first, second, and third grade. She is also pursuing her MA in Teaching Special Education program at UNCC. Alexis continues to collaborate with the CDL, and is enthusiastic about sharing our research!