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Associate Professor of Psychology
Director, Child Learning and Development Lab 
 
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Megan Taketa
Thesis Student
Megan is a senior from Seattle, Washington. While unsure about what her exact career path may look like, she is interested in both developmental psychology research and pediatric occupational therapy. Outside of academics, Megan is part of the Amherst College Softball team and enjoys coaching young athletes!
 
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Cayla Weiss
Thesis Student
Cayla is a senior from Lexington, Massachusetts. Although she currently undeclared, she is interested in psychology and potentially environmental studies. She is also undecided about a career path, but she is potentially interested in pursuing clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys crocheting, figure skating, and is a member of the Amherst Women's Crew Team. 
 
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Yareli Calderon
Research Assistant
Yareli is a sophomore from New Haven, Connecticut, majoring in Psychology. Although she is unsure of her career path, she is interested in art therapy, counseling, clinical psychology, and working with children. Outside of th elab, Yareli is part of the Amherst Christian Fellowship leadership team and is an active member of the Latinx affinity group La Causa. She enjoys journaling, painting, playing squash, and spending time outdoors. 
 
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Jackeline Fernandes
Research Assistant
Jackeline is a junior from Port Washington, New York, majoring in psychology and English. While still unsure about her career path, she is particularly interested in developmental psychology and hopes to work with children in the future. Outside of the lab, Jackeline is an editor and staff writer for The Indicator Literary Magazine and a WAMH radio host. She also enjoys working as a college tour guide, and you can often spot her reading a book in an Adirondack chair or biking around campus!
 
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Madison Green
Research Assistant
Madison is a junior from South Orange, New Jersey. She is currently a prospective psychology major on the Pre-Med Track. She plans to pursue a career in the clinical psychology field working with children. Outside of the lab, Madison is an E-board member of the Black Student Union and a proud tennis player and fencer. In her spare time, she enjoys doing the New York Times crossword, reading, and watching historical documentaries about monarchs. 
 
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Mary Gum 
Research Assistant
Mary is a junior from Dallas, Texas, majoring in psychology and anthropology. Mary would like to purse a career in clinical psychology working with children. Outside of the lab, Mary is on the women's lacrosse team and enjoys coaching youth sports. In her spare time, she loves to pet dogs, go for walks outside, and bake! 
 
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Eren Levine
Research Assistant
Eren is a junior from New York City. She is planning to major in psychology and is currently on the Pre-Med Track. While unsure of her exact career path, Eren hopes to work with children either in the medical field or in clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, Eren is the news editor for the Amherst STEM Network and is a member of the Women's Ultimate Frisbee Team. She also enjoys reading, going for long walks, and spending time with friends and family!
 
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Giulia Miotto Leal
Research Assistant
Giulia is a junior from Mill Valley, CA majoring in psychology and French. Although she is unsure of her career path, she is very interested in working with children, potentially in the field of clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, Giulia is a member of the Wellness Team and works at the post office. She also enjoys reading, Zumba classes, and going into town to grab coffee. 
 
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Justin Ruiz
Research Assistant
Justin is a junior from Lihue, Hawaii majoring in psychology and education studies. Unsure of his exact career path, Justin is interested in both developmental psychology research or looking into academia. Outside of the lab, Justin is an active member of the Asian Students Association and dances as a member of DASAC. He also enjoys baking, listening to music, and traveling with his friends and family!
 
 
Previous Thesis Students
Nia Harris, 2014; Rachel Tannenbaum, 2015; Marissa Fierro, 2016; Ashleigh Rutherford, 2016; Danielle Griffin, 2018; Krista Goebel, 2018; Erika DeAngelis, 2019; Rebecca Jordan, 2019; Andrew Floersheimer, 2020; Julia Ruggerio, 2021; Heather Scott, 2021; Sylvia Lanni, 2022; Natalie Hobbs, 2022. 
 
Previous Research Assistants
Aubrie Campbell, 2014; Madeleine Lobrano, 2015; Gabriella Selover, 2017; Donna Kim, 2016; Kramer Peterson, 2017; Andrew Altizer, 2018; Gina Pagan, 2018; Anna Vuong, 2018; DivineAsia Miller, 2019; Denise Noriega, 2019; Lauren Reppert, 2019; Kristen Riley, 2019; Gabby Rose, 2019; Jenna Finklestein, 2020; Madison Forde, 2020; Christina Lee, 2020; Katie Crum, 2021; Grace Haase, 2021; Lauren Simpson, 2021; Gyselle Hennessey, 2022; Kelly Huang, 2022; Anna Madden, 2022; Jenna Wyman, 2022; Chloe Metz, 2023; Shikha Jha, 2022; Eline Laurent, 2022; Thariana Pichardo, 2022; Camila Villagra-Riquelme, 2022; Kate Redmond, 2023.