PEOPLE
DR. NADIA CHERNYAK
Lab Director/Principal Investigator
Dr. Chernyak is faculty in the Department of Cognitive Sciences at UC - Irvine and the director of the lab. She received her BA and PhD from Cornell University, and completed additional postdoctoral training at various universities in the Boston area, including Brown University, Harvard University, Boston University, and Boston College. Her work investigates the early roots of our social behavior. She is particularly interested in how we can use developmental data to better understand the cognitive building blocks of our understanding of fairness and social group cognition.
KIANA GEE
Lab Manager
Kiana recently graduated from UC Irvine with her B.S. in Cognitive Science. She was previously a research assistant in this very lab. She enjoys studying developmental cognition, language acquisition, and is particularly interest in investigating how household dynamics influence children's ideas of inequality. In the future she hopes to continue her work with children and further her studies in graduate school. During her free time, she enjoys playing music, drawing, spending time with friends and family, and going out for boba runs.
JACQUELINE BECK
Graduate Student
Jacky is a graduate student working with Dr. Nadia Chernyak. Jacky received her B.S. in Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and worked as a lab manager at the University of Chicago.
Jacky is interested in how children’s social environment shapes their beliefs and behaviors. In particular, she is interested in how children from different socioeconomic backgrounds explain concepts of equity, free will, and social mobility. In her free time, she likes to decompress by trying out new food and playing games.
SHARANYA BASHYAM
Graduate Student
Sharanya is a graduate student working with Dr. Nadia Chernyak. She received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Hyderabad, an M.A. in Applied Psychology with Specialization in Clinical Psychology from Tata Institue of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and an M.A. in Social Sciences (concentration - Psychology) from the University of Chicago.
Sharanya is interested in understanding how bilingualism shapes social cognition. Apart from research, Sharanya loves watching the latest K-dramas, reading fiction, and creating the perfect background playlist for graduate school work (...and coffee...and tea).
YUFEI ZONG
Graduate Student
Yufei grew up in Zibo, a city in East China, and spent her university years in Beijing. She received a B.S. in Psychology from Beijing Normal University, and an M.S. in Developmental and Educational Psychology from Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Yufei is interested in children’s social cognition, particularly how they develop moral cognition and exhibit moral behaviors. In her spare time, Yufei enjoys listening to music, reading novels, exploring various coffee and boba shops, and spending time with her friends.
ISABEL HERRERA GUEVARA
Graduate Student
Born and raised in Tijuana, B.C. Mexico, Isabel graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Psychology with Specialization in Cognitive Psychology and a Biology minor. Previously, she was our very own DoSC lab manager.
Isabel is interested in children's preferences on leadership when facing different opinions between groups and how these preferences diverge when candidates portray prosocial or in-group/out-group characteristics. In her free time, Isabel loves watching shows, reading fantasy, playing with Yuri (her cat), and drinking coffee!
ANAIS GERONIMO
Graduate Student Affiliate
Hi, my name is Anais, and I am a PhD student working under the direction of Dr. Paul Piff. I study the consequences of inequality by examining the moral underpinnings of sociopolitical behaviors and attitudes, as well as the various mechanisms that lead to the justification and maintenance of inequality. I aim to shed light on how we can enhance intergroup social relationships and foster communities of care.
2026 SUMMER INTERNS
SAGE LEVY
Summer Intern
Sage is currently pursuing a B.A. in psychology at Wellesley College, with a minor in English. At Wellesley, she is a member of the Imaginary Lab, studying children’s imaginary companions and adult’s imaginary worlds. After graduating, she hopes to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology, with a focus on the impact of technology on children. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, observing wildlife, going to concerts, and hosting themed parties.
SHANYA ARASU
Summer Intern
Shanya is entering her fourth year as an undergraduate student studying Psychology and Economics, with hopes to eventually receive a PhD in Cognitive Science. She loves learning about new research and studies, and she’s especially interested in how we can train children to make better decisions for themselves for the future. She’s also passionate about using findings to create interventions that can uplift populations who are systematically disadvantaged. In her free time, she like exploring new scenic nature spots and trying new coffee shops!
CLARA TAKAHASHI
RA
Clara is a third-year currently pursuing her B.A. in Psychological Science at UCI. She is interested in developmental psychology, specifically how children’s behavior develops, and hopes to become a pediatric occupational therapist in the future. In her free time, she dances with UCI’s MCIA dance team and loves trying new food and matcha places with friends.
MAYA MOOKHERJEE AMODT
RA (SURP + UROP Recipient)
Maya is a third year undergraduate student at UCI, currently pursuing her Bachelors in both Psychological Sciences and International Studies. She has a particular interest in how a research based approach to understanding social issues can affect human world views and opinions. In the future, she hopes to conduct cross-cultural research, with a focus in the developmental and social branches of psychology.
MADISON GARGUILE
RA (SURP Recipient)
Maddie is a third year Psychology BS major. She is interested in understanding how early life experiences influence who we become and supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. She is planning to go to grad school in the future. In her free time she loves thrifting, going to concerts, and shopping with friends.
MAYA SALAMA
RA
Maya Salama is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at UCI. She hopes to continue on to Graduate school and eventually receive a PhD in Psychology. She’s particularly interested in the social behavior and cognition of people throughout their entire lifespan. In her free time, she enjoys working out, running, watching movies, and drinking coffee!
SARAH LEY
RA (SURP + UROP Recipient)
Sarah is a third year Psychology B.S. major who is interested in how children’s experiences, innate knowledge, and heritable traits impact their ability to navigate the world and display prosocial behavior. Upon graduating from UCI, her future goals are to get her PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology, especially in the adolescent aspect. In her free time, Sarah enjoys watching women’s basketball, baking, and grabbing coffee.
LUCIA MOCKRIDGE
RA
Lucia Mockridge is a third-year majoring in Psychology B.A. with the long-term goal of becoming a mental health therapist in clinical psychology. She is particularly drawn to working with children and adolescents and is deeply interested in how psychological disorders shape emotional development, behavior, and overall well-being. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend grad school and pursue licensure in order to support individuals through evidence-based and empathetic care. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places with friends, spending time in nature, cooking, drawing and painting, and watching movies.
JESSICA QUINTERO
RA
Jessica is a third-year Psychology (B.S.) major. She is interested in learning how the intersection of neurodevelopmental conditions and a child’s gender identity influences their development. Jessica hopes to attend a graduate program after her time here at UCI. In her free time, she loves to read, crochet, create new outfits, listen to music, and watch cheesy rom-coms!
NATALIE GALLO
RA
Natalie is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. She is interested in the impact of consistent virtual media on the developing mind as well as the correlation between adolescent eating habits and behavior. Her long term goal is to become a medical professional focusing on a holistic approach to health. In her free time she loves watching movies, going to the beach, and seeking out the best coffee shops.
TARA DEVARA
RA
Tara is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Psychological Science, B.A. and Dance. She is interested in child psychology, specifically moral development and decision-making in children as they mature. After graduating, Tara plans to go to graduate school to continue her education. In her free time, she is always dancing, walking along the beach, and reading.
YUJEONG (KATIE) OK
_JPG.jpg)
.jpg)
RA (SURP Recipient)
Yujeong Ok (Katie) is a second-year B.S. Psychology major at UCI. Growing up overseas in a multicultural environment, she is interested in how bilingual and cross-cultural contexts shape children’s understanding of social norms, fairness, and inequality. After graduating from UCI, she hopes to pursue a PhD in psychology, focusing on developmental research through a cognitive neuroscience lens. In her free time, she enjoys discovering cafés that feel like they belong in a movie, reading with far too many sticky notes, and turning quiet afternoons into elaborate cooking experiments.
DEEPTHI HEGDE
RA
Deepthi is a second- year undergraduate pursuing her B.S in Psychology at UCI. She is interested in developmental psychology and human behavior. In the future, she hopes to pursue a future career that integrates psychological research with therapeutic practice to support individuals and communities.
NIVEDA JAYARAJ
RA
Niveda is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. degree in Psychology. She is interested in learning more about how children perceive the future and how that contributes towards their ability to goal plan. She plans to move on to graduate school and earn a P.H.D or PsyD in psychology. In her free time, she enjoys making jewelry, reading, journaling, and/ or going to the beach.
ALISON URANGA
RA
Alison is a new transfer student from San Diego California and is obtaining a B.A in Psychology. She is interested in developmental psychology and is interested in the process of how kids come to their own conclusions. In the future she is hoping to go to grad school and wants to work with children and their families to better their wellbeing. In her free time she attempts new baking recipes, cooks her favorite comfort foods, crafting, dancing, and loves to watch comedy movies.
PHOENIX TAT
RA
Phoenix is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Sciences B.A. currently at UCI. She aims to continue her education and complete a graduate degree. She is interested in studying more about factors that can lead to prosocial behavior development in children and how to implement that into therapeutic settings. In her free time, she enjoys creating art as well as crafting.
KRISTIN STEFANSSON
RA
Kristin is a third-year undergraduate pursuing a B.A in Psychology. She is particularly interested in pediatric neuropsychology, with a focus on the early identification of autism and ADHD in high-masking girls. She plans to pursue a PsyD in clinical psychology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a neuropsychologist. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, crocheting, and playing video games.
LILI GUERRERO
RA (SURP Recipient)
Lili Guerrero is a second-year Psych B.S. major at UCI. She is interested in how children think about their future success and how they learn to navigate their social environments. In the future she hopes to pursue graduate school to continue her education. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.
BRYAN FRANCIS
RA
Bryan is a second-year undergraduate student at UCI, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He plans on continuing his education in grad school, with a focus on pediatric occupational therapy. He is particularly interested in the impact of environmental and biological factors on gross motor development. In his free time, he enjoys going to concerts, swimming at the beach, hiking, and going to the movies.
ASHLEY SON
RA
Ashley is a third-year currently pursuing a Psychology BS degree. She is mainly interested in the way children behave based on their upbringing and the cognitive aspect of their development. In the near future, she hopes to begin her pursuits towards a career as a pediatric neuropsychologist. Outside of academics, she loves spending time with her friends, discovering new cafes, and indulging in retail therapy.
LUCY ANNE DOSSER
RA
Lucy Anne Dosser is a second-year Psychology B.A. major. She is interested in studying developmental and social psychology, specifically how factors such as culture and environment shape children’s behaviors and beliefs. Lucy Anne hopes to pursue graduate school and earn a master's or PhD in psychology. In her free time, she enjoys collecting trinkets, painting, napping, and spending time with her friends.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Lab Mascots
MITTENS
Lab Cat
Mittens is a first-year cat, studying jumping, purring, and eating wet food treats. He is particularly interested in better understanding why lab work distracts the PI from being his human pillow 24/7. In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his 3 owners, and competing for the world's loudest purr. He hopes to improve feline representation in cognitive development research by starting his own Cat Cognition Lab in the future.
BINU
Lab Dog
Binu is a 5th year PhD dog. His research focuses on understanding the human mind behind treat-giving. His recent work dives deeper into the art of looking maximally neglected to trigger human sympathy. In his free time, Binu likes to bark at skateboards and plop to the ground to sunbathe during walks.
YURI
Lab Cat
Hi! My name is Yuri and I love to sleep. When I'm not sleeping, I enjoy playing tag, hunting toys, and chin scratches. My favorite days are when my parents go to Costco, because they bring back a box I can play in every time
LAB ALUMNI
Dear wonderful DoSC Lab alumni! We'd love to hear from you on what you are up to now. Please consider reaching out to let us know where you are!
Former Students and Research Staff
Sifana Sohail (Lab Manager 2018 - 2020; now: Ph.D. student in Developmental Psychology at Yale University)
Lucy Stowe (Lab Manager 2020 - 2022; now Ph.D. student in Developmental Psychology at UC Davis)
Allegra Midgette (Postdoctoral Collaborator 2019-2021; now: Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University)
Danyang Ma (Project Coordinator 2019 - 2022; now: Ph.D. student in Developmental Psychology at UC Riverside)
Taylor Ashqar (Project Coordinator 2019 - 2023; Master's student in Human Factors at CSU Long Beach)
Jose Ramirez (Project Coordinator 2018 - 2024)
Former Summer Interns
Umiemah Farrukh (2021-2023; now: Lab Manager at USC) former Summer Intern
Sofia Babool (2021)
Olivia Ramos Jacquez (2021) - SURF
Isabel Hoffman (2021)
Habiba Amir (2022)
Tenzing Choeying (2022; now: Research Assistant at Columbia University)
Jennifer Hodel (2022)
Jai'lyn Edwards (2023)
Daphne Suh (2023)
Vidusshi Hingad (2023)
Anais Geronimo (2024); now: PhD Student at UC -Irvine
Chelsea Cheng (2025)
Preeti Bachu (2025)
Isabel Clare (2025)
Angela Valadez (2025) - SURF
Former Research Assistants
Stephen Sanders (2019)
Sarvenaz Tate (2019)
Ane Avetisyan (2019-2020)
Nina Hoang (2019-2020)
Alek Marantz (2019-2020; now: PsyD Student at Chicago School of Professional Psychology)
Samia Miss (2019-2020)
Naomi DeLuna (2020)Michelle Ortiz (2019-2020; now: MA student in Counseling Psychology at Mount St. Mary University)
Jenny Li (2020)
Annie Dinh (2020)
Yunshi Luo (2020; now: MA student in Developmental Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania)
Abe Guevara (2020; now MS Student in Marriage & Family Therapy at Seattle Pacific University)
Ameera Azzam (2019 - 2021; now: Project Manager)
Katherine Brogan (2019 - 2021; now: Research Coordinator at UCSF)
Rui Zhang (2019 - 2021; after DoSC Lab: MA student in I/O Psychology at New York University; now: Lab Manager at Yale University)
Sahrai Garcia (2019 - 2021; now: Research Coordinator at UC Riverside)
Erin Conghuyen (2019 - 2021; now: Law Student at UC Hastings School of Law)
Ariel Tan (2021; after DoSC Lab: Lab Manager in the UCI Working Memory & Plasticity Lab; now: EdD Student at Harvard Graduate School of Education)
Daisy Mercado (2021; now: Research Staff at UCLA)
Kevin Ramirez (2021 - 2022; now: EdD Student at UC Berkeley)
Rakat Rahman (2019 - 2022; now: Management Analyst)
Shakira Noriega (2020 - 2022)
Catherine Kagoo (2021 - 2022; now working at a marketing agency in Dallas, TX)
Jolina Lee (2021 - 2022; now: MA Student in Speech Language Pathology at San Diego State University) former Thesis Student and SURP Recipient
Sophia Ma (2022)
Sophia Tong (2023)
Vivian Nguyen (2021 - 2023; now: School of Psychology PhD Student at UC Riverside) former SURP Recipient
Jasmine Nguyen (2023)
Cassidy Wong (2021-2023; now:working at a Physical Therapy Clinic and part time ministry with Cru at UCI) former Thesis Student and SURP Recipient
Lizbeth Romero (2023; now: MA in Human Factors at CSU Long Beach) former SURP Recipient
Hannah Gonzales (2022-2023; now: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/Spravato technician) former SURP Recipient
Eli Robinson (2023; now: PhD Student at UT Austin) former SURP Recipient
Rae Petersen (2022-2023; now: legal internship at an immigration law firm and completing my paralegal certification at UCLA)
Ashley Sunwoo (2023)
Jessie Lee (2021 - 2024)
Evelyn Rui Yang Jiang (2023 - 2024)
Jessie Lee (2021 - 2023)
Victoria Martinez Orozco (2023 - 2024; now: MS Student in Speech & Language Pathology at Northeastern University)
Audrey Lagrisola (2022 - 2024 former SURP Recipient)
Mingrui Ye (2024)
Elizabeth Rzepczynski (2023-2024; now: MA Student in Psychology at University of Edinburgh; former thesis student and UROP Recipient)
Kimberly Rodriguez (2023 - 2024)
Sabina Maria Margaret Leal (2024)
Sophia Hyun In Lee (2024)
Seoyoon (Yuni) Kim (2024)
Michelle Pham (2023-2024)
Samantha Bo-Chun Yeung (2023-2024)
Tati Rios (2022-2025)
​Lana Isabel Abad (2023-2025; former thesis student and SURP Recipient)
Angelica Marie Lazaro (2023 - 2025)
​Ellen Widjaja (2023 - 2025)
Lezly Caballero (2023 - 2025)
Divya Modgil (2023 - 2025)
Celeste Ochoa (2024 - 2025)
William Huang (2024 - 2025)
Hannah Kwon (2025)
Diya Kocherry (2025)
Shuyan Li (2025)
Mikaela Selby (2024 - 2025)
Ningyi Ma (2024 - 2025)
Anna Le (2024 - 2025)
Jeffrey Ellis (2024 - 2025)
Diya Nabar (2024 - 2026; former thesis student and SURP + UROP Recipient; now: student in Bryn Mawr's Premedical Postbaccalaureate Program; soon to be student in Case Western's Master's in Applied Anatomy)
Madison Kelley Leingang (2023 - 2026; former thesis student and SURP + UROP Recipient; now: MA student in Counseling Psychology at CSU Bakersfield)
Shantal Deeb (2025 - 2026)
Cindy Tayagua-Abarca (2025 - 2026; former thesis student and SURP + UROP Recipient)​
Roger Nguyen (2025 - 2026) SURP Recipient
Amanda Zidron (2025 - 2026) SURP Recipient
Esther Jeon (2025 - 2026)
Lucie Villata (2026)