Faculty
Chandan J. Vaidya, Ph.D.
Chandan is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Vice Provost of Faculty at Georgetown University and an investigator at the Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC. Her graduate training is in Developmental Psychology from Syracuse University and her post-doctoral training is in Cognitive Neuroscience from Stanford University.
Dr. Vaidya's research program is focused upon characterizing the functional neural architecture of adaptive mechanisms during the life span. Adaptive mechanisms promote goal-directed behaviors that allow us to adjust effectively to our environment. Her research focuses on two types of adaptive mechanisms - 1) Processes that require little effort such as learning from environmental regularities without intention or conscious awareness (termed implicit memory and learning); and 2) Processes that are effortful such as voluntary control over thoughts and actions (termed executive control). Her studies investigate how these adaptive mechanisms differ across individuals. Sources of variance under investigation include but are not limited to, genetic functional polymorphisms of catecholamines (e.g., DAT, SERT), metabolic differences (e.g., obesity and its intervention), and psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Schizophrenia).
Dr. Vaidya's research involves multidisciplinary methods, comprising behavioral, neuropsychological, and structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging in children and adult populations.
Yijun Chen, Ph.D.
Yijun accomplished her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience at Beijing Normal University in 2022. Her Ph.D. research focused on the plasticity of stroke and pediatric neurosurgery patients, employing multimodal MRI to gain insights into these conditions.
Her prior involvement with patients undergoing hemispherotomy sparked an interest in studying atypical brain development. This drive led her to become a postdoc of the Vaidya Lab in the summer of 2023. She is currently dedicated to researching individual differences in transferring acquired knowledge to new contexts within Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using longitudinal data.
Away from serious brain-bending, you'll find Yijun wholeheartedly embracing the art of fencing, enthusiastically exploring others' film analyses, and eagerly plotting her next adventure through American cities.
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Graduate Students
Gina Choe, B.S.
Gina is an MD-PhD student in the Georgetown School of Medicine and the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (IPN). Gina graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, and worked as a research specialist at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute in the labs of Dr. Uri Hasson and Dr. Yael Niv. In the former, she used machine learning and ECoG data to study naturalistic language; in the latter, she leveraged tools used in computational psychiatry to model cognitive processes underlying depression. She completed her first two years of medical school before beginning her PhD in DCNL in Fall 2023. In continuing to take a data-driven approach to research, Gina is interested in using model-based fMRI and computational modeling to investigate the neural basis of learning in children with autism and epilepsy, with the aim of elucidating mechanisms to target treatment. Outside of lab, she likes to spend time with her family (including their two dogs), eat good food, and watch bad reality TV.
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Undergraduate Students
Alana Horewitz
Alana Horewitz is a sophomore from Northern Virginia, majoring in Psychology and on the pre-med track. She joined DCNL in fall of 2023 to pursue her interest in research, specifically the intersection of psychology and neuroscience. Alana is part of Be the Match, an organization dedicated to adding as many people as possible to the bone marrow registry, which reflects her passion for making healthcare more widely accessible. Outside of the lab, Alana enjoys music, oil painting, and ballroom dancing.
Brett Rauch
Brett Rauch is a rising junior from Thousand Oaks, California double-majoring in Psychology and Justice & Peace Studies. He joined DCNL in the summer of 2023 to research the role of interoceptive ability in weight gain. Brett tutors a literature class at Arlington County Detention Facility through GU’s Prison Outreach program, which reflects his career aspiration of using clinical psychology and restorative practices to support justice-impacted individuals. In his free time, Brett enjoys playing games with his friends, going to concerts, and reading.
Stephanie Park
Stephanie Park is a rising second-year student at Georgetown University. She joined DCNL to pursue her interest in studying the neurobiological bases of pediatric health. Stephanie administers free HIV tests to underserved members of the DC community as a member of One Tent Health, reflecting her passion for making scientific knowledge and healthcare more accessible. Outside of research, Stephanie enjoys reading, crocheting, and exploring new places with friends.
Navyah Sathyamoorthi
Navyah Sathyamoorthi is a sophomore from Phoenix, Arizona, majoring in Physics and minoring in English on the premed track. She joined DCNL in the spring of 2024 to pursue her interests in the neurological basis for disabilities and its intersection with pediatric healthcare. Navyah works as an EMT and tutors students with learning disabilities, reflecting her passions towards pediatric healthcare, education, and disability. Outside of the lab, Navyah enjoys performing improv comedy, playing volleyball, and reading/watching Shakespeare.
Olivia Haber
Olivia Haber is a junior from Los Angeles, California, double-majoring in Psychology and Biology of Global Health on the pre-med track. She joined DCNL in the summer of 2024 to research the role of pediatric obesity in cognitive function and development. Olivia works on the research team in the Children’s National Hospital emergency department, which reflects her ambitions toward advancing pediatric healthcare. In her free time, Olivia enjoys baking, yoga, and exploring DC with her friends.
Ayah Khamis
Ayah Khamis is a sophomore from Northern New Jersey, majoring in Global Health on the pre-med track. She joined DCNL in fall of 2024 to pursue her interest in pediatric developmental disorders. Ayah is an ESL tutor and Crisis Text Line Volunteer. Outside of research, Ayah enjoys going on walks in DC with her friends, drinking iced mochas, and watching Arabic dramas with her mom.
Staff
Hannah Puckett, B.A.
Hannah graduated from the Washington and Lee in May 2023 with a degree in Cognitive and Behavioral Science and a minor in Poverty and Human Capability Studies. While at W&L, she worked in the Technology, Health, and Cognition lab examining associations between cellphone use, co-rumination and psychological functioning. As an aspiring counselor, Hannah is passionate about deepening her understanding of psychiatric disorders and utilizing innovative neuroscience research to create and implement evidence-based interventions, specifically for emerging adults. Outside of the lab, Hannah enjoys reading, going on long walks, and cooking with her roommates.
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Alumni
Graduate Students
Adam Kaminski, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2024, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR) at Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre.
Adnan Rashid - Received Masters in 2024, currently working as a data scientist for the United States Department of Agriculture.
Laya Rajan, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2021, currently finishing an MD in the combined MD/Ph.D. program at Georgetown University.
Kevin M. Cook, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2020, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC.
Charles J. Lynch, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2018, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Cornell University
Alaina Pearce, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2017, currently an Assistant Research Professor in the Social Science Research Institute at Pennsylvania State University
Frank Fishburn, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2017, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the University of Pittsburgh
Andrew Breeden, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2016, currently a Health Program Specialist at National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Eric Murphy, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2014, currently a Program Chief at National Institute of Mental Health
Evan Gordon, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2012, currently a Staff Scientist at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Ericka Burgos-Ruiz, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2012, currently an Instructor at Johns Hopkins University in Rockville, MD
Melanie Stollstorff, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2010, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Kelly Barnes, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2008, completed a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Washington University, St. Louis, currently at the National Institutes for Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
Undergraduate Students
Brenna Towell, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2019-2023
Anna Missner, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2020-2022.
Kaitlin Ballenger, Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student, 2018-2019
Alice Beneke, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2017-2019 Gabe Santos, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2017-2019 Maciej Kietlinski, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2013-2014
Joshua Loewenstern, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2012-2014
Stephanie Crockett, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Deeksha Taneja, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Maxim Wheatley, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Rose Seidman, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Summer 2012
Michael Balsan, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2011-2012
Anila D'Mello, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2010-2012
Adam Fine, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2010-2011
Daniel Bercik, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2009-2011
Brisas Flores, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2010-2011
Helen Burton, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2009-2011
Andrew Malzberg, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2009-2010
Jane Dewire, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2008-2010
Nick Parrott, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2008-2009
Lindsay Anderson, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2008-2009
Stephanie Bean, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2009
Michael Billington, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2008
Colin Brody, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2008
Joshua Henderson, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2008
Brett Robinson, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2008
Meg Benner, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2004-2006
Leslie Claracay, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2004-2005
Jonathan Gardner, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2004-2005
Julie Balzano, Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student, 2003-2004
Marianne Huger, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Casey Hoffman, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Vanessa Rakaczky, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Rosie Gomez-Lobo, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Rotation Students
Daisy Booker, Rotating IPN Student, 2022
Mia Coutinho, Rotating IPN Student, 2022
Breana Downey, Rotating IPN Student, 2016
Benson Stevens, Rotating IPN Student, 2014
Valerie Darcey, Rotating IPN Student, 2012
Andrew Breeden, Rotating IPN Student, 2011
Frank Fishburn, Rotating IPN Student, 2010
Lauren Pepe, Rotating IPN Student, 2010
Laurie Glezer, Rotating IPN Student, 2004
Elizabeth Lacey, Rotating IPN Student, 2004
Sylvie Song, Rotating IPN Student, 2004
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Xiaozhen You, Ph.D. - Currently working as a Quantitative Modeler for Fannie Mae
Sufang Li, Ph.D. - Currently working in SAS programming with clinical research
Ben Yerys, Ph.D. - Currently Assistant Professor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philip Lee, M.D., Ph.D. - Currently Director of Epilepsy Surgery at Allegheny Health Network
Staff
Brylee Hawkins, Lab Manager 2022-2024, currently pursuing masters in clinical social work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Jordan Linde, Lab Manager 2020-2022; currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology at University of Hartford Katie Flaharty, Lab Manager, 2018-2020; went on to pursue an MD at the University of Michigan Junaid Merchant, Research Associate, 2016-2018; went on to pursue a neuroscience PhD. at the University of Maryland
Brad Cherry, Lab Manager, 2015-2018
Ruth Ludlum, Lab Manager, 2013-2015; went on to get an MBS at Rutgers University
Megan Norr, Lab Manager, 2011-2013; went on to get a PhD. in psychology from UC Berkeley
Stephanie Bean, Lab Manager, 2009-2011; went on to get an MBA/MPH at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Devon Shook, Lab Manager and Research Assistant, 2006-2010
Jen Foss-Feig, Lab Manager, 2004-2006
Lauren Kaplan, Lab Manager, 2003-2004
Sarah Noonan, Lab Manager, 2001-2003