WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS - Key Persons
Aidan joined the lab in late 2021 and works mainly on processing lab data.
Ashley Nielsen is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the Department of Neurology investigating how early life adversity impacts brain maturation in infants and toddlers. Brain development is immensely complex. Ashley's work has been devoted to appreciating and interrogating the complex interactions across the brain the support the emergence of behavioral capacities throughout development and considering the influence of environment and experience on this maturation. Ashley studies the infant brain using functional connectivity MRI, multivariate machine learning, and other neuroimaging tools and statistical techniques in order to disentangle the complex relationship between the brain, behavior, and environment in early life. Ashley received her PhD in Neuroscience from Washington University in St. Louis.
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Associate
Berenice is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Psychiatry and joined the WUNDER Lab team this past January. Berenice's research interests are at the intersection of infant neurodevelopment, emotion regulation, infant temperament, and caregiver mental health. Berenice is a 2020 D-SPAN Scholar, an NINDS grant that funded her predoctoral work and has now transition into a K00 to fund a 4-year continuation of her neuroscience research into the postdoctoral phase. During her doctoral training, she investigated infant developmental trajectories of EEG delta-beta coupling and functional-network connectivity - neural measures that have been associated with regulation in adults. As part of her new work with the WUNDER team, Berenice is investigating developmental trajectories of socioemotional competence in infants born very premature, while also examining the role of neural functional and structural organization as well as caregiver-child interactions. Berenice received a B.A. (2014) and a M.S. in Psychology (2016) from Western Kentucky University, and a PhD from The Pennsylvania State University. Berenice is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia, and is dedicated to training and mentoring students from minoritized and disadvantaged backgrounds. In her spare time, Berenice enjoys traveling, music, water color, and dancing!
Caleb Gardner is a programmer in the Department of Neurology and a member of the Washington University Neonatal and Developmental Research Lab. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering with a concentration in Neural Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Caleb specializes in processing neuroimaging data and managing research databases for the lab.
David Loseille is a Programmer in the lab and joined in August of 2021. David earned his Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Saint Louis University. His position includes processing neuroimaging data in neonates and toddlers.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Coordinator I
Destinee graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2020, where she earned her B.A. in Psychological and Brain Sciences with a minor in Children's Studies. She joined the eLABE study in March 2021. Destinee administers behavioral and developmental assessments, including EEG and eyetracking data. She helps with toddler MRIs, which is one of her favorite parts of the follow-up visits. She also transcribes, codes and organizes behavioral and developmental data for Dr. Lean.
Dima graduated from the University of St. Louis in 2023 with her Masters in Counseling with a license in K-12 School Counseling and with a Bachelor of Art in Psychology in 2013. She joined the eLabe study as a Professional Rater III in 2023 after working in various mental health roles in schools and hospitals across St. Louis. Dima's role in the eLabe will consist of but is not limited to, administering assessments to children and mothers, coding, and providing mental health support and resources for those in need.
Job Titles:
- Data Analyst in the Department of Neurology
Dimitrios Alexopoulos is a Data Analyst in the Department of Neurology who specializes in the management, archiving and analysis of data acquired using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). His research focus is primarily on using advanced neuroimaging techniques to better understand brain development in infants born prematurely. Mr. Alexopoulos earned a Master of Science degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
Job Titles:
- Undergraduate Research Assistant
Esmee Vuong is an undergraduate student at Washington University in St. Louis pursuing a major in Cognitive Neuroscience and a minor in Global Health. She joined the lab in 2021 and is assisting Dr. Rachel Lean in studying the relationship between psychosocial adversity and maternal mind-mindedness.
Gabrielle graduated in 2021 from The University of Missouri - Columbia, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology and a double minor in Criminal Justice and Social Justice. Gabrielle joined the WUNDER Lab in September of 2023 and is a Professional Rater II for the eLABE team. Her work with the eLABE incudes scheduling, coding, administering behavioral and emotional assessments, collecting biospecimens, and assisting with MRI scans on child participants. Prior to joining the WUNDER Lab, Gabrielle gained experience working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, providing behavioral therapy in a clinical setting. Beyond her professional commitments, Gabrielle finds interest in indoor and outdoor rock climbing, spending time with her two dachshunds, visiting coffee shops and taking care of her houseplants.
Job Titles:
- Undergraduate Research Assistant
Haley joined the lab in 2021 as an undergraduate research assistant for the CUDDLE study. She is currently a third year student at Washington University in St. Louis, double majoring in Psychology and Economics with a minor in English. While still somewhat uncertain about her future career path, Haley hopes to either pursue a PhD in psychology or attend law school.
Jackson has been a Professional Rater II in the WUNDER lab since 2023. He got his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Saint Louis University in 2020. Before coming to the lab, he worked as an Registered Behavior Technician in a pediatric clinic for children with autism. As part of the WUNDER team, Jackson administers developmental testing for both the WUNDER study and the HBCD study.
Job Titles:
- Programmer
- Neuroimaging Engineer
Jeanette Kenley is a programmer in the Department of Neurology and a member of the Washington University Neonatal and Developmental Research Team since 2010. Jeanette earned her Bachelors of Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri St. Louis - Washington University Joint Engineering Program. Jeanette's areas of interest include neonatal, child, and young adult resting state functional connectivity and how various computer applications and clinical research can help shape future diagnosis and treatments. As part of her work in the WUNDER team, Jeanette develops and executes processing codes to analyze resting state functional connectivity and diffusion weighted imaging data.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Supervisor With the
Jessica Perkins is a Clinical Research Supervisor with the WUNDER Lab. She has been a team member since 2012. As part of her work with the WUNDER Lab, she helps manage studies to support research staff and handles administrative lab responsibilities.
Jillian Wilson (she/ they) is a Professional Rater II in the Department of Psychiatry in the eLABE study. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Philosophy from Webster University in Saint Louis. Her professional interests include studying the neurological and behavioral effects of racial trauma, as well as neurodegenerative diseases and their impact on autobiographical memory. In the future, she will pursue a PhD in Neuropsychology or Cognitive Psychology researching these topics in depth. In her spare time, she enjoys painting and reading, along with spending time with loved ones and trying new things.
Jordan Drake joined the lab in August 2021 after graduating from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her work includes scheduling and administering assessments for the eLABE and CUDDEL studies, serving as EEG Processing Team Lead, and assisting in toddler MRI scans. Her research interests include examining early life factors and how they contribute to later psychosocial outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Medical Student, Medical School of Brown University
Karen Lukas is a Clinical Research Specialist in the Department of Psychiatry and has been a member of the Washington University Neonatal Development Research Lab since 2007. Karen has her Masters in Nursing Education and is a certified nurse specializing in caring for neonates in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Karen's most important role in the lab is being present at baby's MRI visit. Karen's familiarity and expertise caring for babies allows us to safely and effectively obtain the quality images that are needed to help us understand early brain development.
Liliana earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Louis University in 2020 and has been with the lab since 2021. She works across several studies under Dr. Smyser and Dr. Rogers, and her responsibilities include processing EEG data and Parent-Child Interaction tasks, administering developmental assessments, testing biospecimens, scheduling and assisting with infant MRIs, and working with participants who need mental health support or resources. Coming from a background in mental health, she is interested in translating research into clinical and community practices.
Litzy Flores graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. The main studies she works on are the HBCD and CUDDEL studies. Her responsibilities include administering developmental assessments and Parent Child Interactions, scheduling, collecting biospecimens, and assisting on EEG's. Future interests include getting a PhD in Child Psychology with a focus in Play Therapy. In her free time, she enjoys reading, learning music, and exploring different nature preserves!
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Coordinator I
Logan has been with the WUNDER Lab since June 2021. He works with participants and their families as they come in during multiple time points for the WUNDER Preemie study. Logan received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern Illinois University and his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Missouri - St. Louis.
Job Titles:
- Neuro Imaging Research Technician II
Madison Gardner is a Neuro Imaging Research Technician in the Department of Neurology and joined the Washington University and Developmental Research Lab in June of 2022. Madison earned her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). After this, she earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from SIUE. Her research interests include the emotion regulation, mindfulness, and the effects of digital device use and social media on mental health. Madison hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology in the near future
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Supervisor
Mary is a Clinical Research Supervisor in the Department of Psychiatry. She oversees developmental testing for young children in several studies, coordinates the eLABE study and manages staff administering assessments, MRIs, EEGs, and eye tracking. Mary graduated from the University of Iowa and as a Biologist, focused on both basic and product-oriented research projects in Immunology and Infectious Disease at The University of Chicago and several pharmaceutical companies. She is an avid runner, mother of five and has her Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society/Maryville University. She taught Montessori preschool and kindergarten and also adults in an accredited teacher education program (UMSL, Webster University). Mary is especially interested in parenting and early childhood development.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Coordinator I
Michayla Ruscitti joined the WUNDER Lab in the Fall of 2019 after graduating from the University of Missouri - St Louis with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her current role involves coordinating the CUDDEL Study, administration of Bayley Developmental Testing for young children during developmental assessments, and managing the behavioral coding of the Parent-Child Interaction tasks for the eLABE Study. Past experience with the WUNDER Lab includes data collection of newborn MRIs, toddler MRIs, prosocial behaviors, and EEG tasks.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Coordinator I
Nicole joined the lab in 2021 after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, as well as Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Washington University. She works on the HBCD Study as a Professional Rater II and administers the Bayley for several other studies in the lab. Her interests include exploring how traumatic life events can impact neurodevelopmental outcomes of those affected. In the future she is interested in pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Rich graduated from Barnes School of Radiology Technology and began working in diagnostic radiology at Barnes Hospital in 1994. Rich then moved into research at Washington University School of Medicine in 1999. He currently works for the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Radiology and helps several other departments. Rich is responsible for conducting MRI scans for eLABE participants.
Sally, a graduate of St. Louis University with a BS in Health Sciences (Premed) has been an part of the HBCD study since July 2023. Her role encompasses participant recruitment and taking charge of administering pivotal study visits, which involve a range of tasks such as collecting biospecimens, conducting surveys, and orchestrating developmental tasks. Additionally, Sally contributes to the PHH-EEG study, which advances the understanding of epilepsy in preterm infants. Beyond her research commitments, Sally finds joy in traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. Looking ahead, Sally aspired to attend medical school and is aiming to leverage her lab experiences for future clinical excellence.
Sam graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Social Justice. Prior to joining the WUNDER lab in August 2023, she worked extensively with young children in a variety of personal and professional settings, including schools, daycares, and private families. As a Professional Rater II for the eLABE study, her responsibilities include scheduling, administering behavioral and emotional assessments, collecting biospecimens, and assisting with MRI scans on child participants. In the future, Sam hopes to pursue an advanced degree and explore research topics in Abnormal and Forensic Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Neuro Imaging Technician II
Sauren joined the lab in Spring 2022 after earning their BS degree in Computer Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. They currently work with our eLABE, CUDDEL, and HBCD studies to assist with MRI scans and database upkeep.
Tara Smyser is a Clinical Lab Manager in the Department of Psychiatry and has been a member of the Washington University Neonatal and Developmental Research Team since 2008. Tara earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering and her Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Iowa. As part of her work for the WUNDER team, Tara analyzes both neuroimaging and developmental assessment data in neonates and children in order to better understand the relationship between brain development and childhood outcomes. She also helps coordinate research across several WUNDER studies in order to help facilitate best practices for conducting human subjects research.
Trenton graduated from Missouri S&T in May 2022 and began working at the WUNDER Lab in June 2022. His work mainly includes configuration and testing of various data-handling platforms within the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study. In his free time, Trenton loves to rock climb, sing and play guitar, and cook delicious meals with his partner.