In her research, Allison is interested in how people learn, integrating cognitive, motivational, and socio-emotional perspectives for investigations of learning processes in in-person and online environments. Paying particular focus to students’ identities and lived experiences, she often employs qualitative methods in her work. She also has a passion for teaching, conducting research in her courses to help improve her pedagogy. Currently, she is working on projects with Spark Math, a multi-institutional project to develop a comprehensive system of supports for sixth grade math instruction for students from historically disenfranchised groups. Allison earned her B.A. in psychology and peace & conflict studies from Colgate University. At the University of Texas at Austin, she earned her M.Ed. specializing in quantitative methods and her Ph.D. in educational psychology, concentrating in human development, culture, and learning sciences.

Rachel joined the lab as a graduate student in 2022. Her research will investigate how children's developing cognitive and attentional control support learning in diverse contexts. Prior to joining the lab, Rachel completed her B.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience at Brown University and a fellowship in Developmental Psychopathology and Social Neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine, where she studied executive function development in neurodiverse preschoolers. Outside of the lab, Rachel loves to be outdoors: hiking, biking or trying new water sports, and is excited to explore California!

Tzu-Ching joined the Cognition in Context Lab as a graduate student in 2023. She received her B.S. in Psychology from National Cheng Kung University, and was the Lab Manager at the National Taiwan Normal University where she studied the development of executive function across childhood through adolescence. Her research will study how children and adolescents’  executive functions develop across different contexts. Outside the lab, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and is excited to explore the U.S!

Diego studies the heterogeneity in neurocognitive functioning (i.e., components of executive functions) and associated phenotypic behaviors by incorporating a focus on the dynamic interplay with experiences, environmental influences, and genetic biases. He is using functional and structural MRI techniques to observe adaptations in brain development across the lifespan and plans to apply computational modeling approaches to further delve into the development of certain cognitive processes related to emotional and behavioral regulation. Prior to joining the lab, Diego graduated from Brandeis University in 2015. He then continued research at Brown University to study the development of executive functions and visual attention in children and adolescents. Currently, Diego is being co-advised by Drs. Yuko Munakata and Susan Rivera.Diego studies the heterogeneity in neurocognitive functioning (i.e., components of executive functions) and associated phenotypic behaviors by incorporating a focus on the dynamic interplay with experiences, environmental influences, and genetic biases. He is using functional and structural MRI techniques to observe adaptations in brain development across the lifespan and plans to apply computational modeling approaches to further delve into the development of certain cognitive processes related to emotional and behavioral regulation.  Prior to joining the lab, Diego graduated from Brandeis University in 2015. He then continued research at Brown University to study the development of executive functions and visual attention in children and adolescents. Currently, Diego is being co-advised by Drs. Yuko Munakata and Susan Rivera.

Adrien graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor's in Psychology in Spring 2023. He got his start in research as a Research Assistant in  Dr. Lindsay Bowman's BASC Lab. His research interests are in cognitive development and the way that development differs across individuals based on our unique culture and experience, as well as the interaction between neural mechanisms and behavior. In their free time, Adrien can be found reading, take care of their plants, or drawing. 

Ishika joined the lab in the winter of 2023 and is pursuing a Psychology (Biology emphasis) degree. Ishika is interested in the sociocultural effects on cognitive processes, as well as children’s psychological development. More specifically, she wants to gain more knowledge on babies’ self awareness and how they attach to their caregivers in different cultural contexts. She wants to attend graduate school for clinical psychology and hopefully work in hospital settings. Outside of her academic life, Ishika is a dedicated competitive hip hop dancer who loves watching TV shows and drinking boba.

Alejandro joined the lab in Summer 2023 and is currently in his fourth and final year as an undergraduate, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology. He is primarily interested in executive functioning and memory, but also likes to look into the field of cognitive development and how children learn to expand on their cognitive abilities. He plans to eventually get into graduate school and become an educational psychologist, wanting to specifically help high school students get the proper educational accommodations they need and deserve. He often spends his free time playing chess, reading, and trying out new foods.

Makinzie is currently working toward a Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Education. Makinzie was intrigued by this lab because of her extensive experience working with children and hope to work with children in their future career. I am interested in personality development, cognitive development, and more. Makinzie also was inspired by her cognitive psychology coursework and is hoping to go to graduate school to study and eventually have a career with psychology and kids. In her free time she loves to crochet, watch movies, hang out with friends, read, and listen to music.