People

Stephanie M. Carlson is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, the #1-ranked department for developmental psychology (U.S. News & World Report). She received a BA (summa cum laude) with Honors in Psychology from Bucknell University (1991) and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oregon (1997). After a McDonnell-Pew postdoctoral fellowship in developmental cognitive neuroscience, Dr. Carlson became an Assistant and then Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Washington (1998-2007). She has been at the University of Minnesota since 2007, and was promoted to the rank of Professor in 2013.

Dr. Carlson is an internationally recognized leader in the study of executive function (brain basis of self-control). She has developed innovative ways of measuring executive function in very young children and made discoveries about the role of executive function in other important aspects of human development (decision-making, perspective-taking, and creativity). Dr. Carlson’s current research focuses on the developmental antecedents of executive function skills in toddlers, relations between executive function and academic achievement, and ways to help promote executive function through caregiving practices and preschool curricula. Her work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Institute of Education Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, John Templeton Foundation, and the Character Lab. She also has conducted cross-cultural research in North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, and has been a Guest Professor of Southwest Normal University in Chongqing (2006-2009) and Zhejiang Normal University in Hangzhou, China (2013-2016).

Dr. Carlson is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science. She has served on several editorial boards, as Vice President of the Jean Piaget Society, and as a member of the Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Global Working Group (University of Chicago) and the Frontiers of Innovation Pre-K Standards and Assessments Working Group (Harvard Center on the Developing Child and the National Governors’ Association). She has been an advisor to Transforming Education, the Minnesota Children’s Museum, and Sesame Workshop, and currently advises Playworks Minnesota, Understood.org, Noggin, and Bright Horizons Family Solutions. She has been nominated as a “Favorite Professor” by undergraduates and is frequently invited to speak at national and international meetings.

Dr. Carlson’s complete list of citations can be found here.

Philip David Zelazo (Honors BA, McGill ’88; PhD (with distinction), Yale ’93) is currently the Nancy M. and John E. Lindahl Professor at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, and the Co-Director of the Sino-Canadian Centre for Research in Child Development, at Southwest University, China. From 1992-2007, he taught at the University of Toronto, where he held the Canada Research Chair in Developmental Neuroscience.

Professor Zelazo’s research on the development and neural bases of executive function (the control of thought, action, and emotion) has been honored by numerous awards, including a Boyd McCandless Young Scientist Award from the American Psychological Association (APA), and a Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the American Psychological Society (APS), and the Mind and Life Institute, President of the Jean Piaget Society, a member of the Advisory Board of the Baumann Institute, and he is a member of several editorial boards (e.g., Child Development; Emotion, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience; Development and Psychopathology; Monographs of the SRCD, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience). He is also the co-editor of The Cambridge Handbook of Consciousness (Zelazo, Moscovitch, & Thompson, 2007), and the editor of the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Developmental Psychology.

Tae Won Park is a Research Professional supporting Dr. Carlson in the NIH-subawarded study titled “Home-based Parent-Child Intervention to Enhance Executive Function.” His research interests include exploring the associations between preschool teachers’ autonomous support, early intervention in self-regulation skills, and children’s executive function skills. Tae Won received his B.A. in Psychology from Stony Brook University in 2022 and earned his M.Ed. in Early Care and Education from the University of Minnesota in May 2024.

Destany graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a B.S. in Psychology and Human Development. Her research interests include developmental neuroscience, executive function, and mindfulness.

Colin graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Psychology and History. He is interested in examining executive function, developmental neuroscience, and their effects on mental health.

Seokyung holds a B.A. in Psychology from Grinnell College (2021) and an M.A. from the Institute of Child Development (2023). She is interested in studying children’s and adolescents’ decision-making strategies during task persistence, with a particular focus on their exploration and exploitation approaches. Her research also examines how self-regulation skills and temperamental characteristics relate to individual differences in persistence decision-making. Seokyung’s long-term research aim is to help children make more effective and personally fulfilling decisions.

Isabelle received her B.A. in psychology from Stanford University in 2019. Her research interests include theory of mind and stimming (repetitive behaviors) as nonverbal communication in the autistic community. Being Autistic herself, Isabelle recognized the lack of autistic representation in autism research. She hopes to help change this through her recently-launched participatory research project, RADAR. Isabelle is also a 2022-2023 MN LEND Fellow.

Jinyi holds a B.A. in Psychology from Emory University and an M.A. from the Institute of Child Development. Her research focuses on children’s future thinking abilities and developing strategies that support their future-oriented decision-making. Outside of her work, she enjoys outdoor hiking and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen.

Timothy Martin holds a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from University of Hawai‘i at Manoa (2019) and M.T.S. in Buddhist Studies from Harvard Divinity School (2016). His research interests include developmental cognitive neuroscience and executive function. He is especially interested in educational practices and clinical interventions, such as self-reflection and mindfulness, which promote children’s cognitive functioning.

Brooke is a 4th year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and minoring in neuroscience. Her research interests include psychopathology, psychobiology, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience. She participates in multiple labs, including DSCN, to prepare for graduate school.

Talia Bodi is a senior at the University of Minnesota pursuing a B.A. in Psychology, with minors in Family Therapy and Ensemble Music. She is currently assisting Dr. Stephanie Carlson on the NSF-funded study “Aligning measurement of personal attributes predicting STEM education outcomes.” After graduating, Talia plans on pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, and working as a Clinical Psychologist focusing on the LGBT community and underserved communities.

Elliot Breazile is currently pursing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Minnesota. They are actively involved in research at the DSCN Lab, contributing to the NIH Project. With a strong passion for understanding human behavior and cognition, Elliot is dedicated to exploring the intersections of psychology and sociology. Their work aims to enhance knowledge in the field and supportive innovative research initiatives.

Ariel is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience planning to graduate in the Spring of 2026. She intends to go to medical school and pursue a career in neonatology. Her research interests include cognitive development as well as neurodegenerative diseases.

I am a senior at the University of Minnesota, expected to graduate in May 2025 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Business Management, with a focus on Human Resources. I am interested in developing strategies that support human interaction and decision-making processes. I love learning more about the role psychology plays in various workplace functions. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring the outdoors and trying new restaurants around the city.

I am a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Psychology. This semester I am working on the RADAR project. Some of my research interests are about the development of cognitive process, particularly in individuals with developmental or mental disorders. I am very excited to be part of a research team, and to learn from those around me.

Harith is a junior pursuing degrees in neuroscience and developmental psychology, with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. He is interested in how executive function, theory of mind, and cognition may or may not differ in neurotypical and neurodivergent populations and bolstering the autistic community’s representation in neuroscience research. He is a research assistant for the RADAR project.

Elizabeth is a second-year undergraduate student working towards a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Integrative Neuroscience. Her academic focus reflects her strong interest in neuropsychology. She is particularly interested in how brain function influences decision-making, attention, and addictive behaviors. Ultimately, Elizabeth aspires to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology and use her knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of others. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her pets, throwing pottery, and exploring the outdoors.

I am a 4th-year student studying developmental psychology. I’m fascinated by psychopathology and would love to attend graduate school to pursue being a psychotherapist specializing in talk therapy to help children and adolescents with mental disorders like depression and anxiety. In my free time, I love being outdoors and exploring nature with family and friends.

I am a fourth year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a bachelors degree in both Developmental Psychology (MA) alongside Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature. My research interests within psychology include psychoanalytic frameworks, social development, and cultural influences for the interplay between perception and affect. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and pursue either a PsyD in clinical psychology, or a doctorate in comparative literature.

Hello! I’m a senior at the University of Minnesota studying Psychology and Neuroscience. I started my research journey at North Hennepin Community College in which I obtained my AA degree. I have a continuing love for research and being part of a group working to make sense of the many questions we have about ourselves, our world, and beyond. I have a three-year-old daughter with who I love spending time, showing her the many wonders of the universe, and helping her explore this curiosity. In my free time, I love to read, find new experiences, and lift at the gym.

Hi! I’m Sofia, a freshman planning to major in psychology. I hope to learn as much as possible with my fellow psych students. I also enjoy spending time with my pets and making art.

Cali is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. Her post-grad plans entail continuing her education in hopes of becoming a pediatric physical therapist. She is excited to have this opportunity to learn more about developmental psychology with hands on experience in the lab!

I’m Zainah, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota. I’m currently undecided on my major but am leaning towards developmental psychology. Originally from Pakistan, I’m an international student with plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in this field. 

Heba Lawabni is a senior undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Public Health. Her research and career interests lie in better understanding trauma and addiction patterns in immigrant and refugee children. She is excited and enthusiastic about working with the DSCN Lab to explore these interests more!

Hi! I’m Amy, I’m a sophomore at the University of Minnesota. I double major in Strategic Communication and Psychology and minor in Design. My post-undergraduate plan is to going to graduate school. I’m a new research assistant at the DSCN lab and is excited to be a part of the team!

Ella Machart is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Developmental Psychology. Since late March 2024, Ella has worked on Kim’s Persistence Study, which examines how 3-5-year-olds persist through difficult tasks. Her research interests include children’s mental health, executive function, and how neurodiversity impacts socialization skills during early adolescence. Ella intends to pursue a career in the mental health field after her Spring 2027 graduation.

Zainab Malik is a junior at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities majoring in Psychology and minoring in Communication. Her post-undergraduate plans are to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. Her research interests are in executive function and creativity. She is a new research assistant at the DSCN lab and is enthusiastic to contribute!

Michel Martinez Rosales is second year undergraduate student pursing her B.S in Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Her future academic plans to attend Graduate school. Her research interests include mental health and explaining the correlation between behavior and cognitive learning in children.

I’m a fourth year undergraduate student studying for a B.S. in Developmental Psychology. I am incredibly interested in child psychopathology especially as it relates to executive function and ADHD. I have spent 5 years working with children at an overnight summer camp in northern Minnesota which instilled great interest in fostering healthy development in children. I am hoping to pursue a masters and eventually a PHD in developmental psychology to be able to work with kids in a clinical setting.

My name is Yordi Mulat, and I am a junior pursuing a B.S. in psychology, with plans to graduate a year early. Afterward, I intend to continue my education in hopefully UMN’s Master of Nursing Program to become a nurse. My research interests focus on the intersection of psychology and healthcare, particularly patient behavior and recovery, the impact of stress and emotional well-being on health, and cognitive development, especially in relation to patient care. I am excited to be a part of the research team and eager to learn from this experience.

Adella Mulawarman is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Developmental Psychology with a double minor in Family Social Sciences and Family and Community Engagement. She is particularly interested in educational systems and how developmental research can improve these structures. Outside of academics, Adella enjoys engaging in literature, going to concerts, and spending time with nature.

Teagan is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Integrative Neuroscience. Her career aspirations include attending a Physician Assistant (PA) program with a particular interest in working in a neonatal unit. In her free time, Teagan enjoys spending time with friends and going on long walks around campus. She is excited to commence her work in the DSCN lab as it will provide valuable preparation for future interactions with children and family members. 

Hello! My name is Jake Pollack (He/Him) and I am a senior who is majoring in Developmental Psychology. I am interested in researching executive function and children’s mental health problems. After spending more than 3 years working with children, I have ambitions to become a marriage and family therapist. I believe that improving the lives of children starts with improving their family structure, and I want to work closely with families in the future to help them prosper. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, playing guitar, playing video games and spending time with my partner and our two cats. After I graduate in December 2024, I hope to continue my education in graduate school and find more opportunities where I can serve the children in my local community.

I am a senior completing a B.S in psychology alongside minors in developmental psychology and neuroscience. I have been in the Carlson and Zelazo Lab for the past year, helping Seokyung Kim in her persistence study. Outside of lab and school I have two jobs, I am a community advisor and a mental health practitioner. As a mental health practitioner, I work with young children ages 4-6. I also volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and am the event coordinator for the Ronald McDonald House Club at the University of Minnesota. After my undergraduate I intend on continuing my education by obtaining a master’s in clinical psychology. I would like to specifically work with infants and young children in the future, so I plan to become a child clinical mental health counselor.

Alex is a second year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology. He is primarily focused on learning as a whole and plans to research the school system and ways to improve it. Alex hopes to be a lifelong learner and continue learning as much as he can. After graduation, Alex hopes to learn mechanical engineering and go to trade school, so that he can learn even more practical skills and can look at all of the different ways of schooling 

Lauren Snapp is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with minors in Developmental Psychology, Integrative Neuroscience, and Ensemble Music. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school for counseling. She is excited to explore her research interests further with this incredible team at DSCN Lab!

I am Wendy Song, a first-year psychology student at the U of M with plans to pursue clinical psychology.

I am a junior working on my BS in developmental psychology. I’m interested in the development of autonomy and volition in childhood, as well as their downstream effects on cognitive and emotional outcomes. I’m also interested in mindfulness, and they ways that it may interact with the parent-child dynamic, including what effects it may have on autonomy supportive parenting. 

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a BA in Developmental Psychology and preparing to graduate in the Fall of 2024. During my studies at the university, I have worked as a paraprofessional in various elementary schools in the Twin Cities area and have enjoyed learning novel things from each child I worked with. I am looking forward to expanding my experiences with research in the DSCN Lab, and am planning to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work or Nursing in the future.

Hi, my name is Mark Yuan; I am a senior international student in charge as an RA since Spring 2024 under mindfulness and executive function project, and I am also a teaching assistant in Introduction of Family Therapy. I am feeling fortunate and delighted to work with such a passionate and respectful team, and we believe that our studying in mindfulness measures through the perspective of executive function would bring out productive and meaningful outcomes in helping people better manage themselves and achieve their goals.

Christina Zheng is a second-year undergraduate at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities pursuing a B.A. in Psychology. Her special interest revolves around environmental influences on childhood development and clinical diagnoses. Christina is an active Research Assistant at the DSCN lab and a passionate volunteer at the ECT department of M Health Fairview Hospital.