Lab Director
Melissa Koenig
Dr. Koenig is the Director of the Early Language and Experience Lab and a professor at the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. She teaches CPSY 4345 (Language Development), as well as undergraduate and graduate seminars on moral development and cognitive development. She specializes in early language development and theory of mind and her recent research focuses on children’s evaluation of testimony, the bases upon which they credit knowledge to others and the epistemic significance of doubt.
Lab Managers
Naomi Glunz-Kennedy
Naomi is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology (B.A.) with a concentration in Community and Global Health at Macalester College. As of Summer 2023, she began working in the Early Language and Experience Lab.
Iliad Nazari
Iliad is a senior undergraduate student in Linguistics and Developmental Psychology at the University of Minnesota. He is interested in Central Asian languages, phonetics, language acquisition, and the psycholinguistics of multilingualism. He has started working in the Early Language and Experience Lab in Spring 2023.
Rose Kindred
Rose is a junior undergraduate student majoring in Developmental Psychology (B.A.) with a double minor in Integrative Neuroscience and French Studies. She is excited to learn more about children’s group socialization and work with children in the lab. She started working as an RA for the Early Language and Experience Lab in Fall 2023 and as Lab Manager in Spring 2025.
Natalia JaHnke
Natalia is a junior undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota majoring in Psychology (B.S.) with a minor in Developmental Psychology. She has been working with the Early Language and Experience lab since the Summer of 2023.
Graduate Students
Norwood Glaspie
Norwood is a fourth-year graduate student at the Institute of Child Development. His interest encompasses topics such as Cognitive Development, Social Cognition, and Early Learning in children. Specifically, the role language plays in children’s understanding of social categories and concepts. Norwood is from North Carolina, where he received his Bachelors in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2018.
Carol Messias
Carol is a Ph.D. student at Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil. She was a visiting researcher at the ELEL in 2020-2021 and continues collaborating with the lab. She is interested in social cognitive development. Specifically, she is investigating the effects of gender and body type on children’s selective trust. Carol is Brazilian and also got her bachelor’s degree in psychology at UFSCar.
Isaac Bisla
Isaac is a fourth-year graduate student at the Institute of Child Development. His primary interests include topics such as Cognitive Development, Social Cognition, Selective Trust, and Suggestibility to Misinformation. Specifically, he is interested in how selective trust plays a role in children’s ability to resist misleading suggestions. As well as the role individual differences such as executive functioning, theory of mind, vocabulary knowledge, and SES background might play. Isaac is from California, where he received his Bachelors in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine in 2020.
Diqi Zeng
Diqi (pronunciation: Dee-chi) is a third-year graduate student at the Institute of Child Development. She is interested in speech sound development and children’s learning preference towards speaker of various acoustic features. Diqi is originally from Hunan, China and raised in Guangdong, China. She received her B.S. in Geography and Psychology from University of Cincinnati in the U.S., her B.E. in Hydrology and Water Resource Engineering from Sun Yet-san University in China, and her M.A. in Social Science from University of Chicago.
Yeonju Suh
Yeonju is a third-year doctoral student on the developmental science track at ICD. She graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Psychology in 2020 and worked as a lab manager for Dr. Tamar Kushnir before coming to ICD. As a first-year student, Yeonju is actively exploring her academic interests, but she is broadly interested in children’s intergroup social cognition. Specifically, she wants to know how children perceive social groups, how group membership relates to self-identity, and how children learn of stereotypes. In the ELE Lab, Yeonju is working on a project that looks into how children learn of stereotypes.
Research Assistants
STARS Project
Maya Jones
Natalie Worzalla
Charlie Prior
Mike Wayi
Urji Ahmed
Kayla Dominowski
Audrey Hanson
GeLaTO Project
Kalea Yang
Megan Segall
Ellie DeWitt
Manal Ahmed
Davina Owusu Kwateng
Evan Carlson
TONS Project
Abbie Jordan
Nevaeh Yang
Allison Hatfield
Leila Mohesenian
Madeleine Kemper
Structural Reasoning Project
Olivia Herrmann
Kelsie Donaldson
Yasmin Morad
Chi la Vue
Mackenzie Vang
TIDBITS Project
Grace Knapp
Korey Wu
Ella Winston
Lab Alumni
DR. ERIKA DEANGELIS
Dr. Erika DeAngelis graduated from Developmental Psychology Ph.D. program in 2024 at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota. She will be a Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at Macalester College this Fall. Dr. DeAngelis is broadly interested in social cognitive development. More specifically, she studies how children understand and use testimony to learn from others. She is also interested in the development of children’s social biases and prejudice.
DR. PEARL HAN LI
Dr. Pearl Han Li received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, in 2022. Dr. Li was a Postdoctoral Associate at Duke University in the department of Psychology and Neuroscience. This year, Dr. Li is an Anna Julia Cooper Fellow at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the department of Psychology where Dr. Li will become an assistant professor of psychology in Fall 2025. Her research has included how testimony influences children’s moral judgments cross culturally and how social or interpersonal trust impacts children’s testimonial learning.
dr. Bolivar Jaquez-Reyes
Dr. Bolivar Jaquez-Reyes worked as a postdoctoral fellow from 2018 to 2020 after completing his doctoral studies at the University of Texas at Austin. He is now an Assistant Professor at the University of New Hampshire and supervises the Social Cognition Development Lab (SCD). The SCD lab studies the development of social cognition, including topics like social learning, inter-group cognition, and moral development.
Dr. Charisse Pickron
Dr. Pickron earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology in 2018 from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, in Amherst Ma., after having earned her M.S. at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2015 and her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Ma., in 2008. In her work as a President’s Postdoctoral Fellow, she used multiple methodologies to measure face processing and social cognitive development. She is an assistant professor in the Institute of Child Development and a PhD student advisor at the University of Minnesota. Dr Pickron also runs the Child Brain and Perception Lab focused on an interdisciplinary approach to study how young children understand and perceive others, peers, and groups through social experiences.
dr. Narges Afshordi
Dr. Narges Afshordi grew up in Tehran, Iran and received an undergraduate degree in computer engineering from Sharif University. While completing in Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Afshordi became interested in child cognition and received a Master’s in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis before beginning doctoral studies at Harvard. Dr. Narges Afshordi was a postdoctoral researcher in the ELE Lab from 2018 to 2021. She worked as a behavioral scientist and recently completed her two-year position at Spotify. Recently, Dr. Afshordi recently begun a Senior UX Researcher with SimpliSafe.
KATHERINE RIDGE, m.a.
Katherine Ridge completed her M.A. degree in Child Development and had a certification of School Psychologist at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on the effects of maltreatment on children’s selective trust, with a particular interest in early childhood/birth-to-five, economic security and housing, and school-aged children. Dr. Ridge was recognized for this work with a 3-year NSF Graduate Research Fellowship in 2015. Based in Abington, Pennsylvania, Dr. Ridge continues her vital work to understand and improve the developmental trajectories of children affected by adversity.
dr. Annelise Pesch
Dr. Annelise Pesch is a dedicated developmental psychologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. She graduated in 2020. Currently, she is enriching the field of child development as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Temple University. Her academic foundation was laid with dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Philosophy from Arizona State University, where she also completed an impressive honors thesis. Dr. Pesch’s expertise is complemented by her skills in grant writing and curriculum development.
dr. Sarah Suárez
Dr. Sarah Suárez completed her Ph.D. at the Institute of Child Development in 2019 before working as a postdoctoral associate in the Social Learning Lab at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. Her research explores the nuances of children’s informal social learning and testimonial learning, reflecting parental values and cognitive processes. She is currently working as a Text Analysis Research Assistant and completing her Master’s Degree in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science From the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
DR. CHELSEA HETHERINGTON
Dr. Chelsea Hetherington completed her graduate studies at the University of Minnesota with a Master’s and a Ph.D. in 2014 and 2016, respectively. She now aids educators and higher education professionals in harmonizing their lives and work with their intrinsic values and ambitions. Dr. Hetherington’s method involves encouraging the establishment of boundaries, promoting purposeful productivity, and assisting her clients in discerning their fundamental beliefs and objectives, thus empowering them to craft a professional life that transcends traditional academic expectations. Dr. Hetherington is a grant writer and also owns her own LLC where she is a writer, coach, and consultant to organizations looking to amplify their impact.
DR. eLIZABETH HOFF
Dr. Elizabeth Hoff received her MA in Psychology and then went on to complete her Ph.D. graduate studies at the University of Minnesota in 2016. During this time, she was a teaching assistant and an instructor of multiple classes in the Institute of Child Psychology. Dr. Hoff was the Director of University Assessment at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Now, she is the Head of Media Buying and Head Copywriter for Gym Member Machine.
dr. Sabine Doebel
Dr. Sabine Doebel completed her Ph.D. at the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota in 2014 with Drs. Zelazo and Koenig. Dr. Doebel now works as an Assistant Professor in the Applied Developmental Psychology program at George Mason University. Her educational background and subsequent research focus on children’s executive function and cognitive development, examining how these crucial skills are acquired and regulated. She aims to understand how children develop the regulatory skills to manage thoughts and actions. Dr. Doebel’s efforts hope to facilitate collaborative advancements within the research community.
dr. Michal Reifen-Tagar
Dr. Michal Reifen-Tagar received her Ph.D. from the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota in 2014. She is a Fulbright scholar via the U.S. State Department Special Program on Conflict resolution. Dr. Michal Reifen-Tagar is now an assistant professor/senior lecturer at the Reichman University Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology in Israel. At the IDC school of Psychology, she is also the co-director of the Intergroup Conflict and Reconciliation Lab. Her focus is on the development of political orientation, social conflict, prejudice in children and adults that leads to intergroup conflict.
dr. Sherryse Corrow
Dr. Sherryse Corrow received her Ph.D. in child psychology with an emphasis in cognitive neuroscience from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota in 2013 with Drs. Yonas and Koenig. Following her Ph.D., Dr. Corrow completed a postdoc in neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. Today, she is a professor at Bethel University of teaching courses in neuroscience and psychological sciences. In addition, she is the inclusive excellence data specialist and a member of the faculty development team. Her research focus is on the facial recognition ability and how it is neurally correlated, specifically in cases of prosopagnosia.
dr. Jason Cowell
Dr. Jason Cowell received his Ph.D. from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota in 2012 with Drs. Zelazo and Koenig. Dr. Cowell is now a professor and Chair of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. His focus is on the development of morals, self-control, theory of mind, and neural development of perspective-taking, fairness, and equality.
dr. KATHERINE GORDON
Dr. Gordon received her Ph.D. from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota in 2010 with Drs. Sera and Koenig. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Iowa in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Now, she is the director of the Language Learning and Memory Lab at Boys Town National Research Hospital. Her laboratory work focuses on identifying clinical treatment plans for children with developmental language disorder (DLD). This includes research-based approaches to inform both clinical and educational practices for successful outcomes.
Past Lab Managers
Jessalyn Dvorak, B.S.
Jessalyn Dvorak is currently working towards a Master of Science degree in behavioral neuroscience in Germany at Bielefeld University. She also runs an instagram page dedicated to her baking journey as a graduate student filled with delicious-looking breads, pastries, and anything in between.
Hanh Vu
Olivia Morales, MPH
Olivia Morales graduated with a B.A. in Child Psychology and a Minor in Public Health where she held multiple roles such as the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Director for Community Engagement for the Alpha Phi Sorority, member of the UMN Junior Panhellenic Council, and a part of the Maternal Health Interest Group. She graduated from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health with a Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health. Currently, she works as a retail associate at Lululemon.
Kevin Ly, B.S.
Kevin Ly received his B.S. in Developmental Psychology and was a member of the Child Psychology Student Organization (CPSO). Kevin is now working as the lab manager of the Speech Neurophysiology Lab at the University of Michigan.
Sara Wilkerson
Sara is now pursuing her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Fordham University studying as a Senior Teaching Fellow on a Centennial Scholarship. She focuses on the development of maladaptive avoidance in OCD and anxiety disorders. Currently, she is a Student Affiliate at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Yara Ghazal, B.S.
Yara Ghazal graduated with a B.A. in Biology, Society, and Environment from the University of Minnesota. She is a hospital volunteer for HCMC and is a Speciality Clinic Assistant at Children’s Minnesota. She is a certified phlebotomist and was hematology/oncology medical scribe.
Past Research AssistantS
Allie Westervelt, B.S.
Alyssa Gahr, B.S.
Alyssa Varhol
Alyssa is now pursuing her PhD in Child Development at Cornell University with Dr. Tamar Kushnir.
Amanda Eggers
Ana Olson, B.S.
Amritha Ramsankar
Britt Cahlander, B.S.
Britt is working to complete a Master of Arts in Child Life, Professional Family Collaboration, and Medical Administration from Towson University.
Caitlin Cole, Ph.D
Dr. Cole received her Ph.D. from George Mason University and is working as a psychologist.
Caroline Hendrickson
Colin Gran, B.S.
Dilara Erecek, M.S.
Dilara completed a Masters of Social and Behavioral Sciences in August 2022.
Ellen Anderson, B.S.
Ellen is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of South Dakota.
Iris Zhao
Elizabeth Blaschak, B.S. (Hons)
Elizabeth Stephens, Ph.D.
Emilie Kobussen
Emma Hemman, B.S.
Emma Medina
Erin Casey, Ph.D.
Fernando Sanchez
Fernando is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with Dan Hyde and Renée Baillargeon.
George Budzius
Hannah Allen, B.S.
Hallie Vanney
Hallie is pursuing her M.D. at University of Minnesota Medical School.
Holly Hames
Houaci Lor, B.S.
Huashoua Thao, B.S.
Clinic coordinator at the University of St. Thomas
Ismahan Ali, B.S.
Jamad Mohamud, B.S.
Jamie Newman
Jessica Chen
Joanne Jung
Joanne is now pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Missouri-Kansis City.
Julia Cai, M.S.
Julia received a Master’s in Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services from UPenn in May 2022.
Katie Kong
Kennedy Shearer
Kristina Pietsch, B.A.
Lauren Chlan, B.S.
Lindsey Huffer-Kiesow, B.S. (Hons)
Anne D. Pick Outstanding Child Development Major (2015)
Leyi Sheng
Lucie Han, B.A.
Luly Bauermeister
Maddie Stoner
Maggie Altschaefl, B.S. (Hons)
Maggie is now pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Maggie Brown, B.S.
Maeve Kinderman, B.S.
Maeve is working towards a Master of Special Education and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Maija Dahlberg
Megan Sellers
Mehrnaz Mirhosseini, M.S.
Mehrnaz is pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University
Meredith Reese, B.A., University of Rochester
Meredith works as a Research Professional at the Center for Early Education and Development.
Muzi Chen, M.A.
Master of Science in Developmental Psychology, Institute of Child Development.
Naomi Schmeck
Master of Science Candidate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Niela Lachica, B.S.
Natalie Low, B.S.
Anne D. Pick Outstanding Child Development Major (2016)
Noa Singer, B.S
Noa is now pursuing her AuD at Washington University.
Phoebe Pan
Pratibha Khatiwoda
Rachel Ewing, B.S.
Sarah Pulkrabek, B.S.
Sara Ho, B.S.
Sarah Suarez
Sarah is working with Dr. Kathleen Corriveau at Boston University.
Shelby Johnson, B.S.
Steve Reaves
Sila Cakmak, M.S.
Sila is pursuing a PhD in Cognitive Science at Central European University after completing a Master of Science in Psychology: Learning Sciences at Ludwig Maximilians-Universitat München
Shivani Patel, B.S.
Sydney Cheung
Sydney Indihar
Sydney Patrow
Sydney Patrow graduated with a degree in Psychology and attended the University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Program.
Taylor Chouanard, B.S.
Taylor Chouanard graduated with a B.S. in Psychology and works at Rush Creek Golf Club.
Tess Grunklee, B.S.
Teresa Grunklee graduated with a B.S. in Biomedical/Medical Engineering, Cell and Tissue Engineering while involved in multiple projects like the Honors Program, Biomedicla Engineering Society, Student National Medical Association Mentor Program, Honors Mentor Program, and University of Minnesota Club Crew. Currently, she is a Clinical Project Manager for 4C Medical Technologies.
Tripat Rihal, M.S.
Tripat completed a Master of Science in Clinical Research Methodology and is now working towards a PhD in Clinical Psychology at McGill University.
Vanina Lyfoung
Vanina Lyfoung graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and is currently a Sales Floor Team Member at Target.
Vanora Tengning Zeng, B.S.
Yifan Cao, B.S.
Yifan Cao graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Developmental Psychology and is pursuing a M.A. for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University. Currently, she is a Tier I Therapist with Ally Counseling and Therapy and specializes in confidence, interpersonal relationships, anxiety, and depression.
Yitzel Flores
Zeinab Mohamud
Zeinab Mohamud graduated with a B.A. in Biology and is currently a tutor at 826 MSP.