Research Staff

Lana Hantzsch

Lab Manager

Lana completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she studied Neurobiology, Psychology, and Music Performance. Lana joined the CNS Lab as a lab manager in 2021, and is primarily working on the Early Development in Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum project, investigating behaviors and outcome predictors in babies who are born without a corpus callosum. Previously, she has worked as a research assistant at UW-Madison’s Center for Healthy Minds and as the lab manager for the Waisman Center’s Speech Motor Neuroscience Group. Outside of her work, Lana loves to make music, play volleyball, and plan her next hiking trip.


Aaron Glick, MS

Researcher & Data Manager

Aaron completed a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics at Colorado School of Mines and a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at McGill University. In 2022, Aaron joined the CNS Lab as a data manager and developer and is enthusiastic about the robust, rigorous data practices and analytics applied across all CNS Lab research studies. Previously, he worked as an analyst in eLearning, direct-care for children with intellectual and developmental disorders, and as a clinical app developer. Aaron has researched complexity in quantum systems, and the spread of stigma related to voice disorders through agent-based models, and the social factors that impact how children learn from screens. While not at a computer, Aaron can be found cooking, knitting, woodworking, or outside exploring.


Desirae Rambeck, MA

Research Project Specialist

Desirae Rambeck, MA, is a Research Project Specialist in the CNS Lab and a part of the Measurement and Human Phenotyping Core (MAP Core) at MIDB. In addition, Desirae is the Fragile X Clinic Coordinator; the Fragile X Clinic at the University of MN participates in collaborative research and clinical efforts on fragile X across the US through the Fragile X Clinical and Research Consortium. Desirae received her Bachelor of Arts at Hamline University where she studied psychology and sociology, before receiving her Master of Arts in Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Desirae has 14 years of experience working with children and adults in clinic and research settings, where she specialized in autism assessment and evaluation of patients with fragile X associated disorders. When Desirae is not working, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing with her two dogs and going to concerts.


Samantha Lee

IBIS Study Coordinator

Sammy completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Minnesota. She began working with the CNS Lab as an undergraduate research assistant in 2022, and joined us as a staff member in 2023 as the Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS) study coordinator. Outside of her work, Sammy loves spending time with her family, playing volleyball, and reading.


Samantha Smalley

Study Coordinator

Sam recently graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology and a minor in Integrative Neuroscience. Sam joined the CNS Lab in 2022 as a project coordinator and is focusing on the Population Phenoscreening study. She is particularly interested in social and emotional development, as well as co-regulation in infants and toddlers. Outside of her work, Sam loves to cook, watch nature documentaries, and plan her next road trip.


Hannah Lundblad

Study Coordinator

Hannah graduated from Macalester College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and minors in Biology, Psychology, and French. Hannah joined the CNS Lab in February 2023 and works closely with Dr. Catherine Burrows. Hannah is the Research Coordinator for the Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic Database project and for the Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Females project in collaboration with Children’s Minnesota. Additionally, Hannah assists with research tasks for the Early Development in Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum project. Outside of her work, Hannah loves to play pickleball, explore coffee shops in the Twin Cities, and travel to new places


Charlie nazarian

Data Manager

Charlie graduated from University of Minnesota in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Economics. Charlie joined the CNS Lab’s data and software team in 2023 as a student, and moved into full time position in the summer of 2024 as a data manager. Outside of work, Charlie spends his time playing and coaching soccer, skiing, and playing NYT word games.