RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Sarah Allen

Sarah is an undergraduate Psychology student at the University of Bath. She is curious about the factors that influence children's willingness to follow advice, particularly in the context of decision-making. She intends to pursue further studies in Behavioral Economics/ Finance.

Amarachi Okpara

Amarachi is a junior studying biology in the College of Arts and Sciences in Boston University. She is very interested in the intersection between biology and psychology, learning about brain synapses as well as how the brain and mind works. Amarachi is happy to work in the social learning lab and learn more about child development. After graduation, she plans to further her education in the medical field.

Anisha Gandhi

Anisha is a rising junior at Wheelock from the Bay Area, California. She is studying Education and Human Development with a specialization in Youth Justice and minors in Deaf Studies and Business. After graduation, she plans to go to law school and become a lawyer who advocates for children and their rights/safety. She is excited to apply the learning lab’s research findings to her future career.

Zaozao Lin

Zaozao (Annie) Lin is an undergraduate student from the class of 2027, pursuing a dual degree of Education and Business at Boston University. Zaozao wants to focus on building meaningful connections, always eager to hear the unique stories of those she meets. In her free time, she can be found dancing, singing, or enjoying peaceful walks along the Charles River. She is excited to bring her energy and enthusiasm to the Social Learning Lab and collaborate with everyone!

Meera Kalhan

Meera is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and is originally from Seattle, WA. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Public Health. She hopes to receive a PhD in Clinical Psychology and specialize in trauma and personality disorders. Meera is excited to learn more about the research process and gain hands-on experience in the child development field! 

Sophie Ezrol

Sophie is a sophomore at BU and is from Buffalo Grove, IL. She is currently studying psychology at the College of Arts and Science. She is interested in developmental and social  psychology. Sophie is excited to learn more about the research process and child development throughout her time at the Social Learning Lab.

Lizzie Bonassar

Lizzie is a sophomore at BU pursuing dual degrees in Psychology and Education & Human Development. She has had lots of hands-on experience teaching preschool and is primarily interested in how children learn and make social decisions. Lizzie hopes to go into a research-driven career and is excited to gain some experience!

Elizaveta (Liza) Nikiforova

Liza is a junior at Boston University studying Psychology and Sociology. She is interested in social psychology, and especially, how children form their belief systems and supernatural thinking. After graduation, she plans to continue working in research and eventually work as a therapist. 

Inci Elif Erdin

Elif is a junior double majoring in Neurobiology & Psychology and minoring in History of Art, with a keen focus on human psychology and research. She is very excited to get involved in research experience. She plans to extend her passion for understanding the human mind in graduate school. Through an interdisciplinary approach, she hopes to provide unique, individualized support for individuals who are facing psychological challenges after graduation.

Ijeoma Ezechukwu

Ijeoma is a junior at Boston University enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is majoring in Psychology and Brain Sciences with a minor in Public Health at Sargent College. With a passion for Clinical and Developmental Psychology, her goal is to address mental health disparities and promote holistic well-being within communities. Ijeoma plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology after her undergraduate studies, but is currently focused on learning more about research methods and gaining experience in the field of child development.

Pin Xiu-Lim

Pin-Xiu is a Master’s student in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Counseling program. Her research interests broadly include how children learn who and what to trust, especially in religious and scientific contexts, as well as how this can contribute to clinical applications.

Emily Yang

Emily is a BU undergraduate student from the class of 2027, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Applied Human Development. She is passionate about providing guidance and support to children with a focus on education. Through the Social Learning Lab, she hopes to learn more about how children gain knowledge from their surroundings. Outside the lab, Emily enjoys going on walks to the park and eating out with friends!

Cenyao Xiong

Cenyao Xiong is a junior studying sociology and business administration in the College of Arts and Sciences of Boston University. She is the current Public Relations RA in the Social Learning Lab. Growing up in Shanghai, the expectations and experience she had sparked her interest in gender issues, especially women’s roles within both the family and society at large. With a passion for making a positive impact, Cenyao is looking forward to pursuing a career in public policy, public relations, and marketing.

Aana Blaszka

Aana is a master’s student in Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. She is currently working towards her Masters of Education in Human Development with a sub concentration in Positive Youth Development. She completed her undergraduate degree at Utica University with a major in Psychology and minors in Criminal Justice and Health and Society. She is interested in child development research, specifically regarding moral and identity development. 

Eliza Pritchard

Eliza is a sophomore from New York City studying Business Administration at Boston University. She has previous experience working with children and is interested in learning more about child development, specifically how children communicate and process information. Eliza is very excited to be involved in the research at SLL and looks forward to applying the research skills she acquires to future projects.