DIRECTOR

Rebecca earned her PhD in Psychology from Tufts University and her BA in Psychology and Philosophy from Wesleyan University. She held postdoctoral positions at Boston University and Harvard University, as well as a faculty position in the SUNY system, prior to joining Vassar. Her favorite childhood book was “Corduroy.”

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Sam Vandyck (he/him) is a junior Psychology and Film double-major from Saratoga Springs, NY. He is very interested in children’s developing minds particularly as they are impacted by media. Outside of the lab, he likes to endlessly watch films, play tennis, and play with his cat. His favorite book as a child was “White Fang.”

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Carmen Haley (she/they) is a junior Cognitive Science and Neuroscience double-major from Georgia. They are very interested in the social and physiological factors shaping child development and hope to pursue a career in research. Outside the lab, they love writing poetry and dancing. Their favorite book as a child was “A Light in the Attic.”

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Aviva Barry (she/her) is a junior English major from Northampton, MA. Having grown up with seven siblings, she loves working with children and has done so in many settings in and outside the home. She is excited to now examine children’s behavior through a research lens. Her favorite book as a child was “The Giving Tree.”

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Asiyah Abbas (she/her) is a junior Psychology major from Yonkers, NY. She is excited about pursuing research in child development and plans to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. When she isn’t in the lab, she likes to crochet and embroider. Her favorite book as a child was “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Sadie Levy (she/her) is a junior Psychology major from Portland, Maine. She loves working with children and hopes to better understand the human experience by investigating developmental processes. Outside of the lab, she is the Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus at Vassar and spends time in nature. Her favorite book as a child was “Miss Rumphius.”

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Maddie Kirby (she/her) is a junior Psychology and Chinese double-major from Davidson, NC. She is very excited to join the Early Social Concepts Lab this semester! Outside of the lab, she plays on the Vassar women’s tennis team. Her favorite book series as a child was the “Land of Stories” series.