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

Yasmine Alami (she/her) is a senior Psychology major from Queens, NYC. She loves working with children and is excited to gain research experience in child development before eventually pursuing a medical degree. Her favorite books as a child were the Magic Tree House series.

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

Lee Carter (she/they) is a sophomore Educational Studies major from Lexington, Virginia. She loves learning about child development and children’s thinking about equity, and she plans to pursue a career in education. Outside of school, Lee loves to read, cook, paint, and volunteer. Her favorite book series as a child was the Wings of Fire series.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Max Ennis (they/them) is a sophomore Psychology major from New York City. As a pre-med student, they are interested in pursuing psychiatry and have long been fascinated by how people work. Outside of the lab, Max is a part of three on-campus dance groups. Their favorite book as a child was Flotsam by David Wiesner.

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

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.

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

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

Sophia Varela (she/her) is a sophomore Psychology major from New Jersey and Costa Rica. She has been interested in children’s ideas about identity ever since she herself faced discrimination as a child. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her favorite book as a child was Wonder by R. J. Palacio.