Research Assistants
Juliette Kosmont
Juliette is a sophomore at Yale University from Monterey, California. She is majoring in Cognitive Science, with a focus on group behavior, specifically individual versus group choices. She is eager to deepen her understanding of cognitive biases, social norms, and decision-making processes to better analyze social and economic dynamics. Outside of the lab, Juliette is on the track and field team and enjoys riding horses. She loves cooking for her friends and family and exploring new places.
Sophia Davis
Sophia is a junior at Yale who grew up in rural South Carolina. She is majoring in Psychology and hopes to continue her studies into graduate school before becoming a family therapist. She is interested in the intersection between her Christian faith and social psychology, specifically in how it impacts both family and social life. In her free time, Sophia loves hanging out with her many siblings, playing music, writing (especially poetry!), going on picnics, and spending time with God through all of it.
Nick Boettcher
Nicholas is a Junior at Yale University majoring in cognitive science. In addition to his interests in developmental psychology and social processing, Nicholas is pursuing a masters in Double Bass Performance at Yale School of Music. Outside of the lab (and the practice room), Nicholas enjoys cooking, eating, and dreads cleaning.
Catalina Cortes
Catalina is a sophomore at Yale University from Houston, Texas majoring in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience. She is interested in physiological manifestations of emotions and the integration of psychology and the law. She hopes to attend law school in the future and utilize psychological principles on emotional regulation to enhance the legal system. She is eager to learn more about the ways in which the mind and body simultaneously affect behavior. In her free time, Catalina loves watching movies with her friends, reading Jane Austen books, and trying new foods.
Gabriella Pollack
Gabby is a junior at Yale University majoring in Sociology, with research interests in the structural factors that perpetuate healthcare inequality and in solutions that address root causes rather than temporary fixes (such as investing in communities of color and creating a universal healthcare system). Outside the lab, she is the co-founder of the Yale Student Collective for Abolition, Resistance, a group that critically engages with carceral systems and promotes non-punitive, community-based responses to harm grounded in care, accountability, and abolitionist principles. Gabby is also a proud Puerto Rican and serves as the events coordinator for Yale’s Puerto Rican student association, Despierta Boricua—so be sure to pull up to the Latine functions!
Mary Shamon Ayala
Mary is a freshman at Yale from Georgia intending to major in Cognitive Science. She is interested in developmental psychology, particularly how early adverse experiences shape children’s development and what kinds of supports can help them thrive. Outside of academics, she enjoys legal advocacy, running, scrapbooking, and baking new recipes to share with friends.
Michelle Vong
Michelle is a sophomore at Yale College studying Psychology on the Neuroscience track. She is especially interested in clinical psychology, with a focus on personality and mood disorders. Her research interests include biosocial theory and the genetics of stress and trauma, as well as the fascinating relationship between mind and body. When not in lab, you can find her working for the Yale Center for British Art, organizing with QSA and Queer + Asian, designing for magazines on campus, or just relaxing in the Pierson courtyard!
Kristine Li
Kristine is a junior majoring in Cognitive Science, with certificates in Statistics and Education Studies. She's especially interested in how decision-making and perception are affected during stress-related activities. On campus, she leads both Yale HOSA and the Fuzhou Students Association, and she’s excited to be joining her first-ever Danceworks performance this year! Outside of academics, Kristine loves cooking Chinese food, stargazing on long walks, and traveling to places filled with cherished memories.
Elizabeth Decker
Elizabeth has a BA in psychology with a strong interest in cognitive, clinical, and neuropsychology. She hopes to pursue her PhD in clinical psychology to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Aside from academics, Elizabeth likes to travel with her fiancé and two boys. She also enjoys being an acrobatics instructor.
Nicholas Peschier
Nicholas (Nick) Peschier is a recent WCSU graduate with a B.A. in Psychology. He is specifically interested in Sports and Child Psychology, and is aspiring to get a PhD in the latter. Outside of Psychology, he enjoys tennis, the gym, and listening to music.
Maddie Valentino
Maddie is a recent graduate from UMass Amherst with a B.S. in Psychology and Certificate in Social Work & Welfare. She is passionate about the social, emotional, and cognitive health of young children, particularly as it relates to their developing character and morality. Additionally, she is interested in how various role models, early adversities, and natural environments contribute to child development. In the future, she is motivated to apply for PhD programs in Human Development & Family Studies and enjoys reading or spending time outdoors in her spare time.
