Faculty
Chandan J. Vaidya, Ph.D.
Chandan is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and an investigator at the Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC. Her graduate training is in Developmental Psychology from Syracuse University and her post-doctoral training is in Cognitive Neuroscience from Stanford University.
Dr. Vaidya's research program is focused upon characterizing the functional neural architecture of adaptive mechanisms during the life span. Adaptive mechanisms promote goal-directed behaviors that allow us to adjust effectively to our environment. Her research focuses on two types of adaptive mechanisms - 1) Processes that require little effort such as learning from environmental regularities without intention or conscious awareness (termed implicit memory and learning); and 2) Processes that are effortful such as voluntary control over thoughts and actions (termed executive control). Her studies investigate how these adaptive mechanisms differ across individuals. Sources of variance under investigation include but are not limited to, genetic functional polymorphisms of catecholamines (e.g., DAT, SERT), metabolic differences (e.g., obesity and its intervention), and psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Schizophrenia).
Dr. Vaidya's research involves multidisciplinary methods, comprising behavioral, neuropsychological, and structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging in children and adult populations.
Yijun Chen, Ph.D.
Yijun accomplished her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience at Beijing Normal University in 2022. Her Ph.D. research focused on the plasticity of stroke and pediatric neurosurgery patients, employing multimodal MRI to gain insights into these conditions.
Her prior involvement with patients undergoing hemispherotomy sparked an interest in studying atypical brain development. This drive led her to become a postdoc of the Vaidya Lab in the summer of 2023. She is currently dedicated to researching individual differences in transferring acquired knowledge to new contexts within Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using longitudinal data.
Away from serious brain-bending, you'll find Yijun wholeheartedly embracing the art of fencing, enthusiastically exploring others' film analyses, and eagerly plotting her next adventure through American cities.
Graduate Students
Gina Choe, B.S.
Gina is an MD-PhD student in the Georgetown School of Medicine and the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (IPN). Gina graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, and worked as a research specialist at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute in the labs of Dr. Uri Hasson and Dr. Yael Niv. In the former, she used machine learning and ECoG data to study naturalistic language; in the latter, she leveraged tools used in computational psychiatry to model cognitive processes underlying depression. In continuing to take a data-driven approach to research, Gina is interested in using model-based fMRI and computational modeling to investigate the neural basis of learning in children with autism and epilepsy, with the aim of elucidating mechanisms to target treatment. Outside of lab, she likes to spend time with her family, eat good food, and watch bad reality TV.
Ariel Fernandez
Ariel (pronounced AH-ree-EL) is an MD/PhD student in the Georgetown University School of Medicine and Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (IPN). He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2023 with summa cum laude & departmental honors, earning his B.S. in Physiological Science & Neuroscience with a minor in the Study of Religion. During this time, he was an undergraduate researcher studying sensorimotor vocal learning in zebra finch songbirds in Dr. Stephanie White’s laboratory. Following UCLA, Ariel served as a Seton Teaching Fellow from 2023-2024 in the South Bronx, NY, where he taught middle school English and Catholic studies. He then matriculated into Georgetown’s combined MD/PhD program in 2024 and completed his first two years of medical school before joining the IPN full time in 2026. His thesis work aims to determine how school environment & educational experiences shape neurodevelopment, mental health, & executive function outcomes in adolescents. Outside of the lab, Ariel enjoys long-distance running, graphic designing, checking out Catholic events, cooking Filipino dishes, attempting to play instruments, making memes, & coming up with dad jokes/puns.
Darby Krugel
Darby is a PhD student on the Lifespan Cognitive Neuroscience track in the Psychology department. She graduated from Cornell in 2024 with a degree in Human Development. At Cornell, she worked as a research assistant and honors thesis student in Dr. Marianella Casasola's Play and Learning Lab. After her graduation, she spent two years at the National Institute of Mental Health as a postbac research fellow, working with Dr. Karen Berman on a longitudinal neuroimaging study of children and adolescents with rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders (Williams syndrome and 7q11.23 duplication syndrome). Darby is interested in using behavioral and neuroimaging measures to understand atypical cognitive development, specifically in terms of transdiagnostic processes across neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of the lab, she loves to read, craft, and explore DC's museums and bookstores.
Staff
Gianna Clarot, B.S.
Gianna Clarot is joining the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory! Gianna is from Central California and graduated from UCLA with a degree in Psychobiology and a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. At UCLA, she worked in the Social Affective Neuroscience and Development (SAND) Lab, led by Dr. Jennifer Silvers, which studies how early experiences shape emotional, social, and neurobiological development. Her research examined how having a sibling with autism may have an increased risk for internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Her dream is to become a developmental clinical psychologist, with a focus on family dynamics. Outside of lab she is on a very intense mission to find the best cheeseburger in DC!
Undergraduate Students
Maddy Ullyot
Maddy Ullyot is a Junior in The College from New York, majoring in psychology. She joined DNCL in 2026 to discover more about her passion for developmental psychology and to gain experience working with children and young adults. In her free time, Maddy works at a nearby yoga studio and enjoys baking, exploring Georgetown, and watching shows with friends.
Seoyoung Kim
Seoyoung Kim is a senior from South Korea, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Studio Art and Statistics. She joined DCNL in spring of 2026 to pursue her interest in developmental psychology. She is an essential part of our Spatial Health team, looking at childhood BMI and spatial reasoning. Outside of the lab, Seoyoung loves to watch movies, make art, and go on runs!
Charlotte Bonnaeu
Charlotte Bonneau is a sophomore from Bethesda, Maryland majoring in Psychology and minoring in Theatre & Performance Studies. She joined DCNL in the Spring of 2026 to pursue her growing interest in pediatric health and developmental psychology. She is a dance teacher to elementary school students, and a choreographer for college students. In her free time, you can find her in the dance studio, making watercolor paintings, or watching Survivor.
Sakthi Thayumanavan
Sakthi is a sophomore from San Francisco majoring in Neurobiology on the pre-med track. He joined DCNL in the Spring 2026 to pursue his interest in Neuroscience. Before Georgetown, he did research at UCSF, and he’s stayed active through coaching youth basketball. In his free time, you can find him on the basketball court, playing the drums, or dancing in Georgetown’s Rangila.
Ayah Khamis
Ayah Khamis is a senior from Northern New Jersey, majoring in Global Health on the pre-med track. She joined DCNL in fall of 2024 to pursue her interest in pediatric developmental disorders. Ayah is an ESL tutor and Crisis Text Line Volunteer. Outside of research, Ayah enjoys going on walks in DC with her friends, drinking iced mochas, and watching Arabic dramas with her mom.
Alumni
Graduate Students
Adam Kaminski, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2024, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR) at Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre.
Adnan Rashid - Received Masters in 2024, currently working as a data scientist for the United States Department of Agriculture.
Laya Rajan, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2021, currently finishing an MD in the combined MD/Ph.D. program at Georgetown University.
Kevin M. Cook, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2020, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC.
Charles J. Lynch, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2018, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Cornell University
Alaina Pearce, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2017, currently an Assistant Research Professor in the Social Science Research Institute at Pennsylvania State University
Frank Fishburn, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2017, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the University of Pittsburgh
Andrew Breeden, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2016, currently a Health Program Specialist at National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Eric Murphy, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2014, currently a Program Chief at National Institute of Mental Health
Evan Gordon, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2012, currently a Staff Scientist at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Ericka Burgos-Ruiz, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2012, currently an Instructor at Johns Hopkins University in Rockville, MD
Melanie Stollstorff, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2010, currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Kelly Barnes, Ph.D. - Received Ph.D. in 2008, completed a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Washington University, St. Louis, currently at the National Institutes for Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
Undergraduate Students
Nicola Klarfeld, Summer Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2026 Anna Burgess, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2023-2026 Olivia Haber, Undergraduate Research Assistant,2024-2026 Alana Horewitz, Undergraduate Research Assistant,2023-2026 Stephanie Park, Undergraduate Research Assistant,2024-2026 Natalie Friedland, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2025-2026 Brett Rauch, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2023-2025
Brenna Towell, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2019-2023
Anna Missner, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2020-2022.
Kaitlin Ballenger, Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student, 2018-2019
Alice Beneke, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2017-2019 Gabe Santos, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2017-2019 Maciej Kietlinski, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2013-2014
Joshua Loewenstern, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2012-2014
Stephanie Crockett, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Deeksha Taneja, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Maxim Wheatley, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Rose Seidman, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Summer 2012
Michael Balsan, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2011-2012
Anila D'Mello, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2010-2012
Adam Fine, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2010-2011
Daniel Bercik, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2009-2011
Brisas Flores, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2010-2011
Helen Burton, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2009-2011
Andrew Malzberg, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2009-2010
Jane Dewire, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2008-2010
Nick Parrott, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2008-2009
Lindsay Anderson, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2008-2009
Stephanie Bean, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2009
Michael Billington, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2008
Colin Brody, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2008
Joshua Henderson, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2008
Brett Robinson, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2006-2008
Meg Benner, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2004-2006
Leslie Claracay, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2004-2005
Jonathan Gardner, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2004-2005
Julie Balzano, Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student, 2003-2004
Marianne Huger, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Casey Hoffman, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Vanessa Rakaczky, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Rosie Gomez-Lobo, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Rotation Students
Gillian Miller, Rotating IPN Student, 2025 Ariel Fernandez GinaDaisy Booker, Rotating IPN Student, 2022
Mia Coutinho, Rotating IPN Student, 2022
Breana Downey, Rotating IPN Student, 2016
Benson Stevens, Rotating IPN Student, 2014
Valerie Darcey, Rotating IPN Student, 2012
Andrew Breeden, Rotating IPN Student, 2011
Frank Fishburn, Rotating IPN Student, 2010
Lauren Pepe, Rotating IPN Student, 2010
Laurie Glezer, Rotating IPN Student, 2004
Elizabeth Lacey, Rotating IPN Student, 2004
Sylvie Song, Rotating IPN Student, 2004
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Xiaozhen You, Ph.D. - Currently working as a Quantitative Modeler for Fannie Mae
Sufang Li, Ph.D. - Currently working in SAS programming with clinical research
Ben Yerys, Ph.D. - Currently Assistant Professor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philip Lee, M.D., Ph.D. - Currently Director of Epilepsy Surgery at Allegheny Health Network
Staff
Hannah Puckett, Lab Manager 2024-2025, currently pursuing masters in clinical mental health counseling at Wake Forest University.
Brylee Hawkins, Lab Manager 2022-2024, currently pursuing masters in clinical social work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Jordan Linde, Lab Manager 2020-2022; currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology at University of Hartford Katie Flaharty, Lab Manager, 2018-2020; went on to pursue an MD at the University of Michigan Junaid Merchant, Research Associate, 2016-2018; went on to pursue a neuroscience PhD. at the University of Maryland
Brad Cherry, Lab Manager, 2015-2018
Ruth Ludlum, Lab Manager, 2013-2015; went on to get an MBS at Rutgers University
Megan Norr, Lab Manager, 2011-2013; went on to get a PhD. in psychology from UC Berkeley
Stephanie Bean, Lab Manager, 2009-2011; went on to get an MBA/MPH at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Devon Shook, Lab Manager and Research Assistant, 2006-2010
Jen Foss-Feig, Lab Manager, 2004-2006
Lauren Kaplan, Lab Manager, 2003-2004
Sarah Noonan, Lab Manager, 2001-2003