Kyungmi Kim, Ph.D. is a cognitive psychologist studying psychological mechanisms through which we process information about ourselves and color self-associated experiences with value-laden qualities subjectively meaningful to us, with a particular focus on memory formation. Before coming to Wesleyan, she received her Ph.D. and postdoctoral training in the Department of Psychology at Yale. Before that, she received her M.A. in Psychology from Yonsei University and her B.A. in French Language and Literature from Chung-Ang University, South Korea.
Casey Riedmann, Ph.D. is a postdoctoral fellow in cognitive psychology who studies language and communication. His research concerns the ways in which context influences speakers’ production choices and listeners’ comprehension experiences. He is also interested in the role of efficiency in language processing, language change, and the evolution of humans’ cognitive capacity for a communicative system. Prior to beginning his postdoctoral position at Wesleyan, Casey earned his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology at Northwestern University, as well as his M.A. in Linguistics at San Diego State University, and a B.A. in Communication Studies at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania.
Alex Arrieta ’27 is a Neuroscience, Education Studies, and Environmental Studies triple major from Mexico City, Mexico. He is specifically interested in the classification of disease and the implications of a medical diagnosis in care, as well as in the racial/class disparities influencing treatment. After Wesleyan, he aims to pursue a masters in public health, social work, or urban policy. Outside of the lab, Alex enjoys reading, learning new languages, and listening to music.
Aude Baert ’26 is a Psychology and Education Studies double major originally from Belgium and Switzerland. She is specifically interested in disorders such as dementia and schizophrenia. After Wesleyan, she aims to pursue a masters/PhD in clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, Aude enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants, cooking, and swimming.
Jennifer Cook ’26 is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and Economics. She is interested in cognitive psychology, social psychology, mental health and wellness, and rational decision making. After Wesleyan, Jennifer plans to pursue a master’s degree in Social Work. Outside of the lab, Jennifer enjoys playing tennis and water polo, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Hannah Fine ’26 is a double major in Neuroscience & Behavior and Psychology. She is particularly interested in understanding the intersection of neurodegenerative disease, memory, and behavior. After Wesleyan, Hannah plans on applying to medical school. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, reading, baking, and spending time with her family, friends, and goldendoodle.
Zoë Gardner-Matviak ’27 is a Psychology major, minoring in Art History. She is particularly interested in the intersection of memory processes and psychopathology. Outside of classes and her job at the campus coffee shop, Zoë enjoys hiking, crocheting, and playing music.
Arielle Lack-Zell ’27 is a Psychology major and Education and Jewish Studies minor. She is particularly interested in the psychology of learning and memory and how the two apply to reading. After Wesleyan, she hopes to attend graduate school and one day become a psychologist. Outside of class, Arielle tutors Middletown students, does stand-up comedy, and teaches introductory psychology to Title I high schoolers.
Nirvaan Mehta ’27 is a Psychology and Economics double major with an Applied Data Science Certificate. He is interested in language and cognition, cognitive development, and the way beliefs influence decision making. After Wesleyan, Nirvaan plans to go to graduate school in psychology. Outside of the lab, he enjoys dancing, swimming, and baking.
Chloé Naudet ’27 is a Psychology and Theatre double major. She is interested in social psychology, as well as memory and motivation. Outside of the lab, she enjoys crocheting, baking, and performing in Spike Tape shows on campus.
Margaret Rowe ’27 is a Psychology major and Data Analysis and Education Studies minor. She is particularly interested in developmental psychology, numerical and linguistic cognition, and how memory plays a role in both of these. After Wesleyan, Margaret hopes to attend graduate school in psychology and continue with research. Outside of the lab, she enjoys dancing, running, spending time with friends and family, and cooking.
Aaliya Syeda ’27 is a Psychology major from Singapore. She is particularly interested in the field of brain health, memory and cognition, and neurodegenerative disorders. Outside of the lab, she is a passionate dementia advocate, proud volunteer at the Alzheimer’s Association, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection between brain health awareness and storytelling. In her free time, she loves to write poetry, drink copious amounts of coffee, and explore new places.
Selected Alumni
Daisy Banda ’21
Registered behavior technician working with children with developmental challenges at Success on the Spectrum – Cypress
Alexis Banquer ’20
Health operations consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton
Esha Bhandari ’20
Medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine
Suin (Lynn) Choi ’24
Graduate student in mental health counseling at Boston University
Augusta Claire Burhans ’23
Graduate student in social work at Boston University
Gabriella Feder BA’20/MA’21
Medical student at Albany Medical College
Nina Eyres ’23
Paralegal at Miedel & Mysliwiec LLP
Lorena Fernandez ’18
Outpatient clinical care bilingual intern at Mid Fairfield Community Care Center
Veronica Hearne ’25
Lab manager at the Computational Cognitive Development lab at Vanderbilt University
Tiana Jatwani ’25
Assistant teacher at the Gateway School
Youngbin (Amabel) Jeon ’19
Research advisor in Predictive at the Behavioral Insights Team
Jenne Johnson ’18
Education coordinator at Success Academy Charter Schools
Dominoe Jones ’19
Graduate student in clinical psychology at Northern Illinois University
Natasha Jones ’22
Graduate student in clinical psychology at the University of Michigan
Marcus Leppanen, Ph.D. (Postdoctoral Fellow 2018-2020)
Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Mary Washington
Lillianne Liu ’24
Research Assistant at the BRAINS lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Anaya Navangul ’20
Recruitment and retention officer at Cure Parkinson’s
Alex Ramsden ’22
Project Coordinator at Promise Clinic for Neuropsychological Educations at Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Solange Resnik ’18
Senior consultant at Deloitte
Robin Rico-Sotelo ’23
Behavioral therapist at InBloom Autism Services
Danielle Rothschild ’19
Graduate student in cognitive psychology at Northwestern University
Haocheng Wang ’23
Graduate student in biochemistry and molecular biology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Abigail Weiss ’22
Graduate student in clinical mental health counseling at the University of Rochester
Christy Wong ’21
Junior data entry/validation analyst at QED National
Stacey Zuo ’21
Product data analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
