Lab DirectorAmrisha is the Pamela Feinour Edmonds and Franklin S. Edmonds Jr. Discovery Associate Professor and director of the Early Social Development Lab at the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on the social, emotional, and moral development of young children. In particular, she studies the emergence and functions of moral emotions (such as empathy, sympathy, guilt, gratitude, and forgiveness), moral judgments, and prosocial behavior.Amrisha received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and the Free University Berlin (Germany) in 2010. Prior to starting at UVA in 2014, she was a Dilthey Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Amrisha is a Fellow of APS. She received the SRCD Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award in 2011, the APA Division 7 Dissertation Award in 2012, an APS ‘Rising Star’ designation in 2015, the APS Janet Taylor Spence Award for Transformative Early Career Contributions in 2018, and the Max Planck Institute Sabbatical Award in 2021. Her research has been funded by the John Templeton Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Volkswagen Foundation. She is a faculty fellow of the LIFE Academy and a faculty affiliate of Youth-Nex.Note for prospective PhD students: Amrisha DOES anticipate accepting a PhD student for Fall 2024.
Qiao is a post-doctoral researcher at the Early Social Development Lab. He earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Zhejiang University and completed a research master's program in Behavioral Science at Radboud University. His primary research interests lie in children's moral development, with a particular focus on children’s developing prosociality. He explores the role of social learning in shaping children's prosocial behavior and investigates the underlying mechanisms at play. He is also interested in understanding how children's ability to predict and evaluate the prosocial behavior of others evolves with age and identifying the factors that influence this developmental process. During his leisure time, he enjoys reading and listening to hip-hop music.
Naomi Rader
Lab CoordinatorNaomi graduated from the School of Education and Human Development in 2022 where she earned a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology - Applied Developmental Science. Her research interests involve the social and emotional development of children, specifically how interventions can foster this development in early childhood. In her free time she loves to read and draw. Contact Naomi: fga5kk@virginia.edu
Johanna Chajes
Graduate StudentJohanna is a sixth-year Ph.D. student in both the Early Social Development Lab and the Babylab. She received her B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Delaware where she completed an honors thesis looking at how early life stress affects the brain, the epigenome, and behavioral outcomes. Her research aims to understand the development of prosocial behavior and executive function during early childhood, with a specific focus on making connections between children's observable behaviors and their underlying brain activity. She is also passionate about giving back to our community and is involved in a number of science outreach and public service efforts, including the UVA Living Lab program, the Psychology Outreach Program, and Public Service Pathways. When Johanna is not in the lab, she enjoys teaching Zumba, crafting, and cuddling with her two cats. Contact Johanna: jrc4hw@virginia.edu
Yuhang Shu
Graduate Student
Yuhang is a third-year graduate student in the Early Social Developmental Lab. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Beijing Normal University, China, and her master’s degree in Human Development at Cornell University. Her research interests include children’s understanding of fairness and justice, how it guides them to justify experiences of inequality, and ultimately how it affects their prosocial behaviors. She is also interested in how children’s beliefs about wealth status and social groups impact how they understand fairness and inequality.
Sophie is a second-year graduate student in the Early Social Development Lab. Her research interests are focused on reputation and impression management in children, specifically working to understand age of development and which environments may impact reputation management behaviors. She received her B.A. in Cognitive Sciences and Psychology from Rice University.
Emily is a first-year student in the Early Social Development Lab. She received her B.S in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and completed a minor in Human Development. She is interested in social development, specifically how peer interactions shape the way children think about those that have different thoughts and emotions from them (known as Theory of Mind), as well as make way for everyday interactions such as cooperation, fairness, and forgiveness. In her free time, she loves to hip hop dance, teach Zumba, lift weights, paint, and spend time with her dog Louie.
Hi I am Rosa! I am currently studying cognitive science and I wish to go to PA school after college. I love learning about the brain and how it works, and I love children!
Madeleine Nguyen
I am a fourth year psychology major on the premed track! I am a certified nurse aide and have experience in independent and assisted living as well as nursing homes. I was a former assistant tennis coach for many years and a volunteer tutor at an elementary school where I worked with children in first and fifth grade. I’ve also worked at a daycare as an assistant for kindergarteners. I’m so thrilled to join the Early Social Development Lab this year!
Taylor Curro
Taylor is a fourth-year double major in Psychology and Applied Statistics with a Biostats concentration. She joined the Early Social Development lab during the Summer of 2023. She loves learning all about developmental psychology. When she's not in the lab, Taylor enjoys her job at the hospital, working on art projects, or just hanging out with friends.
Caleb Soong
Hi! My name is Caleb Soong, and I'm a rising third-year from Baltimore, Maryland. I'm majoring in Psychology and minoring in Portuguese. In addition, I am involved with organizations like VISAS, Virginia Ambassadors, and the Peer Advising Family Network (PAFN). I enjoy doing activities such as yoga and walking in my free time. I am very excited to be a part of the ESDL this coming year!
Georgia Beatty
I am a third year Psychology student minoring in Public Policy. I grew up in Arlington, VA and have always loved working with children whether it be coaching swim team at home or volunteering with the Walking Bus at Venable School! I'm interested in Clinical Psychology and eventually want to combine my major and minors to work to improve mental health policy.
Adiba Hasnat
Hello, I am Adiba Hasnat! I am a second year, majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Data Science. I am particularly drawn to interdisciplinary work, so I am thrilled to be part of the Early Social Development Lab!
Ally Berger
I am a first year and I plan to major in psychology. I am from Wayne, New Jersey, where I worked at a daycare center for 2 years. I really enjoy working with children, and plan to combine my love of psychology and children by pursuing a career in child psychology.
Katherine Tang
Hello everyone! My name is Katherine Tang, a second-year undergraduate student intending to major in psychology and currently on the pre-comm track. I am passionate about children and love to hang out with them. In my spare time, I enjoy reading fictions, swimming, playing tennis, and listening to music. This is my first year involved in this lab, I am looking forward to meeting everyone in the lab and committing to it!
Elyssia Brown
Elyssia Brown, also known as Leesee is a multifaceted individual whose journey has been marked by determination, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Originally born in California but grew up in Virginia, Elyssia is a 2nd year student at UVA hoping to major in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. Their academic prowess is matched only by their commitment to community service, as she actively involved in multiple clubs and organizations around grounds. She serves as the Treasure of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As well as a Peer Advisor for the Office of African American Affairs, Director of Philanthropy for CRAVE Model Troop, and a member of DHW Medical Honor Society. After college, Elyssia wants to continue her educational journey through medical school as she hopes to pursue a career as an Anesthesiologist.
Paul Lambidakis
Hello! My name is Paul Lambidakis and I am a third year psychology student from Rockville, Maryland. I'm interested in child development and psychology, French, and history. I have been working with children for years as a counselor and coach. Other hobbies I love are baseball, pickleball and music. I'm excited to join the ESDL!
Ashley Stage
Hi, I am Ashley Stage, a third year biology student in the College of Arts and Sciences on the pre-med track. Working with children has always been a passion of mine as I volunteer with childcare on the weekends and am enthusiastic to combine learning with collaboration in the ESDL lab. In my spare time I enjoy hiking and traveling or finding a new coffee shop!
Ruby Gerken
I am a third-year Anthropology major and intended Psychology minor. I hope to continue my educational career in a graduate program in Clinical Psychology or Mental Health Counseling. Outside of academics, I'm passionate about fitness and music. I'm super excited to be a part of the ESDL!
Chandler Tribble
Hello! My name is Chandler Tribble, and I am a first-year student from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I hope to major in the Echols Interdisciplinary Major, allowing me to bridge my interests in child development and youth advocacy, psychology, and biology. After my studies at UVA, I plan to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. I have worked with children for many years as a camp counselor/director and in many other facets. I’m currently a counselor with Camp Kesem, a volunteer with Walking Bus, and an employee at the AFC. Outside of working with children, I love playing sports, playing video games, and making or listening to music.
Lauren Machen
Hello! My name is Lauren, and I am a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a hopeful minor in Studio Art. I've lived in Virginia all my life. I am super interested in artistic therapy, especially geared towards children. Working with children has always been an interest of mine, and I am very excited to learn and grow under the direction of the ESDL.
Danna Jaber
Danna is a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Early Social Development Lab. She is working to get her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Virginia and eventually go on to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests involve social and emotional development, as well as psychopathology and the brain. When she's not working or studying, she enjoys gaming, singing, and being with her friends!
Lab Alumni:
Post-Doctoral Researchers:
Dr. Jessica Stern, Post-Doc 2023: currently Post-doctoral researcher at the Allen Lab at UVA
Dr. Mary Shaocong Ma, Post-Doc 2023-2024: Research Assistant Professor at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
Graduate Students:
Dr. Caroline Kelsey, PhD 2020 (co-advised): currently Post-doctoral researcher at Boston Children's Hospital
Dr. Meltem Yucel, PhD 2021: currently Post-doctoral researcher at Duke University
Dr. Stefen Beeler-Duden, PhD 2022: currently Post-doctoral researcher at UVA's Center for Healthy Brain Development
Undergraduate Distinguished Majors:
Christina Marlow, 2019: currently PhD student in Lifespan Developmental Psychology, NC State University
Sarah Thomas, 2019: currently Fulbright Awardee, teaching abroad in Taiwan
Jenna Marzougui, 2020: currently Master's student in Psychological Sciences at College of William & Mary
Carolynn McElroy, 2020: currently pursuing M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, Gallaudet University
Kelly Cheung, 2020 (Thesis in Political Philosophy, Policy & Law program)
Kayla Pelletz, 2021 (and Lab Manager): currently Master's student at Boston College School of Education
Madeline Brence, 2022 (and Lab Manager): currently Project Coordinator at UVA PHAD Lab
Shirley Liu, 2022: currently pursuing M.S. in Analytics, University of Chicago
Qiyuan Hu, 2023: currently a Master's student in Science Management, University of Notre Dame
Lab Managers:
Shannon Savell: currently PhD student in Clinical Psychology, University of Virginia
Katrina Farris: currently PhD student in Psychology, Georgia State University
Hailey Costello: currently fourth year student, University of Virginia
Undergraduate Research Assistants:
Gretchen Neary, Kranti Kaur, Virginia Girling, Melissa Abel, Daniela Alvarez-Vargas, Maura Austin, Angelica Bosko, Zumin Chen, Kate Dotson, Eva Getting, Carolyn Hawkes, Kate Haynes, Megan Lee, Margie Martinez, Madeleine Mitchell, Lyndsay Nelson, Andy Nguyen, Bridget Nortney, Alex O-Connor, Lauren Oken, Nishta Polam, Skylar Raynor, Meghan Secrist, Linda Tran, Ponni Velmurugan, Cabell Williams, Audrey Davis, Grace Long, Bogdan Ion, Lenzy Mondo, Marjan Naderi, Olivia Braye, Hannah Barnes, Tulsi Patel, Xander Johnson, Eshba Shiolee, Charlotte Milone, Virginia Girling, Kaitlin Blakeslee, and Marie Larounis.
