Current Lab Members:
Mentor/Project Coordinator, Katie Chervenic is a fourth-year student from Alexandria, Virginia, studying Psychology and Cognitive Science with a concentration in Philosophy. She was drawn to the Learning Hub by the opportunity to connect with younger members of the UVA community and make a positive impact on their experience. Katie is also involved as a Research Assistant in the Emotion and Behavior (EB) Lab and President of UVA's chapter of IfYou'reReadingThis, a national mental health organization. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master's of Social Work with the goal of going into clinical work. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading, volleyball, cooking, and playing cards with friends.
Project Coordinator, Clare Gayer is a third-year student from Long Island, New York, majoring in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Neuroscience and a minor in Public Policy and Leadership. She is excited to work with the Learning Hub due to her interests in cognitive research while also broadening her academic experience. Outside of the Learning Hub, Clare is involved with the Judgments and Decisions Experimental (JADE) Lab, Blueprint Leadership Program, Pancakes for Parkinson's, and Zeta Tau Alpha. In her free time, Clare enjoys going to concerts, hiking, and exploring Charlottesville restaurants!
Mentor/Research Assistant, Mia Tan is a fourth-year Cognitive Science and Applied Statistics major from Richmond, Virginia. She joined the Learning Hub in the fall as a student mentor and now works as a research assistant on the UX project. Her research interests include applying cognitive science to K-12 and higher education. Beyond the Learning Hub, she conducts fMRI research in Dr. Tanya Evans's lab, volunteers with disability support organizations in Charlottesville, and helps lead the Society for Cognitive Science at UVA. She enjoys swimming, drinking tea, and working on jigsaw puzzles.
Research Assistant, Mofeoluwa Akande is a second-year from Chesterfield, Virginia, studying cognitive science with a concentration in computer science, planning on minoring in general business. He was drawn to this Learning Hub research lab due to a passion for combining cognitive studies with human interactions with UX/UI designs and AI. Outside of the lab, Mofe is a part of The Cavalier Daily as a sports staffer, the Organizations of African Students Community Service committee, Echols Scholar mentorship, and OneWay InterVarsity fellowship outreach coordinating. In his free time, he likes to attend sporting events, workout and play basketball at the Aquatic Fitness Center, spend time with friends and family, as well as grow in his faith with God.
Research Assistant, Ella Barry is a fourth-year student majoring in Media Studies and Psychology. Her experience as a teaching assistant for PSYCH 2150: Introduction to Cognition sparked her interest in cognitive science research, which led to her current role as a research assistant working with Professor Mariana Teles. Outside of the lab, she serves as a Hoos Connected facilitator and teaching assistant, where she leads groups of 7–10 students through a curriculum designed to encourage meaningful connection. She is also a marketing intern for the Office of Undergraduate Education and acts as the Vice Chair of Membership for the University Programs Council. In her free time, she enjoys watching TV, going on nature walks, and spending time with her dogs.
Research Assistant, Harshika Challa is a Kinesiology and Psychology major from Lorton, Virginia. She joined the Learning Hub to explore her interest in cognition and better understand how people learn and retain knowledge; an interest shaped by her goal of becoming a neuro-physical therapist. Beyond the Learning Hub, she conducts research within the Kinesiology Department on mobility outcomes following ACL injury, helping implement an eight-week rehabilitation program for individuals recovering from ACL tears. Outside of the lab, she enjoys playing volleyball, reading, hiking, and exploring local cafes.
Teaching/Research Assistant, Jason Kim is a second-year undergraduate majoring in foreign affairs and cognitive science from Arlington, VA. He was drawn to work in the lab because he wanted to gain research experience in human metacognition. When he's not working in the lab, Jason can be found researching for the Center for Politics, working for the Global Inquirer Podcast, or dancing in the University Salsa Club!
Mentor, Bhadra Kadangal is a fourth-year Cognitive Science Major (conc. Neuroscience) and Bioethics minor from Ashburn, Virginia. She was interested in being able to take part in the Learning Hub to be able to mentor students. Bhadra has participated in neuroscience research, clinical research, service oriented, and dance related activities! In her free time, she loves to watch movies, bake, and is an Indian classical dancer.
Mentor, Reese Leonard is a fourth-year studying cognitive science and health and wellbeing from Colorado and Florida. Prior to joining the Learning Hub, she wanted to get involved with research at UVA as a way to give back to her community and get involved in something meaningful at UVA. The Learning Hub offered the perfect opportunity to not only help her peers but also to impact the greater UVA population. Reese also tutors high school and middle school students at local schools here in Charlottesville, which has been very impactful for her. She has even been able to use some of the tools she learned in the Learning Hub on her younger students! In her free time she really enjoys reading, hiking around Charlottesville, cooking, and playing the guitar.
Research Assistant, Jason Lee
Mentor, Niya Gupta
Mentor/DMP, Grace Parlee
Previous Members
