Our Team | Cognitive Development Lab

Our Team

Lab Director

Dr. Maggie Guy

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago

Ph.D., University of Tennessee, 2014

Postdoc, University of South Carolina, 2014-2017

My research interests are in the area of developmental cognitive neuroscience with an emphasis on the development of attention, information processing, and recognition memory in typically developing infants and infants at elevated likelihood of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). My primary research aims are to define the developmental trajectory of social and nonsocial information processing in infancy, to identify neural mechanisms contributing to differences in responses to social and nonsocial stimuli, and to understand environmental influences on the development of social information processing.

Graduate Students

Dr. Guy plans to accept a new graduate student for the 2027-2028 academic year!

For more information, please reach out to her or visit the Developmental Psychology PhD program website to learn more about the program.

Cidnee Borjas Hall

I am a fifth year Ph.D. student in the Developmental Psychology program at Loyola. My research interests are centered on how early social experiences, such as exposure to racial and ethnic diversity and maternal psychopathology, impact attention and processing of emotional expressions across infancy. Furthermore, I am interested in how these individual differences may contribute to vulnerability for psychopathology. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy crocheting, playing cello, and hanging out with my dogs.

Natalie Turner

I am a second year Ph.D. student in the Developmental Psychology program at Loyola. I am interested in studying social-emotional development within the family context, focusing on how early cognitive skills like attention and information processing might shape emotional responses. I’m particularly curious about whether delays in these skills are linked to early emotion regulation difficulties and/or increased risk for psychopathology, and which protective factors might mitigate this risk. In my free time I enjoy reading, watching sports, and taking in all Chicago has to offer!

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Mohammedhanzalah Behlim

I am currently a junior on the pre-medical track studying Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. My interests lie at the intersection of neural development and neuroplasticity, specifically regarding how these processes shape and affect complex behaviors. Following my graduation, I plan to pursue a medical degree in a related field. Outside of the lab, I am a member of the Club Golf team and take part in intramural basketball.

Kae Cunningham

I am double majoring in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology, with a minor in Biology. My research interests include developmental disabilities and learning disorders, particularly within adolescence. I want to earn my PhD in neuroscience conducting research in this area. My hobbies while not in the lab include listening to music, video games, and fiber arts.

Leo Engelke

I am a junior double majoring in Psychology and Philosophy. My research interests include child development and how attention and information processing change throughout early childhood. My interest in these areas grew from my experience working as a Registered Behavior Technician with children. After graduation, I hope to apply my experience in the lab to a career related to psychology. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy tennis, ultimate frisbee, and baking.

Sam Fritsch

I am a senior studying Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish. I love interacting with and being around kids and am interested in studying neurodevelopmental disorders in infants. After graduation, I wish to attend medical school and apply the information I have learned in the lab to specialize in pediatrics. Outside of school, I enjoy going to the gym, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with friends.

Bella Hain

I am a senior Psychology major with a minor in Psychology of Crime and Justice. Working with kids is very important to me, as I plan to continue my education to become a clinical psychologist specializing in children and adolescents. Being in the lab has been a great opportunity for me to explore my interest in working with younger groups and learning about their development. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing video games, reading romance books, and going on walks around Chicago!

Milena Lamparska

I am currently a senior double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice & Criminology. After graduating, I plan to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology, with the intention of specializing in forensic psychology. In particular, I am excited to contribute to research on the other-race effect with underrepresented racial groups that is happening within the lab. Outside of academics, I enjoy exploring new cuisines with my family, debriefing with friends at coffee shops, and winding down by reading a romcom book!

Ayah Najimi

I am a junior majoring in Biology. My enjoyment when interacting with children, specifically infants, is what sparked my interest in their emotional and cognitive development. Following my graduation, I plan to attend medical school to become a pediatric physician. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my loved ones.

Vibhuti Patel

I am a sophomore in the Neuroscience program at Loyola. I am interested in studying the effects of autism in early childhood development. After my undergraduate studies, I plan on going to medical school to become a pediatrician with a neurology specialty. Aside from learning about behavior and the inter-workings of the brain, I enjoy listening to music, dancing, and spending time with loved ones.

Eman Rana

I am a senior studying Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. My research interests revolve around infant perception and how digital media affects their cognition. After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology, and I plan to stay in academia as a professor! Outside of school, I enjoy playing multiple musical instruments, embroidery, and spending time with my friends and family.

Sonya Ricaurte

I am a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Women's Studies and Gender Studies. I have always had an interest in development. How children think and process the world around them! Being in the lab gives me an opportunity to learn more about this. I hope to dive deeper into this interest after my undergraduate years. In my free time, I like to read, cook, bake, go to the gym, dance, and hang out with friends!

Emily Sarmiento

I am a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Neuroscience. After graduation, I plan to complete a PsyD program to become a clinical neuropsychologist. I am most interested in sensation and perception, specifically in relation to psychopathology. Outside the lab and school, I spend most of my time making music, taking photos, going to concerts, or playing games with friends.

Emily Schwarz

I am a senior studying cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and psychology. I am really interested in developmental neuroscience and how the developing brain can shape future experiences. After I finish my undergrad, I plan to do my Ph.D. in a related field to hopefully pursue research as a career. When I am not researching, I enjoy dancing, shopping, trying out new restaurants, and fostering cats.

Carolina Toro

I am a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. I am interested in developmental psychology, especially in regards to parenting and family dynamics. I currently work with a family therapist, I teach after school STEM workshops to elementary and middle school students, and I am part of the recruitment and onboarding team at Kodely. In my free time, I enjoy roller blading, fashion design, ceramics, and traveling.

Skyler Wilkens

I am a junior studying Cognitive/Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Dance. Within the neuropsychological field, I am interested in children's cognition and learning as it relates to development and behavior. Following graduation, I plan to attend school for physical therapy and would love to work as a pediatric physical therapist. Outside of academics, you can often find me dancing, running, or attempting to bake new recipes.

Addie Wojtowicz

I am a sophomore majoring in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. I am interested in studying the development of neurological disorders. My interest in developmental neuroscience sprouted from my curiosity in caring for children and adults with various chronic neurological conditions. After I graduate, I hope to pursue medical school.

Lab Alumni

Graduate Students

Asli Bursalioglu (2018-2024), Postdoctoral Fellow, Northwestern University

Undergraduate Students

Katya Aguilar (2020-2021)
Megan Alagna (2020-2022)
Eli Au Buchon (2020-2021)
Rachel Barbanente (2020-2022)
Trinity Bauer (2021-2023)
- Carbon Fellow
Moriah Billingsley (2025-2026)
Owen Caldwell (2023-2025)
- Honors Thesis, Provost Fellow, Undergraduate Summer Research Experience participant
Levi Cento (2024-2025)
Isabella Conley (2025-2026)
- Undergraduate Summer Research Experience Participant
Rebecca DePiero (2020-2021)
Nhi Duong (2020-2023)
- Provost Fellow
Grace Ellerbeck (2022-2024)
Aleena Ferozuddin (2018-2021)
- Provost Fellow
Saniyah Fuzail (2024-2026)
Maria Gonzalez Rodriguez (2020-2022)
Mary Graebner (2020-2021)
Sabina Hajdarovic (2018-2019)
Olivia Hutchinson (2021-2022)
Osinigwe Ibekie (2022-2023)
- Cura Scholar
Esohe Igbinovia (2024-2026)
- Mulcahy Scholar
Kristen Jacob (2023-2024)
Batul Karimi (2020-2022)
Amardeep Kaur (2024-2025)
Safa Khatoon (2023-2025)
Samia Khatoon (2020-2021)
Rachel Kinsella (2024-2026)
- Undergraduate Summer Research Experience participant
Aleks Kostic (2020-2021)
Milosz Krzewinski (2022-2024)
- Provost Fellow
Diana Mahlis (2018-2020)
- Honors Thesis
Maya Martin (2023-2025)
- Honors Thesis, Provost Fellow, Undergraduate Summer Research Experience participant
Kerri Maselli (2018-2019)
Bella Mershad (2020-2022)
Alexandria Michalak (2021-2022)
- Cura Scholar
Mudra Patel (2018-2019)
Sunny Patel (2021-2022)
Emily Pawelko (2022-2025)
- Honors Thesis, Provost Fellow
Abigail Pedersen (2024-2025)
- Undergraduate Summer Research Experience participant
Marcus Piatonni (2023-2024)
Priscilla Ruiz (2022-2024)
- Provost Fellow, Undergraduate Summer Research Experience participant
Nadira Shabbir (2021-2022)
Leighanna Sheran (2018)
Ella Torno (2025-2026)
- Undergraduate Summer Research Experience participant
Elizabeth Wolfgram (2018-2020)