Meet the Team

I’m interested in how everyday, real-world experience shapes perceptual and social cognition in the earliest stages of development. My research integrates behavioural methods, eye tracking, computational modelling, and neuroimaging to study how infants and young children learn to interpret faces, voices, and social cues in naturalistic settings. Originally from China, I moved to Canada in 2010 to pursue my PhD at the University of Toronto with Dr. Kang Lee. I later joined Princeton University as a postdoctoral researcher with Dr. Lauren Emberson. Outside the lab, I enjoy street photography and video games—two ways of exploring real and virtual worlds with the same sense of curiosity, attention to detail, and playful openness that I bring to my science.

Hi, I'm Jesse! I'm originally from Pennsylvania, where I completed my B.Sc. in both Psychology and Computer Science at Haverford College. More recently, I completed my Ph.D. in Psychology here at McMaster with Laurel Trainor, and I'm excited to be returning as a Postdoctoral Fellow! My personal research focuses on music and time perception, episodic memory, and computational modeling, but here in the Baby Lab I'm developing new ways of using the TrueDepth cameras in Apple devices for both eye tracking and facial expression research. My hope is that our work will open up new, exciting, and accessible research opportunities for as many labs as possible! Outside of the lab, I enjoy nature walks, writing lyrics, trying to figure out how to write music to go with said lyrics, and playing video games and Magic: The Gathering.

Hello! I am Anagha Vinod and I'm a PhD student at the McMaster Baby Lab. I graduated from the Honours Neuroscience program at McMaster and did my undergrad thesis at the Baby Lab on the neural representation of music beats in infants. I am interested to learn about impaired cognitive development and the neurobiology underlying impaired cognition. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and growing indoor plants.

Hello! My name is Carie and I am a PhD student in the McMaster Baby Lab. After graduating from the PNB (Mental Health) program, I'm excited to continue my studies and learn new skills with this lab! My research interests include examining cross-cultural differences in infant face perception and its social implications. In my free time, I enjoy doing embroidery, reading, and going to new restaurants!

Hi, my name is Claire and I am an incoming third year student in the psychology, neuroscience and behavior program with a specialization in mental health. My research interests are broad, from cognitive and emotional development throughout life to how early experiences shape mental health outcomes later in life. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and re-watching Dr. House. I am so excited to start helping out at the Baby Lab, and I hope to apply the things I learn from this experience to my future career aspiration of being a psychiatrist.

Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm entering my third year of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour in the Mental Health Specialization. My research interests include understanding emotional and social learning and processing in infants. I'm passionate about using development research to improve the identification and treatment of children and adolescents with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders. In my spare time, I love to travel and spend time with my friends, family, and pets!

Hi! My name is Pavithra, and I'm in my third year of Biology & Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour. My research interests focus on cognitive/behavioural development and neurobiology! I love working with children and I'm so excited to begin my research journey here. In my free time you can find me reading, listening to music, cooking or drawing. :)

Hi, I’m Ana! I’m a 4th year student in the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program. I am interested in how toddlers learn to socialize, collaborate, and form relationships with others. I’m excited to explore these topics in the Baby Lab! In my spare time, I love to read, travel, watch my favourite TV shows, and hang out with family, friends, and my dog.

Hi I’m Carly! I am a second year Bio PNB student here at McMaster. My research interests include discovering more about the parts of the brain that make us human, specifically within child development! I have a passion for working with kids and I am so excited to gain research experience within the Baby Lab! Outside of school, I am a lifeguard and enjoy spending time in the outdoors, listening to music, and spend time with family and friends!

Hey, I’m Cristina! I am in my second year of the Arts & Science program where I am pursuing a combination in PNB. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work hands-on with infants, and apply my research interests of early social awareness and the development of cognitive frameworks and biases to the work of the Baby Lab! I love to spend my free time adventuring with friends, reading, and camping and backpacking- especially at home in Vancouver BC.

Hi! My name is Hannah, and I am a fourth year student in Psychology, Neuroscience, & Behaviour with the Mental Health Specialization. I am interested in studying emotions, emotional development, and how psychology and technology interact. I also love to code! When I have free time, I enjoy playing board games, Dungeons and Dragons, and video games. I am excited to learn new things and be a part of the Baby Lab!

Hi, my name is June and I'm a second year student in Neuroscience at McMaster University! My research interests are mostly on how infants process emotions and how their social interactions, both with peers and family, shape their cognitive and emotional development. During my off-time, you can find me wrapped around in my blankets, making earl grey jam to gift, playing league, karaoke-ing at home, and I recently began chasing the Northern lights!

Hi! My name's Marina and I am in my second year of physiology at McMaster. I have always loved working with children and I'm interested in how perceptual abilities develop through early experiences. I'm very delighted for the opportunity of gaining a hands-on research experience within the McMaster Baby Lab! In my free time I enjoy watching a good show, playing piano, and spending time with friends.

Hi there! My name is Olivia, and I am in my third year of Honours Biochemistry. I joined the Baby Lab to branch out and learn more about childhood neurodevelopment. I love cats, staying active, and exploring the world with my friends and family!

Hi! My name is Rojvir, and I am a third year student in the Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour program. I love to work with babies and hope to work in pediatrics in the future! In my free time, I like to read, bake, and watch movies. I am very excited to join the lab!

Hi, I’m Sofia! I recently graduated from McMaster’s Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour program. This year, I’m pursuing my interest in research by completing my thesis in the Baby Lab! My research interests include child development, mental health and resilience, particularly how biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors influence health and development. I’m also interested in understanding and addressing barriers to care and supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds. I’m passionate about working with children and am excited for the opportunity to contribute to research in the Baby Lab! Outside of the lab, I enjoy drawing and spending time with my dog, family, and friends!

Hey! My name is Susie Young, and I am currently a second-year student in Psychology Neuroscience and Behaviour (Mental Health Specialization) program here at McMaster! I am interested in child development, especially how optimism and empathy develop early in life. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, spending time with friends and family, and finding new movies to watch. I am very excited to be a part of the lab!