Kind Lab
Research Team
Director
Dr. Lauren White
I am a developmental psychologist with a background in cognitive and affective neuroscience. My research integrates behavioral, EEG, and fMRI methods to explore how cognitive and affective processes shape both typical and atypical emotional development. I am especially interested in how a child’s biology and environment—such as early-life adversity, pregnancy experiences, and family interactions—together influence a child’s developmental path. My goal is to use this knowledge to identify effective ways to support caregivers and children, ultimately fostering healthier outcomes for families. Outside of work, I am a mom of two boys and a wannabe avid reader and baker!
I earned my M.S. in Psychology at the University of Oregon with Drs. Michael Posner and Mary Rothbart, completed my Ph.D. in Human Development at the University of Maryland with Dr. Nathan Fox, and conducted a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health under Dr. Daniel Pine.
Lab Manager
Megan Himes
Hi, I'm Megan Himes, the KiND Lab Manager. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from Arcadia University in 2016 and then completed my master’s in Experimental Psychology at Villanova University in 2018. Since 2019, I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Lauren White, focusing on understanding the risk and resilience factors of mental health through an intergenerational perspective. In my current role, I oversee all intergenerational studies within the lab, manage databases, and train new lab members on our research procedures. Outside of work, I enjoy practicing yoga and reading.
Clinical Research Coordinators
Julia Katowitz
Hi, I’m Julia Katowitz and I am a Clinical Research Coordinator, and joined the KIND lab in the fall of 2025. I graduated with honors from Haverford College (Class of 24'), where I completed a senior thesis examining how parental affection and parent-child communication impact Asian American and white college students' well-being. For the past year, I have worked as a Montessori Preschool Teacher, and led the Extended Day program for 3-6 year olds.
I am interested in studying child development and education psychology, and hope to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical School Psychology. In my free time, I love to bake, go on hikes in the Wissahickon, and explore the Philly food scene!
Sara Leik
Hi, I'm Sara Leik and I am a Clinical Research Coordinator in the KiND Lab. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Temple University in the spring of 2026 with a B. A. in Psychology. I have previous experience as a clinic coordinator for Dr. Philip Kendall's Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic and pursued my research interests through the completion of two independent research projects. My interests lie in childhood anxiety, with a specific interest in juvenile justice and providing mental health resources to at-risk youth. I am excited to do more work in the field of child mental health and development and i'm eager to apply and expand my clinical and research skills. In my free time, I enjoy reading on my Kindle, doing crosswords, and finding new restaurants with friends!
Samra Bowser
Hi! My name is Samra, and I am a Clinical Research Coordinator. I joined KiND Lab in May 2026 after graduating from Temple University with my Masters of Science in Psychological Research. From working in a neurocognition lab throughout college, I developed an interest in pursuing research that could uncover differences in cognition and development to help improve treatment. I am excited to expand my research to developmental psychology and work in applied clinical settings. In my free time, I love photography, taking recreational dance classes, going on bike rides, and trying new kinds of art!
Norah Yao
Norah graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Music. She then earned her M.Ed. in Child Studies from Vanderbilt University, where she worked with Dr. Autumn Kujawa. Using a multimodal approach, she is interested in studying how early life adversity, including childhood maltreatment, influences the development of internalizing disorders in youth. She is also interested in improving emotion regulation skills in children and families to enhance resilience. In her free time, Norah enjoys playing the guitar and piano, going to concerts and venues, dancing, reading, and traveling!
Graduate Research Assistants
Isabelle Kim, MSW
Isabelle is pursuing her PhD in Social Welfare at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice. She is interested in investigating intergenerational trauma among racial and ethnic minority populations, particularly how the somatization of psychological distress impacts experiences of mental health in one’s own life and across generations. Isabelle is working with Dr. White on various projects examining the intergenerational transmission of internalizing psychopathology among mothers and children.
Isabelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies and Psychology from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Social Work from Boston College where she earned a certificate in Neuroscience and Social Work. Prior to coming to Penn, Isabelle worked at Boston Children’s Hospital on a clinical research study examining neurodevelopmental outcomes after prolonged anesthetic exposure in early infancy.
In her free time, Isabelle enjoys running, baking, spending time with friends, and exploring new restaurants! She ran the Philly marathon last fall and plans to run it again this year.
Athena Gainey
Athena joins KiND Lab from the PASS Study Team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where she served as a Clinical Research Assistant/Community Health Partner.
Athena assisted in research for parent training interventions for families of children with ADHD. Prior to her role in PASS, she worked in mental health, health equity and identity formation research at Ursinus College and UNC Chapel Hill. She is passionate about advancing equitable health outcomes, intergenerational mental health, and is enthusiastic about continuing her career and education with the KiND Lab team.
Athena is also enrolled as a graduate student in the Graduate School of Education at University of Pennsylvania for counseling psychology with aims of working in child and family counseling.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Sara Ugbana
Hello! My name is Sara, and I joined the KiND Lab in the fall of 2024. I am in the Class of 2027 at Penn studying psychology, and I intend on pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical psychology after I graduate. In my free time, I enjoy reading, doing puzzles, and playing the drums!
Grace Lee
Hi, my name is Grace Lee, and I joined the KiND Lab in the spring of 2025 as an undergraduate research assistant. I am currently a junior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Health & Societies on the pre-medical track. In my free time, I love fashion, writing, and running!
Nina Rivera-Gonzalez
Hi, my name is Nina Rivera-Gonzalez, and I joined the KiND Lab in the spring of 2026 as an undergraduate research assistant. I am currently a junior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Psychology and minoring in Hispanic studies. In my free time, I love drawing, going to the gym, and going to concerts with my friends.
Ezinma Aguwa
Hi! My name is Ezinma Aguwa, and I joined the KiND Lab in the fall of 2026. I am a senior at the University of Pennsylvania from the Hudson Valley region of New York, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Linguistics and Cognitive Science. Outside of the lab, I love reading, playing videogames, and anaylzing music.
Adria Gonzalez
Adria is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania from Miami, Florida. She plans on majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Healthcare Management. After graduation, Adria plans on attending medical school and hopes to pursue neurology or psychiatry. In her free time, Adria enjoys reading and watching movies.
Madeleine Stokes
I am a junior at the University of Pennsylvania from Austin, Texas studying Neuroscience and Healthcare Management. In my free time, I enjoy running and swimming!
Ali Gallacher
Hi! My name is Ali Gallacher, I’m a junior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Cognitive Neuroscience and Consumer Psychology. I’ve always been interested in both developmental and neurodegenerative research, which is what makes being part of the KiND Lab as an undergraduate research assistant especially meaningful to me. I am also a member of Penn’s Women's Rowing team. In my free time, I really love doing anything arts and crafts related, I’ve recently even learned how to knit!
Daniel Ngiam
Hi, my name is Daniel, and I joined the KiND Lab in the fall of 2024 as an undergraduate research assistant. I’m a senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Neuroscience and Health Care Management & Policy. In my free time, I love to play guitar, doodle, and play tennis.
Irelan Vasquez
Hi! My name is Irelan, and I joined the KiND Lab in Summer 2026. I am currently an
undergraduate student at Temple University studying Health Professions on the pre-
med track. I hope to become a pediatric physician, so the opportunity to work in the
KiND Lab is incredibly meaningful to me. I am excited to learn from the team, contribute
to research that supports children and families, and see where this experience takes
me. Outside of school and our lab, I enjoy reading, writing, cooking, and spending time
with family and friends!
Caroline Copaken
Hi! My name is Caroline and I joined the KiND Lab in Spring of 2026. I am currently a junior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Health and Societies on the pre-medical track. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and playing field hockey!
Lab Alumni
Destiney Green
Josie Elwell
Charity Chu
Beza Mersiehazen
Dominick Ciccotelli
Jai Smith
Rachel Breon
Gabriella Gusciora
Anna Preston
Tamsin Gutierrez
Stephanie Oyelakin
Angelina Chen
Evan Morris
Hope Applegate