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.

Clinical Research Coordinators

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Megan Himes

Hi, I'm Megan Himes, the Clinical Research Program Manager at the KiND Lab. 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.

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.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

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Charity Chu

My name is Charity Chu and I began working as a student research assistant at the KiND Lab during the Fall of 2023. I am a member of the Class of 2026 at the University of Pennsylvania, where I am pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience. During my free time, I love to spend time with my cat.

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Dominick Ciccotelli

Hi everyone, my name is Dominick Ciccotelli and I am an undergraduate research assistant in the KiND Lab focusing on father/secondary caregivers. I am currently a senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Biochemistry on the pre-medical track. In my free time, I love playing volleyball and taking walks around new neighborhoods in Philly!

Grace Lee

I am currently a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania receiving a pre-med education, majoring in Health and Societies. In my free time, I enjoy writing/journalism, running, and hanging out with friends.

Jai Smith

Hello! My name is Jai Smith, and I joined the KiND Lab as an undergraduate research assistant in Summer 2025. I am currently a member of the University of Pennsylvania Class of 2026, majoring in Psychology. My future goal is to pursue an M.D. in psychiatry, with a passion for supporting athletes in their mental wellness. Outside of academics and research, I enjoy playing basketball, exploring new music, and discovering different foods.

Sara Ugbana

Hello! My name is Sara Ugbana, and I work as an undergraduate research assistant in the KiND Lab. I am in the Class of 2027 at Penn studying psychology and cognitive neuroscience, 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!

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Adria Gonzalez

Adria is a freshman 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.

Rachel Breon

I am a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Criminology with a minor in Psychoanalytic Studies. I am primarily interested in how anxiety influences life decisions and can increase the risk of certain behaviors and thinking patterns, as well as the intersection between psychological research and criminal interventions. In the future, I hope to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and pursue a career as a psychologist within the government.

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Gabriella Gusciora

My name is Gabriella Gusciora, and I am an undergraduate research assistant at the KiND Lab. I joined the lab in Spring 2025 and am currently a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences at Penn, majoring in Psychology. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and discovering new restaurants.

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Beza Mersiehazen

My name is Beza Mersiehazen, and I have been a student research assistant since Fall 2024. I am a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, studying Biology and Health and Societies. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano and violin.

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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 sophomore 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.

Madeleine Stokes

I am a Freshman at the University of Pennsylvania from Austin, Texas studying Neuroscience and Healthcare Management. In my free time, I enjoy running and swimming!

Hope Applegate

My name is Hope Applegate and I’m an undergraduate research assistant at the KiND Lab. I’m a part of the class of 2028 at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Psychology on the pre-medical track. In my free time I like to paint and cook.

Lab Alumni

Destiney Green

Hi! My name is Destiney Green and I worked and conducted research at the KiND Lab during Summer 2024 as an NIH CRISSP scholar at Penn Medicine and CHOP! I'm a junior at Duke University studying Cultural Anthropology with minors in Chemistry and Global Health. My research focuses on advancing maternal and child health by promoting trustful and responsive care, and patient-centered communication. In 2024, I researched how COVID-19 may have disrupted physician trust, impacting obstetric outcomes. In my free time I love to sit in nature and soak up the sun.

Josie Elwell

Hi! My name is Josie Elwell, and I worked as an undergraduate research assistant at the KiND Lab! I began working in the lab Fall of 2024. I was in the Class of 2025, studying Neuroscience and Nutrition in the College. In my free time, I enjoy swimming and exploring new places.