Kelsey Lucca, PhD

Principal Investigator | email

Kelsey is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University in the Psychology Department. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology & Neuroscience from Duke University, and conducted a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington. Her research on curiosity and cognitive development has been recognized through the Society For Research in Child Development’s Early Career Award and the National Science Foundation’s CAREER Award. She is the co-director of the Early Childhood Cognition Research Group, a lead investigator on the ManyBabies project, and faculty at the Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute. When Kelsey is not in the lab, she can be found exploring the Southwest with her dogs, Homer and Juno.

Julie Vaisarova, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

I earned my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2022. My research primarily focuses on the development of creative thinking in childhood, and intersections with the development of other cognitive processes (e.g., executive function) and experiences (e.g., starting school). I also love teaching, and I’m interested in practices that help create more inclusive learning spaces. When I’m not science-ing I love to knit, play board games, and work on the most challenging jigsaw puzzles I can find.

Nayen Lee, M.A.

PhD Candidate

I graduated from Sogang University, South Korea in 2019 with a B.A in Psychology & English literature. I received my master's degree in Developmental Psychology from Yonsei University, South Korea in 2021. My research mainly focuses on understanding early curiosity: (1) how we measure early curiosity, (2) what contributes to individual differences in early curiosity, and (3) how early curiosity is related to social and cognitive development. I am an animal lover and I enjoy doing yoga and watching movies (my favorite is Inception!) in my free time.

Andrea Jamieson

Research Assistant

I am a senior currently pursuing a BS in psychology at ASU. Prior to studying at ASU, I obtained two Associates degrees from Rio Salado College (Associates of Arts, Associates of General Studies, graduated highest distinction). My current interests are in psychology, accessibility and health law, and ways to improve accessibility in higher education environments. I am currently completing an honors thesis for Barrett, the Honors College with the Mary Lou Fulton Teacher's College, studying universal design learning methods and their applications in ADHD student education accessibility within the college framework. After graduation, I will be pursuing a JD from Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU in the fall of 2024. Aside from school and the lab, I love photography and playing viola in the MCC community orchestra.

Subhana Siddiqui

Research Assistant & Social Media Manager

I am a Junior at Arizona State University pursuing a BA in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I am interested in clinical developmental psychology, I hope to attend graduate school and attain a masters in Counseling. I developed a love for working with kids ever since I started teaching at my local Sunday school. In my free time I enjoy doing Taekwondo, reading, binge watching shows, hanging out with friends, and trying new coffee shops.

Christina Stewart

Research Assistant & Student Lab Manager

I am a Sophomore at Barrett, the Honors College studying Psychology and Family and Human Development. I have always had a passion for kids and knew I wanted to help them throughout my career. So, I am excited to pursue a career in Developmental Psychology and learn more about children through research. For fun, I like to watch crazy psychology documentaries, bake, do puzzles, and have game nights with friends!

Natalia Gonzalez

Emerging Scholars Summer Intern & Research Assistant

Hello! I am a Junior at Arizona State University pursuing a B.S. in Psychology along with a minor in Family and Human Development. I am interested in neurodiversity and educational issues relevant to learning and development in schools and other communities. In my free time I enjoy painting, being in nature and playing with my dog! *Natalia is the recipient of the 2023 Emerging Scholars Summer Internship Program, supporting her work on the “Ready, Set, Play” curiosity project.

Sarah Nesbit

Research Assistant & Social Curiosity Team Lead

Hi everyone! I am currently a junior at Barrett, the Honors College at ASU double majoring in Psychology and Family and Human Development with a minor in Early Childhood Education.  I am very interested in developmental and clinical psychology.  After graduating, I hope to obtain my PhD and become an adolescent psychologist. Outside of the lab, I work as a daycare teacher and an ASU tour guide.  In my free time, I like watching movies, going to the gym, and spending time with my pets - two lizards, a snake, and a dog!

Madison Saldano

Research Assistant & Ready, Set, Play Team Lead

Hi! I am currently a junior studying Psychology (BS) with a minor in Studio Art at ASU Barrett, and a certificate in Disability Studies. I am interested in clinical psychology, and want to be a child clinical psychologist.  I have been a swim instructor and lifeguard for the last 5 years, and I train lifeguards. I am also the secretary for the national women's wellness organization, CHAARG at ASU. My favorite thing to do is travel and explore new places.

Kendall Turk

Research Assistant

Hello! I am a Junior at Barrett, the Honors College majoring in Psychology and minoring in Spanish. My main areas of interest are clinical, developmental, and forensic psychology. After graduating I plan to earn a PhD in clinical psychology with an emphasis in forensics. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, crocheting, and reading lots and lots of books!

Eva Stein

Research Assistant
I am a sophomore at ASU majoring in Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) and Psychology. My main interests are neurological disorders and child development. After my undergraduate, I plan on attending medical school to pursue psychiatric research and ultimately study autism spectrum disorder. In my free time, I love reading, listening to vinyls on my record player, and singing in choir!

Sandra Lewinson

Research Assistant & Many Babies Team Lead

I am currently a senior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology at Arizona State University. My passion for helping children and adolescents with their mental well-being is an important aspect of my life and has led to my dedication to becoming a psychotherapist for this demographic. I plan to attend a Master of Counseling program in clinical mental health counseling to further my educational and professional endeavors. In my free time, I enjoy being outside and exploring new areas.

Helena Goldbaum

Research Assistant & Imaging That Team Lead

Hi everyone! My name is Helena Goldbaum, and I am a Junior at Barrett, the Honors College at ASU. I am double majoring in Psychology and Family and Human Development. My main interests include developmental and clinical psychology, both with a specific focus on children in the early development stage! I believe we can make a huge positive impact on kiddos and support them to become great humans! After graduating, I plan to get a Ph.D. in developmental or clinical psychology. This way, through science and research, I can make an impact and learn more about my passions! For fun, I enjoy cooking, hanging out with friends, as well as traveling, and watching comedy shows. 

Alina Kurec

Research Assistant

Hello! My name is Alina Kurec and I am a fourth-year psychology student. I am interested in clinical psychology, especially in adolescents and children. After graduating, I plan on going to graduate school and receiving a PhD in clinical psychology. In my free time, I like to write sketch comedy, go on walks, and spend time with my family.

Our Research Paw-sistants

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Are you interested in researching the origins of human cognition and communication? If so, the Emerging Minds Lab would love to have you on board! Click here to learn more about applying to join our team as a prospective graduate or undergraduate student.