Research Interests

There is vast variability across individuals' developmental ecology ('Ecology' in the sense of Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Model). How do we account for this ecological variability in early learning? Broadly, I am interested in how our learning is informed by our ecological context. More specifically, I am interested in how adversity within our early ecology shapes our cognitive and social development. How do adaptations in our cognition arise in these adverse contexts? How are our interpersonal beliefs and behaviors impacted by adverse contexts? How do ecological stressors and early learning interact to impact our well-being? What aids resilience and how can positive functioning be supported across contexts? I hope to approach these questions using a combination of behavioral and computational methods in children and adults.

"My Village"

As a First-Generation college graduate and researcher perpetually trying to find my way in this field, I feel so grateful to have been supported by a network of such brilliant, kind, and inspiring mentors, collaborators, and peers. "It takes a village", and I owe so much to my village for teaching and uplifting me. Forever celebrating and thanking my village: Aaron Chuey, Hyowon Gweon, Michael Frank, Bria Long, Virginia Marchman, Aneesa Conine-Nakano, Sarah Tung, & Joseph Outa.