Faja Laboratory | Student Interns

Béa is a master’s student at Tufts University studying Child Study & Human Development with a concentration in Clinical Developmental Health & Psychology. Prior to coming to the Faja Lab, Béa has worked in a variety of early childhood care roles. In addition to the Faja Lab, Béa also works at Northeastern University's Affective & Brain Sciences Lab, where she is currently working on a project examining how we understand and express emotion. After graduating from Tufts, she plans to work as a research coordinator and ultimately hopes to pursue a PhD in developmental science. Béa is extremely excited to work with the Faja Lab and develop more clinical research experience with children. In her free time, Béa enjoys painting, reading, and exploring Boston.

Andy is pursuing an M.A. in Child Study & Human Development at Tufts University. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia, double majoring in Youth & Social Innovation and Psychology. His interests include working and supporting marginalized, low-income youth of color who are facing adversities. He has experience working with teenagers in the juvenile system, first-generation and low-income college students, children in the education system, and adults with disabilities. Outside of the lab, Andy enjoys hanging out with friends, hiking, playing guitar, and discovering new cultures through food.

Diamante is an undergraduate student at Harvard College majoring in neuroscience on the mind, brain, and behavior track with a secondary concentration in psychology. He is very eager to learn more about the research being done in the Faja Lab that will benefit children on the autism spectrum, such as his younger brother, Diego. He is even more excited to have a hands-on role with the team! At the college, he is a violinist and singer for Mariachi Veritas de Harvard. In his free time, Diamante enjoys listening to music, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, playing basketball, and all things art related.

Melinda is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Environmental Studies at Northeastern University. She is very excited to be a part of the Faja Lab and learn the inner workings of the research world while contributing to studies she finds interesting and important. Melinda has experience with children through multiple teaching and mentoring positions, and absolutely loves working with them. Outside of the lab, Melinda works as an EMT and loves playing the guitar, baking, finding new restaurants, and spending time with friends.

Jae is an undergraduate student at Harvard College concentrating in Psychology with a secondary field in East Asian Studies. Broadly, she is interested in early social and emotional development in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and how it might interact with mental health. Prior to coming to the Faja Lab, she dedicated herself to initiatives in clinical social psychology, spearheading programs for youth in stigmatized communities and conducting research about factors related to mental health. This love for understanding how subgroups within a population may differ in their psychological development is what first motivated her to work with autistic children, and she is excited to advance her experience in this area. She hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical science. Outside of the lab, Jae spends her time reading, curating extensive playlists, and playing Othello.

Jennifer is an undergraduate student at Harvard College studying Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology. She is interested in developmental psychology and is working towards a career in pediatric psychiatry. Before joining the Faja Lab, she worked as an intern at Asan Medical Center in a Social Skills Training program for neurodiverse children, and she volunteered as an art instructor for children in her local community in California. Jennifer is excited to contribute to research that will impact the lives of children on the spectrum in the Faja Lab. At Harvard, Jennifer is a peer counselor for students on campus, helps run the Buddy Program at Harvard Synapse, and is the managing editor of Harvard Pre-Medical Society's magazine. Outside the lab, she volunteers at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program and the Pediatrics Unit at Mass General Hospital. She loves art, trying new restaurants, going thrifting, and spending time with friends and family. 

Sidnie is an undergraduate student at Amherst College studying neuroscience with a certificate in Culture, Health, and Science. She is pursuing a career in pediatric medicine. Sidnie was admitted to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai as a part of their early admissions process through FlexMed. Sidnie founded and ran a science club for elementary aged students while in high school. At Amherst College, she is on the board of Emergency Medical Services program, Project Salud, and the Neuroscience Steering Commitee. She works in the Kim lab at Amherst which studies the molecular biology behind Autism Spectrum. She is also on the varsity track and field team. Outside of the lab, Sidnie enjoys running, singing, and spending time with friends and family.

Yoonseo is an undergraduate student at Wellesley College majoring in Neuroscience. She previously volunteered in a psychology lab that aims to investigate the association between one’s self-concept and impostor phenomenon, a neuroscience lab that investigates the P3 ERP auditory signal in rats’ brain, and was involved in another neuroscience lab that explores the association between diet/exercise/menstruation and microbiome population. She was a social chair for Wellesley’s Neuroscience Club and engaged in efforts to improve the visibility of Wellesley’s Neuroscience Department. She is currently a part of the publicity team of Sci-MI, a nonprofit organization that aims to bridge the gap of research knowledge among underrepresented populations using a remote platform. Joining the Faja lab, she is excited to work with children on the autism spectrum and is excited to learn more about conducting clinical research. Her hobbies are drawing and taking walks.

Blue is an undergraduate student at Emmanuel College, double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. Besides working at the Faja Lab, Blue is the lab manager for the Lin Lab at Emmanuel and currently does research on body image and eating concerns in genderqueer individuals. They also serve as the treasurer for Emmanuel's chapter of the National Honor Society for Neuroscience. After graduating, they intend to pursue a doctoral degree in neuroscience. Blue is incredibly excited to join the Faja Lab and learn more about autism and clinical research methods. Outside of the lab, Blue enjoys dancing, hiking, and hanging out with friends.

Katie is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and minoring in art. She previously worked as a research assistant at Northeastern’s Affective and Brain Sciences Lab and is currently on co-op as a Newborn Hearing Screening Technician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Additionally, Katie has worked with kids through babysitting for 6+ years, participating in Athletes Helping Athletes in high school, and volunteering in her aunt’s kindergarten classroom. She loves working with babies and children of all ages and hopes to pursue a career in pediatric medicine. Outside of the lab, Katie loves painting, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family.

Shaylee is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and minoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Prior to joining the Faja Lab, she worked as an intern in two school systems, Williams Bridge Academy and Beverly Pre-School at McKeown, where she worked with children with language-based learning disabilities and behavioral challenges. Shaylee was also a mentor for the music therapy choir, My Own Voice, where she worked with autistic children and children with anxiety, Down syndrome, and other genetic disorders, to encourage communication through music. Shaylee is excited to continue working with autistic children in the Faja Lab. After graduating, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree in child clinical psychology. In her free time, Shaylee enjoys art, playing tennis, and singing!

Tommy is currently a student at MCPHS University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pre-med and health sciences with minors in psychology and business. Before coming to the Faja lab, he volunteered as an ambassador for the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and worked in the emergency department of Emerson Hospital. Tommy grew up in Harvard, Massachusetts, as the youngest of three brothers and enjoys playing baseball, cooking, listening to music, and learning about a range of topics from history to philosophy. He is excited to learn more about research that will benefit those on the autism spectrum including his two brothers.  

Carlie is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University majoring in Psychology with minors in Behavioral Neuroscience and Spanish. She previously worked as a research assistant at Northeastern's Learning and Brain Development Lab and completed her first co-op at Work Inc. as a life and wellness coach for autistic adults. At Northeastern, Carlie is involved in Peace Through Play, a club working with local Boston elementary students to teach social and emotional learning through games and activities. Outside of the lab, Carlie enjoys running, hiking, traveling, and exploring Boston.

Yohana is an undergraduate student at Brandeis University and is interested in pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in both Public Health and Psychology. At Brandeis, Yohana is a Rich Collins Fellow which granted her the opportunity to fully fund and design a program of her choice with a local community partner. Her current project is the Autism Technology Initiative (ATI) which is in collaboration with Opportunities for Inclusion and is centered around teaching the basic technological skills needed for the job field to people on the autism spectrum. She is also a volunteer program coordinator for Kids Connection who partner with local non-profit organizations to create safe and fun environments for the community’s youth. Growing up as an older sister to two brothers on the autism spectrum motivated Yohana to further explore developmental pediatrics and related fields. Yohana is extremely excited to work at the Faja Lab where she will be able to learn more about autism while fulfilling her passion of working with children. Outside of the lab, Yohana enjoys reading, hiking, and trying new restaurants.

Allison is an undergraduate student at Boston College majoring in neuroscience and chemistry. She is interested in psychiatry and hopes to eventually conduct research on developmental and psychiatric disorders. In high school, Allison dedicated a large portion of her time to tutoring students who struggle with executive function and face challenges in the classroom, so she is excited to participate in research at the Faja Lab. Allison also pursued ballet pre-professionally in high school and still loves to dance as a hobby. Outside of school, Allison is trying to learn to play the piano and loves to play with her family’s dog, Pablo!

Nasim is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Data Science. At Northeastern, she volunteered at the Affective and Brain Sciences Lab, where she studied the neural basis of subjective affective experiences. Before coming to the Faja Lab, she worked with children and teens as a camp counselor, math tutor, peer advisor, and youth recreation coach. Nasim is excited to work at the Faja Lab to continue learning how research can inform clinical practice. After graduating, she plans to pursue doctoral study in clinical psychology. Outside of lab, Nasim enjoys crocheting, taking long walks, and spending time with her cat.

Philine is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University pursuing a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. She is interested in discovering how the conceptual knowledge from her classes applies to research and clinical development. Additionally, she is excited to learn more about the research process and what goes into designing a successful study. Outside of classes, Philine enjoys photography, spending time outdoors (hiking, skiing, biking, etc.), and riding horses. She is part of the equestrian team at Northeastern and, for several years, has worked as a riding instructor for children of all ages.

Ziyan is a student at Tufts University majoring in Clinical Psychology and Child Study & Human Development, with minors in Computer Science and Film & Media Studies. Prior to joining Faja Lab, she worked as an intern at Twelve Prescott Program at Wayside Youth Family Support Network and Massachusetts Center for Unexpected Infant and Child Death. She is passionate about supporting positive youth development and she hopes to learn more about factors influencing sexual health for adults on the spectrum. She also worked as a research assistant at DICE lab and SED project at Tufts University. Outside of the lab, Ziyan enjoys dancing and cooking. She is a member at Tufts’s hiphop and kpop dance crews.

Raymond is an undergraduate student at Harvard College studying Neuroscience on the Mind, Brain, and Behavior track. He is interested in the intersection of neuroscience and psychology and the role of early experiences in social and emotional development. At Harvard, Raymond helps direct the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, sings with the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, and works as a student coordinator with the Harvard First Generation Program. He loves working in the Faja Lab, where he can meet children and their families and contribute to meaningful research that will benefit autistic children. Outside of the lab, Raymond is an avid hobbyist botanist and enjoys wildlife photography, playing ultimate frisbee, and the outdoors.

Julia is a student at Harvard University studying Neuroscience with a minor in Global Health and Health Policy on the pre-medical track. She is interested in the overlaps between anxiety disorders and autism. Julia is passionate about working with children and being a part of research that will positively impact them. Having grown up in New York City, Julia is a first-generation American and college student. Outside of the lab, Julia is a lightweight rower for the Harvard-Radcliffe varsity team, enjoys baking pastries, and is working on improving her Spanish fluency!

Richard is an undergraduate student at Harvard College, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Global Health and Health Policy. Before joining the Faja Lab, he worked at the Hecht Lab, where he utilized brain imaging to explore how behavioral changes in response to selection pressures contribute to heritable adaptations in complex learned behaviors. Richard is thrilled to be working at the Faja Lab, where he can deepen his understanding of autism and contribute to research that directly benefits autistic children––like his younger brother. Outside the lab, Richard plays for the Harvard Rugby Football Club and leads the Harvard chapter of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. In his free time, he enjoys flag football, basketball, discovering new music, and exploring unique food spots around Boston.