Dr. Anastasia Dimitropoulos, Ph.D.
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Dr. Dimitropoulos’s work focuses on examining behavior and cognition of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. One of her research goals is to better understand why people who have the same genetic disorder have many of the same behavioral characteristics, why some characteristics vary within a genetic population, and what neurobiological mechanisms account for these behaviors. Alongside cognitive and behavioral assessments, her lab uses brain imaging and eye-tracking to examine cognitive processes associated with specific behavior. Currently, her research is directed at understanding several characteristics of individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), including hyperphagia and compulsive behavior, as well as social and communication ability in comparison to autism spectrum disorders. In addition, she is working to build and evaluate a play-based remote intervention program focused on optimizing development in children with PWS. In addition to her research activities, she is also the director of the Schubert Center for Child Studies and the co-director of the Childhood Studies program at Case Western Reserve University.
Graduate Students
Rachel is a fourth year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at CWRU. She is in the Child and Family track and works with Dr. Anastasia Dimitropoulos and Dr. Sandra Russ. Rachel completed her B.S. in Human Development and Psychological Services at Northwestern University, where she discovered her passion for research and working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Prior to coming to CWRU, she served as a Research Coordinator at the Autism Assessment, Research, Treatment, and Services (AARTS) Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Rachel’s current research interests include supporting social, emotional, and family well-being through integration of evidence-based practices into family and community systems for individuals with developmental disorders. She is currently leading a project focused on identifying mechanisms of change of the PRETEND program, with the goal of individualizing and optimizing the program for different child needs and developmental levels. Rachel’s hobbies include reading, biking, skiing, trying new recipes, and exploring Metroparks in Cleveland.
Rachel Gordon, M.A
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Carly Lubowe
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Carly is a graduate student in the Developmental Cognitive and Affective Sciences PhD program. She graduated from CWRU in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science. After college, she worked as a behavior technician for children with developmental delays and taught their families about early intervention. Last year, she worked in a neuropsychology research lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where she designed and secured funding for a project that evaluates school readiness and cognitive development in toddlers with critical congenital heart defects. Her research interests include skill acquisition in children with developmental disabilities and complex medical conditions, as well as the impact of the family and home environment on the child’s quality of life. Now that she is back in Cleveland, Carly enjoys going to coffee shops, hiking, and eating Mitchell’s ice cream.
Research Staff
Nicole works as a full-time research assistant in the Neurodevelopment Research Lab. Nicole graduated from The University of Tennessee in 2023 with her degree in Psychology. While a student, she established her interest in child development research through her undergraduate lab experience and by providing early intervention therapy as a Registered Behavior Technician for children diagnosed with ASD. Prior to her transition to CWRU, Nicole had also worked as a technician in Nashville providing biofeedback to children, adolescents, and adults to aid with in the treatment of various psychiatric symptoms. Her overarching research interest is to explore the benefits or hinderances of cognitive and behavioral interventions on the development of children diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities, particularly involving the quality of those treatments for marginalized youth. In her spare time, you will find her spending time outside or reading a new book.
Nicole Bertorello
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Undergraduate Research Assistants & Volunteers
Lauren Himmel
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Lauren Himmel graduated with her bachelor's degree in psychology and minors in bioethics, cognitive science, and women and gender studies from Case Western Reserve University and is currently completing a master's in bioethics and medical humanities. Her capstone in the NRL investigated if there are differences in play responses during the PRETEND intervention based on PWS subtype.
Sonali Ray
![SR-Snippet Sonali Ray URA Picture](https://artscimedia.case.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/142/2024/03/19110649/SR-Snippet-200x200.png)
Sonali Ray graduated Case Western Reserve University studying Psychology and Sociology. She is interested in pursuing Clinical Psychology in the future. In her free time, Sonali enjoys crocheting and volunteering at local book banks.
Syed Sudman Zaman
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Syed Sudman Zaman is a senior at Case Western Reserve University, majoring in psychology with a minor in chemistry and economics. He is interested in pursuing a career in psychiatry. In his free time, he likes trying new food and hiking.
Emily Cichocki
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Emily Cichocki is a junior at Case Western Reserve University with a major in Psychology, a secondary major in Business Management, and a minor in Communication Sciences. She is interested in becoming a clinical psychologist with hopes of opening her own practice one day. She is a member of the ultimate frisbee team and enjoys playing and listening to music in her free time.
Ky Tan
![Ky Tan Ky Tan](https://artscimedia.case.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/142/2024/03/21135232/Ky-Snippet-200x200.png)
Ky Tan is a junior at Case Western Reserve University studying Psychology and Cognitive Science with a minor in Visual Design. He is interested in clinical psychology, neurological disorders, and working with children. In his free time, he likes to draw, volunteer at Rainbow Babies Hospital, and play the piano.
Catherine Esper
![Catherine-Esper Catherine-Esper](https://artscimedia.case.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/142/2024/09/04092726/CE-lab-site-picture-200x200.jpg)
Catherine Esper is a junior at Case Western Reserve University studying Psychology and Music with a minor in Political Science. She is interested in either pursuing a career in psychology or law. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, hang out in nature, and spend time with her family!
Neurodevelopment Lab Alumni
James Kennedy, Ph.D.
Alan Ho, Ph.D.
Benjamin Feldman, Ph.D.
Olena Zyga, Ph.D.
Ellen Doernberg, Ph.D.
Kerrigan Vargo, M.A
Jordan Lane
Evelyn Nichols
Carolyn Manuck
Danica Mavroudis
Maria Fazal
Angela Ferranti
Rachel Kroner-Belson
Maria Lemler
Nicole Baumgartner
Jennifer Soo Hoo
Lucy Adelson
Kenya Moyers
Charlotte Palmer
Taylor Jackson
Monica Karam
Victoria Zagorski
Natalie Dean
Ben Kruger
Danielle Robinson
Calen Aubertin
Lydia Dorr
Katelyn Furgason