Isabella Mark

Clinical Psychology PhD student

Isabella (she/her/hers) is a second-year student in the clinical psychology program. She is interested in the development of diagnostic and screening tools for autism, particularly in studying their efficacy in groups where autism is under-diagnosed. Her current research is on the experiences of caregivers of autistic individuals, with a focus on mental health, stigma, and coping in this population. Prior to coming to CWRU, Isabella completed her undergraduate studies at the George Washington University in Washington D.C. While at GW, she spent almost five years conducting research in the Developmental Social Neuroscience Lab, using neuroimaging techniques to study social and non-social learning in autistic youth. Outside of her work at CWRU, she enjoys cross-stitching, going to the Cinematheque, and watching the wildlife on campus. Read more

Abigail Donaghue

Clinical Psychology PhD student

Abby (she/her/hers) is a first-year PhD student studying child clinical psychology. She completed her undergraduate and Master’s degrees at Tufts University, conducting her thesis research on autistic students’ access to educational services. After graduating, she went on to work at the Human Neurobehavioral Core Service at Boston Children's Hospital, where she administered standardized neuropsychological assessments for a variety of research protocols with diverse patient populations. At the LAMB lab, Abby is interested in community-based research that better characterizes heterogeneity within autism spectrum and developmental disability diagnoses. In her free time, she can be found wandering through antique stores, surfing student discounts on concert and theater tickets, and trying new crafts. Read more

Deeksha Handa

Research Assistant

Deeksha (she/her/hers) is a Research Assistant at the Language Autism Motor Behavior (LAMB) Lab, where she contributes to research examining how language, communication and motor skills relate to neurodevelopmental differences. Her own research interests focus on understanding individual differences in language and if/how these differences can predict certain behavioral patterns. Deeksha holds a Master of Arts in Social Sciences with a concentration in Psychology from the University of Chicago, as well as degrees in Psychological Sciences and Law in Society from Purdue University, with a certification in Systems Engineering. Her interdisciplinary background has shaped her interest in the intersection of psychology, language, and human behavior. Outside of work, Deeksha enjoys reading, writing, exploring new places, and finding creative ways to tell stories. Read more

Sharon Fung

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Sharon (she/her/hers) is a senior at Case Western Reserve University, double majoring in biology and psychology with minors in chemistry and childhood studies. She has a strong interest in research examining the lived experiences of individuals from minoritized communities. Within the lab, Sharon has been deeply involved in projects evaluating the efficacy of the Emerging Scholars Program at CWRU and exploring the qualitative experiences and needs of African American caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has previously received an AHSS SOURCE scholarship for summer 2024 and earned an Honorable Mention at the Schubert@Intersections Competition for her work on the Emerging Scholars Program study. Sharon plans to attend medical school to pursue internal medicine. Outside of academics, she loves to karaoke and has an unhealthy obsession with ramen! Read more

Shay McDermott

Undegraduate Research Assistant

Shay McDermott (she/her/hers) is a senior at Case Western Reserve University, majoring in Psychology and Cognitive Science. Originally from Ohio, Shay is passionate about understanding how people think, learn, and develop. Her research interests are broad but currently center on children with ADHD and other learning disabilities, and how attention, learning, and behavior shape everyday functioning. By combining psychological theory with cognitive science, Shay aims to contribute to research that better supports children and their families. Outside the lab, Shay enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors with her friends and family! Read more

Emily Park

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Emily (she/her/hers) is a third-year student at Case Western Reserve University pursuing dual degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology. She aspires to become a clinical psychologist specializing in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), while continuing to contribute to research focused on autism and neurodevelopment. Outside of the lab, Emily enjoys crocheting and spending time with her cat, Bo-ri. Read more

Kai Tibbitts

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Kai Tibbitts (they/them) is a junior psychology and cognitive science major at Case Western Reserve University with an interest in language development and neuropsychology. Later in their career, they hope to become a neuropsychologist. They gained interest in this lab because of the well-documented connection between language and motor skills, and hope to delve deep into the topic. Kai is very excited to be working in the LAMB lab with so many outstanding individuals. Read more

Khyla Wilson-Hill

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Khyla Wilson-Hill (she/her/hers) is a junior at Case Western Reserve University and is pursuing a degree in Chemistry and Psychology. She is an aspiring medical doctor, who aims to work with kids and underserved populations. Khyla’s past research at Case Western Reserve University was under Dr. Lynn Singer on Violence Exposure among drug exposed and non exposed urban youth. Research interests lie in Autism, ADHD, and language research because of her experience and late diagnosis. Khyla wants to learn about neurodivergent children’s specific traits not just to help understand herself more, but to also give a voice to the unheard. Read more

Tanush Talekar

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Tanush Talekar (He/Him/His) is a sophomore at Case Western Reserve University, Majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. He is an aspiring medical doctor, and is passionate about understanding the development and progression of learning disabilities and associated psychopathologies. He has an interest in researching early diagnostic and mitigative strategies for addressing such conditions, and hopes to contribute to research that benefits this aim. Outside of the lab, Tanush enjoys reading and exploring different cuisines. Read more

Roop Chakrabarti

Volunteer Research Assistant

Roop graduated from Boston University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and completed a post-baccalaureate program at Case Western Reserve University. His research interests include autism, language development, and the relationship between motor skills and communication. He is especially interested in how developmental differences influence communication and behavior across childhood. Read more