Meet the members of our lab!

Bianca Aldrich

Current: Doctoral Graduate Student, Developmental Psychology

Undergraduate: BA Psychology, Pacific University, Oregon

About: Bianca studies how parents can promote children's engagement in informal learning activities. She is especially interested in the role of autonomy for children's STEM engagement. In her free time, Bianca enjoys hiking, murder mystery novels, and boardgames.

Chelsea Maldonado

Current: Research Assistant, Ciencia en Relatos

Graduate: M.A. Community Counseling

About: Chelsea Maldonado graduated with her M.A in Community Counseling at Loyola. She has been involved as a research assistant in Dr. Haden's Memory and Learning Lab for 4+ years and completed undergrad with a major in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. Chelsea is proficient in Spanish and is interested in research primarily focused on children of color to help advocate and promote social justice. In her free time, Chelsea loves to watch medical drama TV shows and spend time outside with her dogs. 

Riley George

Current: Project Coordinator

Undergraduate: B.S. Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, Loyola University Chicago

About: Riley gained an interest in children's learning during her time at Loyola as an undergraduate research assistant in the lab. As project coordinator, she enjoys being able to keep the team and projects organized while also building on her research experience and skills. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology in the future. In her free time, Riley enjoys playing with her cat, Toast, binging TV shows, and going on long walks on the lakeside trails.

Milla Metlicka

Current: Research Assistant, TALES & LabVenture

Undergraduate: B.S. Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary Honors Program, Minor in Dance, Summa Cum Laude, Loyola University Chicago

About: Milla became interested in children’s learning and memory as an undergraduate research assistant. She plans to continue developmental research in graduate school. In her free time, Milla enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles and playing with her cat.

 

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Alberto Cueto

Current: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Majors in Psychology and Spanish

About: Alberto is a junior undergraduate student studying Psychology and Spanish at Loyola. Alberto’s interest in research stems from his desire to give back and work with underserved populations, especially Latine communities. In his free time, Alberto loves to roller-skate around campus, spin vinyl records, cook, and explore Chicago with friends.

Florencia Enriques

Current: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Majors in Neuroscience and Psychology

About: Florencia (Flor) is currently a Neuroscience and Psychology undergraduate student at Loyola, graduating Fall 2023. Flor was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has acquired 8+ years of experience caring for children of all ages, and the roles she has enjoyed the most as a caregiver include storytelling, pretend play, and creative project design, as well as teaching her native language, Spanish. After graduation, Flor plans to continue her studies in Perception and Cognition with a focus on children’s development, learning, and memory.

Skye Peyton

Current: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Majors in Psychology and Creative Writing

About: Skye is a senior undergraduate student studying Psychology and Creative Writing at Loyola. Skye is interested in studying research to better advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, and plans on pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, Skye reads fantasy books, writes fiction, and plays with her six dogs.

Elyse Hertzman

Current: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Majors in Psychology and Healthcare Administration

About: Elyse is a junior undergraduate student at Loyola majoring in Psychology and Healthcare Administration. She is passionate about youth mental health and preventative education-based wellness. Elyse aims to pursue a Ph.D. in either Developmental, Cognitive, or Clinical Psychology. In her free time, Elyse likes to explore the city with her friends, write, try new foods, and spend time in nature.

Neva Lang

Current: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Majors in Psychology and Dance

About: Neva is a junior undergraduate student at Loyola with majors in Psychology and Dance. She is intrigued by child development and its associations to children’s mental health and aims to pursue Clinical Psychology and research. At Loyola, Neva is an honors student and serves as a Co-President of the Loyola University Psychological Association, and as President of Loyola’s The Dance Company. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the city with family and friends and spending sunny days by the water.

Saida Mirdadi

Current: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Major in Cognitive/Behavioral Neuroscience

About: Saida is a senior at Loyola on the Pre-Health track. Her main area of interest is child development in connection to neurological development. This flame was sparked during her time as a Behavioral Technician working with children diagnosed with Autism. She hopes to continue her education at medical school. When she is not studying and working, she enjoys reading or spending time with her friends and family.

Dulce Flores Castaneda

Current: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Major in Cognitive/Behavioral Neuroscience and a

About: Dulce is a senior at Loyola with a major in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology. She is particularly interested in children’s developmental cognitive neuroscience. In her free time, Dulce enjoys hiking. So far, she has been to Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, and the Rocky Mountains.

Katy Nyland

Current: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Major in Psychology

About: Katy is a senior undergraduate student studying psychology at Loyola. She is highly interested in Developmental Psychology and hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in the future. In her free time, Katy enjoys art, photography, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family.