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Meg Schlichting, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology PhD in Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin BA in Cognitive Science, University of Pennsylvania Meg is the Principal Investigator of the Budding Minds Lab at U of T. She is interested in how the episodic memory system (especially the hippocampus and its surrounding medial temporal lobe cortex) interacts with prefrontal brain regions to update our stored memories with new information. Her work aims to characterize how these neural operations happen in healthy young adults, as well as how they might change as the brain develops across childhood and adolescence. In her spare time, Meg loves to cook, try new restaurants, and explore all that her new city of Toronto has to offer. |
Post-Doctoral Fellows
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Anna Blumenthal
BA in Psychology, Minors in Classical Studies & Philosophy, Drew University MS in Cognitive Science University of Trento & SISSA, Italy PhD in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario I am a new postdoc, co-supervised by Meg and Michael Mack. I grew up in Colorado and New Jersey, and did my graduate work in cognitive neuroscience in northern Italy and then in Ontario at Western. Broadly, I am interested in how the hippocampus and surrounding medial temporal lobe structures contribute to perception, learning, and memory. At UofT I am excited to combine neuroimaging and computational modeling to understand the link between episodic and semantic memory in the developing brain. In my free time I love going hiking and camping with Alfred (the handsome fellow in the photo), reading fantasy/sci-fi, and traveling. |
Graduate Students
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Sagana Vijayarajah
BSc in Psychology, York University Sagana is very excited to be joining the Budding Minds Lab and to be working on her Master's research under Dr. Schlichting's supervision. She is interested in exploring the developmental changes in memory that occur from childhood to adulthood and how they impact decision-making. In her spare time, she likes to bike, paint, and spend time with family and friends. |
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Tess Forest
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Lab Manager
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Chuyun Shen
BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto Chuyun has recently completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto as a psychology research specialist. She feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be involved in cognitive developmental research for her thesis. She is excited to delve deeper into this field of research and also help the lab grow as the lab manager. In her spare time, she can be found volunteering for a hospice, taking gymnastics classes, reading, and painting. Contact info: manager.buddingmindslab@gmail.com |
Research Assistants
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Nathan Chen
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Tina Farokhifar
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Isabelle Vanasse Grosdidier
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Nujhat Tabassum
BSc in Neuroscience, Physiology, and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress) Research Opportunity Program (ROP) Student Nujhat has just finished her third year at U of T, and is extremely excited to be joining the Budding Minds Lab! She is highly interested in learning about the neurodevelopmental physiology and pathophysiology behind various aspects of cognition and cognitive disorders, and hopes to pursue graduate studies in this field. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, creative writing, watching TV, and spending time cuddling her cat, Mia. |
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Wangjing Yu
BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto (In Progress) Individual Project Student Wangjing is a third-year student in U of T, taking a psychology and neuroscience double major. She is very interested in cognitive and developmental psychology and plans on pursuing graduate studies in related areas in the future. During her leisure time, she likes to watch movies and TV shows. |
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Zahra Abolghasem
BSc in Psychology and Physiology, University of Toronto (In Progress) Zahra is a third year undergraduate student who is specializing in Psychology and minoring in Physiology at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about many of the different branches of psychology, but her main interest lies within the field of developmental psychology, and she has a particular fascination for cognitive development. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking/baking, hiking, and painting. |
Katarina Savel
BSc in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Spanish (In Progress)
Katarina is a third year student double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology and minoring in Spanish. She is interested in the intersection between Neuroscience and the law, and how concepts in developmental neuroscience and psychology can be applied to the sentencing and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. In her spare time Katarina enjoys listening to podcasts, skating, and exploring Toronto.
BSc in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Spanish (In Progress)
Katarina is a third year student double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology and minoring in Spanish. She is interested in the intersection between Neuroscience and the law, and how concepts in developmental neuroscience and psychology can be applied to the sentencing and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. In her spare time Katarina enjoys listening to podcasts, skating, and exploring Toronto.
Hasaan Sobaan
BSc in Psychology and Semiotics (In Progress)
Hasaan is a second-year student pursuing a specialist degree in psychology and a minor in semiotics, and is extremely excited to be joining the Budding Minds lab! He is passionate about psychology and psychological research generally, but, takes a special interest in how differences in neurodevelopmental pathways give rise to changes in cognitive functioning. In his spare time, Hasaan can probably be found either with his nose in a good book, out on a hike, or busy cafe-hopping around Toronto.
BSc in Psychology and Semiotics (In Progress)
Hasaan is a second-year student pursuing a specialist degree in psychology and a minor in semiotics, and is extremely excited to be joining the Budding Minds lab! He is passionate about psychology and psychological research generally, but, takes a special interest in how differences in neurodevelopmental pathways give rise to changes in cognitive functioning. In his spare time, Hasaan can probably be found either with his nose in a good book, out on a hike, or busy cafe-hopping around Toronto.
David Huynh
Bsc in Psychology (In Progress)
David is a second-year student pursuing the Psychology Specialist Program. He is fascinated about cognitive and social development of infants, particularly the impact of social cues and environmental information on memory development and their problem solving abilities. He hopes to broaden his knowledge in the field from the experience gained as an RA in the Budding Minds lab.
In his free time, he enjoys going for a walk, hanging out with friends, binging Netflix, playing games or trying out new cooking recipes.
Bsc in Psychology (In Progress)
David is a second-year student pursuing the Psychology Specialist Program. He is fascinated about cognitive and social development of infants, particularly the impact of social cues and environmental information on memory development and their problem solving abilities. He hopes to broaden his knowledge in the field from the experience gained as an RA in the Budding Minds lab.
In his free time, he enjoys going for a walk, hanging out with friends, binging Netflix, playing games or trying out new cooking recipes.
Eilidh McAlister
BSc in Psychology and Immunology (In Progress)
Eilidh is a third year student pursuing a major in Psychology and minors in Immunology and Physiology. She is particularly interested in the realm of cognitive psychology and the brain. She was born in Ottawa, but grew up in Alberta. In her free time she enjoys cycling, travelling, and spending time with friends and family. She is looking forward to developing her research experience at the Budding Minds Lab!
BSc in Psychology and Immunology (In Progress)
Eilidh is a third year student pursuing a major in Psychology and minors in Immunology and Physiology. She is particularly interested in the realm of cognitive psychology and the brain. She was born in Ottawa, but grew up in Alberta. In her free time she enjoys cycling, travelling, and spending time with friends and family. She is looking forward to developing her research experience at the Budding Minds Lab!
Cheryl Quan
BSc in Psychology, Biology, and Anthropology (in progress)
Cheryl is currently a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto, completing her B.Sc in Psychology, Biology, and Anthropology. She is very excited to be working with the Budding Minds Lab to research the ways children and adults form and retrieve memories and how they may differ as a result of developmental differences in the brain. Cheryl is an advocate for diversity in STEM and passionate about breaking down the barriers to education and success in academia. In her spare time, she is getting involved in advocacy efforts, playing badminton, practicing photography, reading, or — most likely — taking a nap.
BSc in Psychology, Biology, and Anthropology (in progress)
Cheryl is currently a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto, completing her B.Sc in Psychology, Biology, and Anthropology. She is very excited to be working with the Budding Minds Lab to research the ways children and adults form and retrieve memories and how they may differ as a result of developmental differences in the brain. Cheryl is an advocate for diversity in STEM and passionate about breaking down the barriers to education and success in academia. In her spare time, she is getting involved in advocacy efforts, playing badminton, practicing photography, reading, or — most likely — taking a nap.
Andrew Chun
BSc in Psychology and Sociology (In Progress)
Andrew Chun is a second year UofT student pursuing a Psychology Specialist & Sociology Minor. He was born in Toronto, but has lived in several other places including Vancouver, Kazakstan, LA, and Seoul. His favourite sport is American Football and his hobbies include watching/playing sports, watching TV shows, and learning how to cook.
BSc in Psychology and Sociology (In Progress)
Andrew Chun is a second year UofT student pursuing a Psychology Specialist & Sociology Minor. He was born in Toronto, but has lived in several other places including Vancouver, Kazakstan, LA, and Seoul. His favourite sport is American Football and his hobbies include watching/playing sports, watching TV shows, and learning how to cook.
Natanela Dain
BSc in Psychology and English (In Progress)
Natanela is in fourth year double majoring in Psychology and English. She is particularly interested in the developmental trajectory of learning in children and adolescents, and the formation of memories. In the future, she hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and to work with children in a therapeutic setting.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching documentaries, and exploring downtown.
BSc in Psychology and English (In Progress)
Natanela is in fourth year double majoring in Psychology and English. She is particularly interested in the developmental trajectory of learning in children and adolescents, and the formation of memories. In the future, she hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and to work with children in a therapeutic setting.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching documentaries, and exploring downtown.
Rena Rivera
BSc in Pharmacology and Health and Disease, University of Toronto (In progress)
Rena is a fourth year undergraduate student and is completing a double major in Pharmacology and Health and Disease at the University of Toronto. Throughout her academic career she has taken psychology and neuroscience courses, which has helped her discover her interests in neural and cognitive processes in the brain. She is interested in the changes that arise with memory formation due to the developing brain. In her spare time, she enjoys watching Netflix, spending time with her friends, family, and her dog Rocky.
BSc in Pharmacology and Health and Disease, University of Toronto (In progress)
Rena is a fourth year undergraduate student and is completing a double major in Pharmacology and Health and Disease at the University of Toronto. Throughout her academic career she has taken psychology and neuroscience courses, which has helped her discover her interests in neural and cognitive processes in the brain. She is interested in the changes that arise with memory formation due to the developing brain. In her spare time, she enjoys watching Netflix, spending time with her friends, family, and her dog Rocky.
Rena Seeger
BSc in Neuroscience and Art History, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Rena is a second-year student specializing in neuroscience and minoring in art history at U of T. Outside of school she can be found taking dance classes, practicing the cello or piano, or painting. In the future she hopes to work in a hospital setting, using her knowledge in medicine as well as the arts to help treat her patients.
BSc in Neuroscience and Art History, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Rena is a second-year student specializing in neuroscience and minoring in art history at U of T. Outside of school she can be found taking dance classes, practicing the cello or piano, or painting. In the future she hopes to work in a hospital setting, using her knowledge in medicine as well as the arts to help treat her patients.
Zosia Gontarz
Bsc in psychology specialist, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Individual Project Student
Zosia is in her fourth year of the psychology specialist program. Her main interests within the field are cognitive and social psychology, especially where they relate to childhood and development, so a joint project between the Mack and Budding Minds Labs looking at semantic development across childhood and adolescence is the perfect opportunity! Outside of the lab, Zosia loves hiking with her dog, playing music, and exploring food spots in the city.
Bsc in psychology specialist, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Individual Project Student
Zosia is in her fourth year of the psychology specialist program. Her main interests within the field are cognitive and social psychology, especially where they relate to childhood and development, so a joint project between the Mack and Budding Minds Labs looking at semantic development across childhood and adolescence is the perfect opportunity! Outside of the lab, Zosia loves hiking with her dog, playing music, and exploring food spots in the city.
Lab Programmer
Tianyu Lu
BSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Specialist (In Progress)
Tianyu is a second-year student specializing in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. He is particularly interested in computer simulations of biochemical systems and the applications of mathematics to biology. He is also interested in learning more Chinese and is writing an app to help him do that. Outside of his studies, he can be found cycling on one of Toronto's trails, attempting to play Rachmaninoff, or enjoying a warm bowl of pho.
BSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Specialist (In Progress)
Tianyu is a second-year student specializing in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. He is particularly interested in computer simulations of biochemical systems and the applications of mathematics to biology. He is also interested in learning more Chinese and is writing an app to help him do that. Outside of his studies, he can be found cycling on one of Toronto's trails, attempting to play Rachmaninoff, or enjoying a warm bowl of pho.
Lab Alumni
Hannah Tarder-Stoll - PhD in Psychology at Columbia University (in progress)
BMus in Classical Voice Performance, University of Toronto & BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Lana Duan - MSc in Medical Science at the University of Toronto and SickKids Research Institute (in progress)
BSc in Psychology Specialist and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Samantha Bray Kingissepp - M.Ed. in Counselling and Psychotherapy at OISE, University of Toronto (in progress)
BA in Honours Specialization Psychology, University of Western Ontario
Hailey Benedict - MSc in Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto (in progress)
BA in Psychology, McGill University
Cindy Zhou - BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
BMus in Classical Voice Performance, University of Toronto & BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Lana Duan - MSc in Medical Science at the University of Toronto and SickKids Research Institute (in progress)
BSc in Psychology Specialist and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Samantha Bray Kingissepp - M.Ed. in Counselling and Psychotherapy at OISE, University of Toronto (in progress)
BA in Honours Specialization Psychology, University of Western Ontario
Hailey Benedict - MSc in Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto (in progress)
BA in Psychology, McGill University
Cindy Zhou - BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Our lab is small, but growing - join us!
We are recruiting students for the work study program at UofT. We are also still looking for postdoctoral fellows to join our team!
Visit the Get Involved page for more information.
We are recruiting students for the work study program at UofT. We are also still looking for postdoctoral fellows to join our team!
Visit the Get Involved page for more information.
