Research Assistants and Interviewers

Ian Ferrucci, Research Assistant

Ian is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Carleton College pursuing a degree in Psychology. His past experience working with children comes from Santa Cruz Soccer Camp in Santa Cruz county as a coach, helping children better understand the world around them while having fun in the sun. Ian is inspired to pursue a career helping children understand the personal power they posses, and how much their voice matters. Outside of the lab, Ian plays soccer with friends and practices his trumpet and guitar. 

Genevieve Greco, Research Assistant

Genevieve is a second-year undergraduate Psychology major at University of California, Santa Cruz. Her previous work experience includes working with kids from TK- 5th grade as a Paraeducator for the Santa Cruz City Elementary School District. She has also had previous experience working as a student worker for the Orcutt Union School District’s Nutrition Department. Outside of the lab, her hobbies include playing tennis, painting, and reading.

Paige Kieding, Research Assistant

Paige is a third-year undergraduate Psychology major at University of California, Santa Cruz. Her previous work experience includes working at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, where she educates both children and adults on mental health condition, how to best support individuals struggling emotionally and psychologically, and how to access mental health resources. Paige is interested in the mind-body connection and aspires to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology using an integrative approach. Her hobbies include ocean swimming, hiking, reading, and writing. 

Sachi Huilgol, Research Assistant

Sachi is a third-year Cognitive Science major at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Their previous experience includes working as a camp counselor and helping their mother teach art to K-12 kids. They are interested in the various ways children learn to develop their world views and beliefs, how children learn to process languages, and how children with learning disabilities can be better supported and nurtured by the education system. Outside of the lab, Sachi enjoys playing video games, creating digital art, and making interesting coffee drinks.

Sequoia Corisck-Alcott, Research Assistant

Sequoia is a fourth-year undergraduate Psychology major at University of California, Santa Cruz. Her previous work experience includes working as a babysitter for infants and children aged 2-6 years old and also as a camp counselor for 6th grade children at Mt. Hermon’s science camp here in Santa Cruz. Her hobbies include running her small art business, grabbing food with friends, and collecting Sonny Angels.

Sofia Whitley, B.A., Research Assistant & Research Interviewer

Sofia graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz (’23) with a B.A. in Psychology. She is planning to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology, and is looking forward to gaining experience and connections in her field of interest through working in the DID lab. Sofia currently volunteers to work alongside adults and children with disabilities at a local farm, and has experience as an elementary school tutor, summer camp counselor, and as a young cast and crew manager for a theatrical production. Her favorite part of working with children is the many learning opportunities on both ends. Outside of the lab, her hobbies include taking her puppy on outdoor adventures, hiking, and crochet. 

Valerie Elneser, Research Assistant

Valerie is a third year undergraduate student at UC Santa Cruz pursuing a degree in pre med psychology with a minor in legal studies. Her past experience with working with children has been when she went to Costa Rica, and helped children in low income communities and assisted with taking vital signs, doing physical exams, and learned how to provide advice on general health and diagnose patients. She was also a special Olympics assistant coach for children with special needs, preparing them for the next step on their journey to the special Olympics team. Valerie was also an assistant coach for the E hoops team for special needs children teaching them the basics of basketball and also orienting them to pursue a passion for basketball. Outside of the lab, her hobbies are singing, playing guitar and piano, and going on walks.

Ally Radford, Research Interviewer

Ally is a second-year undergraduate double majoring in Psychology and Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her previous work experience includes assisting preschool teachers at different summer camps in Ventura and Ojai School Districts. She also worked as a dental assistant at an office in Ventura, where she helped many kids and patients feel comfortable undergoing dental procedures. She is interested in how various sociological factors may impact individuals, especially children. Her hobbies include making jewelry for her small business, crocheting, going to the beach, and doing hot yoga.

Arielle Ong, Research Interviewer

Arielle is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at University of California, Santa Cruz. Previously, Arielle worked with kids in Fresno for a program called Circle of Friends, which aimed to help children process recent grief. She is interested in how psychology and social injustice connect and is interested in how research can be used to address these inequalities. Outside of the lab, Arielle enjoys playing video games, video editing, and learning more about niche topics on the internet.

Charissa Zeigler, Research Interviewer

Charissa is a second-year undergraduate Psychology and Philosophy major at the University of California, Santa Cruz. During a gap year, she served with City Year, AmeriCorps in a classroom with 5th graders in Rhode Island. She is currently a volunteer at Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center. Charissa’s future dreams include learning how to surf and getting to meet her favorite poet and a platypus. 

Kinsey Peterlinz, Research Interviewer

Kinsey is a third year Cognitive Science and Psychology major at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Their previous experience involves working as a Behavioral Technician to help kids on the Autism Spectrum learn social skills and work on their own personal goals. They also have experience as a Teacher’s Assistant and as a summer camp counselor. Kinsey aspires to pursue a PhD in Cognitive Psychology, and work in research focused on cognitive development in adolescence. Outside of the lab, Kinsey enjoys attending concerts, surfing, photography, and playing with their cats. 

Victoria Flores, Research Interviewer

Victoria is a rising fourth-year undergraduate student at University of California, Santa Cruz pursuing a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. Her previous work experience includes working in K-12 as an instructor assistant for students on the Autism spectrum. She also has experience mentoring FRC Robotics business teams and tutoring AVID students. Her goal is to make education as accessible and inclusive as possible. Outside of the lab, Victoria enjoys cooking for others and collecting funky earrings.

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