Meet the Lab

Kimberly Cuevas, Ph.D.

Dr. Cuevas

About

Dr. Cuevas (Ph.D. Rutgers University) is an associate professor of psychological sciences at the University of Connecticut and Director of the CAP Lab.  Her postdoctoral training (Virginia Tech) was in developmental cognitive neuroscience, with a focus on executive functions. Dr. Cuevas' research program examines the development of basic and higher-order cognitive processes throughout infancy and early childhood, including brain-behavior associations.  In addition to being a developmental scientist, she is a mother of two young girls and enjoys spending time with her children as she gets to witness "development in action" on a daily basis!

Sarah Mannella, B.A.

Sarah Mannella, B.A.

Project Coordinator

 

Sarah is a UConn graduate with a B.A. in psychological sciences. She has enjoyed working with adolescents for the past 11 years and is eager to explore the field of developmental research with infants and toddlers in the CAP Lab. In her free time Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 young daughters, hiking, and caring for her plant collection. 

Nour al Zaghloul, B.A.

Nour al Zaghloul, B.A.

Research Assistant

 

Nour is a professional researcher with a Bachelor's in Psychology from UC Davis. She has spent the last decade in developmental research working with youth from pre-natal to pre-teen and is excited to explore new facets of research with the CAP lab. When not in the lab, they can be found cooking up a storm or reading furiously about their latest interest.

Livia Goulart da Trindade, B.A.

Livia Goulart da Trindade, B.A.

Research Assistant

 

Livia is a full-time research assistant in the CAP Lab and recent graduate of UMass Boston with a B.A. in Psychology and Cognitive Science. During her studies, Livia discovered her passion for children’s cognitive development, especially in the areas of learning and attention. In her free time, she enjoys watching K-dramas, playing volleyball, and spending time with her puppy, Tuna.

Kelsey Davinson, M.S.

Kelsey Davinson

Graduate Student

 

Kelsey is a fourth-year graduate student at UConn.  Her research interests include the behavioral and neural bases of memory development. She moved to Connecticut from California and has fallen in love with the fall season. In her free time, she loves hiking and exploring with her dogs.

Siqi Liang, M.A.

A stuffed husky in a highchair looking at two images on a TV screen.

Graduate Student

 

Siqi is a Ph.D. student at UConn. She earned her B.A. in Psychology in China and her M.A. in Developmental Psychology at Columbia University. Her research focuses on the interaction between environmental factors (such as family and maternal influences) and children’s individual characteristics, and how these dynamics shape their cognitive and social development. At UConn, she is excited to expand her work using EEG methods to better understand these processes. Outside of research, Siqi enjoys dancing, watching movies, and reading.

Delaney Mendoza

A stuffed husky in a highchair watching a toy train go by

Graduate Student

 

Delaney is a first-year graduate student at UConn. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Clemson University in 2024, and her research interests include memory and language development throughout infancy and early childhood. In her free time, Delaney enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying various outdoor activities around Connecticut and New England.

 

Hannah Cipriano

Hannah Cipriano

Research Assistant

 

Hannah is a junior at UConn majoring in psychological sciences. After completing her bachelor's degree, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in social work. She aims to use her MSW to work with those struggling with addiction, specifically adolescents, as a substance abuse counselor. During her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her friends, family, and three cats.

 

Raynia Martinez

Raynia Martinez

Research Assistant

 

Raynia earned her B.A. in psychological sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences from UConn in the spring of 2024. She is now working toward her goal of pursuing her Master's in social work at UConn. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing, learning new things, exploring her interests in more depth, and spending time with family.

Ali Mohiuddin

Ali Mohiuddin

Research Assistant

 

Ali is a senior at UConn, majoring in Linguistics/Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS). His academic interests include developmental psychology as well as language development. Ali intends to continue studying in a psychology-related graduate program after obtaining his bachelor’s degree. In his free time, he enjoys drawing, painting, cooking, baking, and spending time with family. 

Pearlina Tran

Pearlina Tran

Research Assistant

 

Pearlina is a senior at UConn, with a double major in psychological sciences and human development and family sciences and a minor in neuroscience. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in surgical neurophysiology. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature, reading, painting, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

 

Faith Zhao

Faith Zhao

Research Assistant

 

Faith is a senior at UConn majoring in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Sociology. After obtaining her bachelor's degree, she plans to pursue a master's degree in occupational therapy with a particular interest in pediatrics. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, taking walks outside, and playing card games like Dutch Blitz with her friends.

 

Lauren Bryant, Ph.D.

Lauren BRYANT

Research Associate

 

Lauren is a former UConn graduate student, earning a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology (2020).  Her doctoral dissertation focuses on executive functions and reward sensitivity during early childhood.  Lauren is currently an assistant professor at Sacred Heart University.

Collaborators: 

List of People