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!
Kelsey Davinson, M.S.
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.
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.
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.
Cecilia DeBruycker
Research Assistant
Cecilia is a junior at UConn majoring in psychological sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS). She has enjoyed working with children for the past 4 years and she is now enthusiastic about delving into research to learn more about infants. In her free time, she finds joy in the company of her dog, friends, and family.
Casey Blumetti
Research Assistant
Casey is a senior at UConn majoring in psychological sciences. After working with children in the past, she is excited to learn more about infants and see if this field of research aligns with her future goals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, going on walks, journaling and playing music.
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
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. Aliintends 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
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.
Lauren Bryant, Ph.D.
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.