BRAIN Group Lab Members

Jennifer C. Britton, Ph.D.

 Stephanie (Novotny) Whitney, M.S., '25 

Stephanie is a graduate student in the Child Clinical program. She received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Miami and a M.S. in Child Development from the University of California at Davis before spending 4 years as a research assistant in a child and adolescent brain development lab in Hartford, CT. Her interests broadly focus on the interactions between cognitive processes and affective regulation. She is also interested in the physiological underpinnings of emotional experiences and emotion regulation processes. Outside of the lab, Stephanie enjoys running and training for marathons, and spending time with her dog and cat (Charlotte and Wilbur).

 Megan McFarland, '28 

Megan is a graduate student in the Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience program. She received her B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan before spending 2 years as a research assistant at Northwestern University examining psychomotor disturbances among individuals with depression. Her research interests focus on the interaction between cognition and emotion. Specifically, how disruptions in cognitive processes such as attention, inhibition, and working memory contribute to the emotional dysregulation seen in various psychological disorders. Outside of the lab, Megan enjoys cooking, exercising, and spending time with her family, friends and two cats (Charlie and Milo).

Xiaoyuan (Reggie) Zhang, '25 

Xiaoyuan is a graduate student in the Master of Public Health program. He received his B.A. in Psychology, Philosophy, and Cognitive Science from Rutgers University. He is interested in the field of Cognitive Science, broadly focused on Consciousness and Moral Psychology. He enjoys playing with his two dogs: a 1-year-old Golden Retriever and a 3-year-old French Bulldog.

Isabella Swierzawska ‘27

Isabella is a Foote Fellow pursuing a Neuroscience major with a minor in Biochemistry and General Music. After graduation, she plans on continuing her education in medical school. She is particularly interested in affective neuroscience. Outside of school, Isabella is a member of the Phoenyx a capella group, AMSA and Tricanes. She loves to spend time with family, hike and run.

Grace Garvalia ‘27

Grace is majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Spanish, Public Health, and Chemistry. Following her passion of the brain, she intends to become a pediatric neurologist while continuing research on the overlap of psychiatric and neurological disorders throughout medical school. Grace serves as a Dean’s Ambassador, Mentorship Chair for Nu Rho Psi, PRISM Honors Ambassador, Vice President and Administrative Section Chief of the Canes Emergency Response Team, and is a member of the Miami Motion Dance Team. Outside of UM, she regularly volunteers with Breakthrough Miami to guide the students academically and instruct dance classes! 

 Will Selby ‘26

Will is pursuing a Psychology and Sociology double major, as well as a double minor in Philosophy and Management. Following undergrad he hopes to earn a Psy.D. in clinical psychology and earn licensure as a therapist. He is particularly interested in the growing field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. On campus, he currently serves as both the risk manager & mental health chair of Beta Theta Pi. Outside of school, he enjoys live music and spending time in nature.

Trevor Spinelli ‘26

Trevor is a Neuroscience major with a minor in chemistry looking to pursue a career in anesthesia. Trevor is an active member in the community, volunteering as an EMT. He spends his free time exercising and playing sports as well as being an active member in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. 

Felicja Luciani ‘26

Felicja is pursuing a BS in Psychology, as well as a double minor in Biology and Philosophy. Post graduation, she intends to earn either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical psychology, with the hopes of someday opening her own private practice. Felicja is particularly interested in the integration of complementary medicine into the mental health field as a means of treating mood, personality, and anxiety disorders. She is actively involved on campus with the Art of Healing club, being an Orientation Fellow, and treasurer of the CommUnity Garden. Outside of school and research, she enjoys playing the bass guitar, doing ballet, and spending time with friends! 

Erin Luis '25

Erin is currently pursuing her BS in Psychology with a Certificate in Law, Ethics and Society at Florida International University. Her interests in psychology reside in cognitive research, specifically in areas of anxiety and anxiety disorders, avoidance, and emotional complexities. Erin aspires to obtain her Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology Post Grad and facilitate cognitive research herself. Her campus involvement includes working at the Student Health Clinic as a Peer Educator and is an Eboard Officer of FIU's Thrift Club. Outside of school and work, Erin enjoys people watching at the beach, exploring new art mediums and spending time with her snake.

Mia Booth '25

Mia is pursuing a BS in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Post graduation, she intends to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Mia is particularly interested in cognitive flexibility and mood disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder. Outside of school and research, she enjoys going to the gym, trying new foods, and traveling.

Cassidy Martens '25

Cassidy is majoring in Psychology with minors in LGBTQ+ Studies, Public Administration, and Spanish. She is a Foote Fellow, as well as a Foote Fellow Mentor for first year students. She is an active member of Delta Phi Epsilon and SpectrUM. After completing her bachelor's, Cassidy plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, Cassidy enjoys trying new vegan recipes, dancing, and going to the gym.  

Anna Ceccarelli '25

Anna is studying neuroscience with a minor in microbiology and immunology in hopes of pursing medical school. With a medical degree, she hopes to work in pediatric psychiatry and neurology. She enjoys spending time with friends and studying outside around campus. 

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