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).

 Amanda Jensen, '28 

Amanda is a graduate student in the Child Clinical Psychology Program. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University with a certification in Clinical Sciences. She assisted in clinical treatment of substance use disorders for 1 year before spending 3 years working in clinical research of neurodevelopmental disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Her research interests include the neuropsychological effect of Anxiety and PTSD in children and young adults. She is also interested in the mind-body connection, and the physiological processes involved in anxiety disorders. Outside of research, she enjoys fitness and nutrition, as well as taking her rescue dog, Chloe, on many adventures.

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! 

Mia Booth '26

Mia is pursuing a Psychology major with a minor in Biology. She plans to continue herstudies to earn a PsyD. She is particularly interested in affective neuroscience. In her free time, Mia enjoys socializing, working out, listeningto music, and relaxing in the sunshine.

Grace Sigwanz '26 

Grace is majoring in Psychology with minors in Criminology and LGBTQ+ Studies. She is a member of Best Buddies, where she is paired with an adult with special needs to befriend and interact with on a weekly basis. Grace is also a lifeguard and swim instructor, and she loves going to the pool and beach in her free time. After graduating, Grace plans on pursuing a PhD and becoming a clinical psychologistto work in the Juvenile Justice System.

Bella Reiser ‘25

Bella is majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Criminology and German. Following graduation, she would like to earn her PhD specializing in clinical psychology. Furthermore, she is also interested in forensic psychology. At UM, Bella is a COPE peer educator and is passionate about destigmatizing mental health. She loves to scuba dive, paint, run, and go to the beach!

Jiya Arora '25

Jiya is a Psychology major with a minor in Biology, who hopes to one day receive a PhD in Neuroscience and do research of her own. Passionate about all things psychology, she is an active member of Psi Chi. In her spare time, she is the captain of Hurricane Bhangra Dance team, works in Student Government, and is a SAFAC delegate. She loves to spend time with family, cook, and hike.

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. 

 Elyse Hoffman '25

Elyse is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Exercise Physiology and Enre. Following her graduation from University of Miami, her goal is to go to dental school in hopes of becoming a pediatric dentist. In her free time, she loves hanging with friends, traveling, and going to the gym.

Sydney Kelley '24

Sydney is studying psychology and political science with a minor in public health. Due to our current political climate, she is especially interested in how anxiety alters cognitive thought processes and behavior. After graduation, Sydney hopes to continue her studies in a Ph.D. program. In her free time, Sydney enjoys thrifting, painting, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. 

Jillian DiMonda '24

Jillian is majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. After graduation, she hopes to get her PhD and focus on cognitive neuroscience studies. She is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon and on the executive board of GirlUp on campus. Jillian enjoys painting, drawing, and Italian food. 

Sarah (Sarita) Benoliel '23

Sarah (Sarita) is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She is actively involved in the executive board of the Chabad on campus and is involved in planning and organizing different activities. She joined Alpha Kappa Psi, the business fraternity at the University of Miami. She is an active member of Delta Phi Epsilon. Sarita has a passion for social and cognitive psychology.

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