Jennifer C. Britton, Ph.D. Dr. Jennifer Britton directs the BRAIN Group at the University of Miami. She is an Associate Professor in the Child Division and affiliated member of the Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Division of the Department of Psychology. She completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Michigan in 2005, and has conducted neuroimaging research at Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, and the National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Britton's research focuses on understanding the intersection between anxiety, development and treatment. See the "Research" tab for more information about Dr. Britton's ongoing projects.
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).
Sofia Di Mauro - May 2029 Sofia is currently pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with minors in Psychology and Exercise Physiology, fueled by a passion for understanding the human body inside and out. With aspirations of attending medical school, she hopes to help people improve their lives holistically—mind, body, and spirit. When she’s not studying or in the lab, you’ll find her hopping between Miami cafés after a Pilates class or trying out the latest workout studios across the city, always chasing growth, balance, and new experiences. Ivan is pursuing a Neuroscience with a minor in Biochemistry. After graduation, he plans on going to medical school with the goal of pursuing a career as a neurosurgeon. He is driven to help the community and help others through medicine. Outside of class, he enjoys working out, watching sports, playing golf, and he is an active member of the medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon. Isa is a Psychology major on the pre-medical track with research interests in biopsychology. She is pursuing double minors in Health Management and Policy and Exercise Physiology and plans to attend medical school, with a current interest in anesthesiology, while remaining open to other clinical specialties. At the University of Miami, Isa serves as Vice President of Club Tennis and works part-time with the football nutrition team, experiences that complement her academic focus on health and performance. Outside of academics, she enjoys cooking and baking new recipes, fitness training, and exploring new coffee shops. Andrew Dinger - May 2028 Andrew is pursuing a major in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. Passionate about the intersection of science and patient care, Andrew is driven to apply his knowledge of the brain and human biology to help others through medicine. At the University of Miami, he serves on the executive board of the Canes Boxing Club, where he combines leadership with his enthusiasm for athletics. Outside of academics, he enjoys staying active, spending time with friends, and supporting his community. Maria Rotz - May 2028 Maria Rotz is a Foote Fellow majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Biochemistry. She plans to pursue a medical degree after graduation, with a passion for exploring how the brain connects psychological conditions to their physical manifestations and developmental effects. Fascinated by the mind–body relationship, Maria hopes to apply this understanding to improve patient care and overall well-being. At the University of Miami, Maria is committed to academic excellence and feeding her curiosity in scientific research. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach, staying active in the gym, and discovering new cafés or cooking with friends. Esther Premazzi - May 2028 Esther is pursuing a major in Psychology with a double minor in Exercise Physiology and Entrepreneurship. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a Psy.D. or a Clinical Ph.D. in psychology to become a child and adolescent psychologist, particularly interested in trauma and anxiety disorders. At UM, she is a member of The International Honor Society in Psychology and the Club Tennis Competitive Team. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, spending time in nature, and enjoying life with family and friends. Gabby is a da Vinci Scholar majoring in Psychology with a minor in Counseling. After graduating, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with the goal of becoming a clinical research psychologist focused on addressing gaps in women’s mental health and intervention research. She is a member of the International Honor Society in Psychology, as well as the Psi Chi club at the UM. Outside of academics, she enjoys practicing yoga, creative writing, baking, and spending time with friends and family. Lauren Dolson is a Foote Fellow pursuing a major in Psychology, with minors in Exercise Physiology, Sociology, and Community & Applied Psychological Studies. Her research interests center on the relationship between the brain and body and how this connection influences behavior, with additional interests in neurodevelopmental, substance use, and mood disorders. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and earn licensure as a therapist. On campus, Lauren serves as a Counseling Outreach Peer Educator, President’s 100 Student Ambassador, and Hillel Executive Board Member, and previously served as Mental Health and Wellness Chair of Zeta Tau Alpha. In her free time, she enjoys running, baking, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family. Madeline Brown - May 2027 Madeline is currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a focus on the Neuropsychology track. She is particularly passionate about exploring brain function and its connection to mental illness, especially how neurological differences may contribute to mood disorders and cognitive flexibility. She values a holistic approach to healing and enjoy practicing yoga outside of academics, incorporating principles such as grounding, mindfulness, and balance, all of which she hopes to integrate into my future clinical work. She served as the Mindfulness Coordinator for my sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, where she helped promote mental health awareness and wellness practices within the University of Miami community. Alexandra Lutcavage - May 2027 Alexandra is pursuing a major in Neuroscience with a minor in Marine Science. In the future, Alexandra plans to continue research with the goal of a Ph.D. She is especially interested in the field of mindfulness-based cognitive neuroscience. In her free time Alexandra enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and cooking with friends. Isabella Swierzawska - December 2026 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.
Ivan Sweeney - May 2028
Isa Marquina-Glasgow - May 2028
Gabby Modica - December 2028
Lauren Dolson - May 2027