Meet the Lab
Lab Manager
Rachel Eng, Lab Manager
I recently graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Psychology. Some of my research interests include learning and memory, sensation and perception, and attention and performance. I have been working with children for many years and I enjoy it because I get the opportunity to teach them something and learn something from them at the same time! It reminds me that learning is a lifelong process and there is so much to learn from each other. Outside of work I enjoy running, reading, and playing board games and card games!
You can reach me at manager.buchsbaum@gmail.com
I recently graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Psychology. Some of my research interests include learning and memory, sensation and perception, and attention and performance. I have been working with children for many years and I enjoy it because I get the opportunity to teach them something and learn something from them at the same time! It reminds me that learning is a lifelong process and there is so much to learn from each other. Outside of work I enjoy running, reading, and playing board games and card games!
You can reach me at manager.buchsbaum@gmail.com
Graduate Students
Elisa Felsche
Elisa is a PhD student studying at the University of St. Andrews, under the supervision of Dr. Amanda Seed.
Elisa is a PhD student studying at the University of St. Andrews, under the supervision of Dr. Amanda Seed.
Kay Otsubo, B. Sc.
I recently completed my Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science at the University of Toronto. By working in this lab, I have had the opportunity to combine my passion for social cognition research with my love for working with children. My research interests include how children learn from other people given various social cues and how children develop complex cognitive abilities, such as Theory of Mind, to assist them in these social situations. In the future, I hope to pursue graduate school in developmental psychology.
I recently completed my Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science at the University of Toronto. By working in this lab, I have had the opportunity to combine my passion for social cognition research with my love for working with children. My research interests include how children learn from other people given various social cues and how children develop complex cognitive abilities, such as Theory of Mind, to assist them in these social situations. In the future, I hope to pursue graduate school in developmental psychology.
Undergraduate Students
Justine Biado, Volunteer Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Justine and I'm a volunteer research assistant. I graduated from the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus with a Specialist in Psychology and this jump started my interest in developmental and music psychology. I really enjoy working with children and hope to have a career in music therapy someday.
Hi! My name is Justine and I'm a volunteer research assistant. I graduated from the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus with a Specialist in Psychology and this jump started my interest in developmental and music psychology. I really enjoy working with children and hope to have a career in music therapy someday.
Angel Cheung, Volunteer Research Assistant
I've completed my Hons. B. Sc. at the University of Toronto and have since spent some time in Behaviour Science working with children with Autism. I am now splitting my time between the child and dog lab and I'm excited to be back in research! When I'm not viewing silly dog videos, I enjoy travelling, hiking, rock climbing, and scouting out cool new restaurants.
I've completed my Hons. B. Sc. at the University of Toronto and have since spent some time in Behaviour Science working with children with Autism. I am now splitting my time between the child and dog lab and I'm excited to be back in research! When I'm not viewing silly dog videos, I enjoy travelling, hiking, rock climbing, and scouting out cool new restaurants.
Calvin Choi, Work Study Student
I'm a third year student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Computer Science with a major in Cognitive Science. My main interests concern the interdisciplinary constructs between computer science and psychology, a passion I have been developing since high school. I believe that world-changing applications can arise out of this effort. I enjoy working on independent projects in my spare time, coding small scripts and widgets. Recently, I gained an interest in mobile development, a skill I hope will be of great use in developing applications for the lab. When I'm away from the computer, I like to eat and hang out with friends.
I'm a third year student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Computer Science with a major in Cognitive Science. My main interests concern the interdisciplinary constructs between computer science and psychology, a passion I have been developing since high school. I believe that world-changing applications can arise out of this effort. I enjoy working on independent projects in my spare time, coding small scripts and widgets. Recently, I gained an interest in mobile development, a skill I hope will be of great use in developing applications for the lab. When I'm away from the computer, I like to eat and hang out with friends.
Jessica Da Cunha, Volunteer Research Assistant
I'm a recent graduate from UTSC where I majored in Neuroscience and Psychology. Through my coursework, I was exposed to different psychological phenomenon which is where my interest in research began. Prior to CocoDev, I volunteered as an RA at Roots of Empathy, which works to teach children around the world to be more empathetic. In my spare time, I am an avid foodie, and love exploring new Toronto restaurants. I also enjoy playing with my German Shepherd/Lab mix named Molly.
I'm a recent graduate from UTSC where I majored in Neuroscience and Psychology. Through my coursework, I was exposed to different psychological phenomenon which is where my interest in research began. Prior to CocoDev, I volunteered as an RA at Roots of Empathy, which works to teach children around the world to be more empathetic. In my spare time, I am an avid foodie, and love exploring new Toronto restaurants. I also enjoy playing with my German Shepherd/Lab mix named Molly.
Isaac Ehrlich, ROP299 Student
I am a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a double major in cognitive science and statistics. Through my experience working as a badminton coach and debate instructor over the past 6 years, I discovered my passion for working with kids. My previous work experience also includes performing statistical analyses for an evaluation of a government-funded project aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations. Beyond studying cognitive development, I am interested in learning more about the application of statistical and computational methods in research analyses. Outside the lab, I love playing badminton, practicing guitar, and backpacking with my friends.
I am a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a double major in cognitive science and statistics. Through my experience working as a badminton coach and debate instructor over the past 6 years, I discovered my passion for working with kids. My previous work experience also includes performing statistical analyses for an evaluation of a government-funded project aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations. Beyond studying cognitive development, I am interested in learning more about the application of statistical and computational methods in research analyses. Outside the lab, I love playing badminton, practicing guitar, and backpacking with my friends.
Rebekah Gelpi, Volunteer Research Assistant
Hi! I'm Rebekah and I'm a volunteer research assistant. I graduated from Swarthmore College with a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science, and my interests in developmental psychology motivated me to get involved with the lab. My primary interests in the field are in understanding the ways in which children's ways of learning and reasoning about the world are different from adults', and how this impacts the ways that we talk to and teach children. Outside the lab, I love seeing new films at TIFF and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Hi! I'm Rebekah and I'm a volunteer research assistant. I graduated from Swarthmore College with a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science, and my interests in developmental psychology motivated me to get involved with the lab. My primary interests in the field are in understanding the ways in which children's ways of learning and reasoning about the world are different from adults', and how this impacts the ways that we talk to and teach children. Outside the lab, I love seeing new films at TIFF and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Hazel Hou, Volunteer Research Assistant
I am a fourth-year student pursing a double major in psychology and economics. Through my experience of observing children in the lab course PSY319, I found my research interests in Developmental psychology. I am particularly interested in how children make decisions based on the limited information from external environment. Now, I am working as a research assistant in the Dependency Study. In my spare time, I love singing, listening to music and cooking. I am excited to gain more research experience in CocoDev Lab.
I am a fourth-year student pursing a double major in psychology and economics. Through my experience of observing children in the lab course PSY319, I found my research interests in Developmental psychology. I am particularly interested in how children make decisions based on the limited information from external environment. Now, I am working as a research assistant in the Dependency Study. In my spare time, I love singing, listening to music and cooking. I am excited to gain more research experience in CocoDev Lab.
Maureen Huang, Work Study Student
Hi! My name is Maureen, I’m in second year doing a work study in this lab. I’m currently pursuing a psychology specialist and a minor in education and society. I absolutely love working with children and I plan to go into a field regarding developmental clinical psychology in the future :) When I’m not geeking out over psychology, I’m often binge-watching Netflix, reading, or styling hair!
Hi! My name is Maureen, I’m in second year doing a work study in this lab. I’m currently pursuing a psychology specialist and a minor in education and society. I absolutely love working with children and I plan to go into a field regarding developmental clinical psychology in the future :) When I’m not geeking out over psychology, I’m often binge-watching Netflix, reading, or styling hair!
Nishat Kazi, ROP399 and Work Study Student
I am a third year undergraduate student pursuing a Psychology specialist and a major in Neuroscience. Alongside, my Education & Society minor has strengthened my passion for developmental psychology and love for kids; I am personally inspired by the reward it is to motivate children to achieve their fullest potential. In my spare time, I love to go to the gym, do activist work, and laugh over an episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Fun fact: I still listen to music on my iPod touch (4th generation).
I am a third year undergraduate student pursuing a Psychology specialist and a major in Neuroscience. Alongside, my Education & Society minor has strengthened my passion for developmental psychology and love for kids; I am personally inspired by the reward it is to motivate children to achieve their fullest potential. In my spare time, I love to go to the gym, do activist work, and laugh over an episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Fun fact: I still listen to music on my iPod touch (4th generation).
Raymond Li, Independent Project Student
I'm a CS undergraduate student currently in my last year. My currently project deals with using computer vision methods for detecting features on Blickets in order to assists researchers in various experiments. Joining this lab gives me the unique opportunity to pursue my interests in researching and implementing different techniques for the task, and further enrich my understanding in the field of computer vision. Outside of school, I enjoy various activities including basketball, skiing/snowboarding, as well as working on some of the side projects that's currently in development.
I'm a CS undergraduate student currently in my last year. My currently project deals with using computer vision methods for detecting features on Blickets in order to assists researchers in various experiments. Joining this lab gives me the unique opportunity to pursue my interests in researching and implementing different techniques for the task, and further enrich my understanding in the field of computer vision. Outside of school, I enjoy various activities including basketball, skiing/snowboarding, as well as working on some of the side projects that's currently in development.
Yiqi (Betty) Luo, Volunteer Research Assistant
I am a third-year student specializing in Psychology and minoring in Education. I love working with kids, getting to know them and exploring their world. I think that learning about children's mind is necessary to understand human nature, and how people grow up to be who they are. My future career goal is to be an educator and have a positive influence on children. I have worked with kids of most ages from various backgrounds, and I am excited to work with them more and discover more!
I am a third-year student specializing in Psychology and minoring in Education. I love working with kids, getting to know them and exploring their world. I think that learning about children's mind is necessary to understand human nature, and how people grow up to be who they are. My future career goal is to be an educator and have a positive influence on children. I have worked with kids of most ages from various backgrounds, and I am excited to work with them more and discover more!
Nafisa Mahbub, Volunteer Research Assistant
I’m a third-year student at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus, completing a double major in the Biochemistry and Psychology programs. I am strongly interested in the relationship between the functioning of the brain with behaviour and how humans have developed to become the most cognitively complex beings on Earth. I hope to learn as much as possible and strengthen my in-lab skills while experiencing psychology from an experimental perspective with the CoCo Developmental Lab. In my spare time, I love to read science-fiction books and spend time with my family, friends and lovely parrot.
I’m a third-year student at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus, completing a double major in the Biochemistry and Psychology programs. I am strongly interested in the relationship between the functioning of the brain with behaviour and how humans have developed to become the most cognitively complex beings on Earth. I hope to learn as much as possible and strengthen my in-lab skills while experiencing psychology from an experimental perspective with the CoCo Developmental Lab. In my spare time, I love to read science-fiction books and spend time with my family, friends and lovely parrot.
Sina Mindermann, Volunteer Research Assistant
I am a third-year undergraduate student from Germany currently doing an exchange year at the University of Toronto. At my home university in Edinburgh, Scotland, I am pursuing a major in psychology. I absolutely love working with children and have spent a lot of time working with them across various contexts over the past few years, for example at a children's psychiatry, the nursery of a refugee shelter, and the developmental psychology lab at the University of Edinburgh. I am really excited to collect research experience at the Cocodeb lab as I
am planning to pursue a graduate developmental psychology program
in the future. Outside of uni, I spend most of my time backpacking,
making music, dancing, and practicing yoga.
I am a third-year undergraduate student from Germany currently doing an exchange year at the University of Toronto. At my home university in Edinburgh, Scotland, I am pursuing a major in psychology. I absolutely love working with children and have spent a lot of time working with them across various contexts over the past few years, for example at a children's psychiatry, the nursery of a refugee shelter, and the developmental psychology lab at the University of Edinburgh. I am really excited to collect research experience at the Cocodeb lab as I
am planning to pursue a graduate developmental psychology program
in the future. Outside of uni, I spend most of my time backpacking,
making music, dancing, and practicing yoga.
Joon Park, Volunteer Research Assistant
Hello! I am a third year student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Neuroscience with a major in Cognitive Science. I developed my interest for cognitive development, especially in the filed of learning and memory during my time here at the University while learning myself! My main interest is maximizing learning and memory efficiency while making the process enjoyable. Though my experience teaching as a tutor for six years, I discovered my passion for working with kids. In my spare time, I love to play soccer, socialize, and travel.
Hello! I am a third year student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Neuroscience with a major in Cognitive Science. I developed my interest for cognitive development, especially in the filed of learning and memory during my time here at the University while learning myself! My main interest is maximizing learning and memory efficiency while making the process enjoyable. Though my experience teaching as a tutor for six years, I discovered my passion for working with kids. In my spare time, I love to play soccer, socialize, and travel.
Katrina Palad, Volunteer Research Assistant
Hi, my name is Katrina, and I am a research assistant for the Child Lab. I am a recent HBSc graduate from UofT with a double major in health studies and psychology. I love working with children, and have worked with them both in an academic setting as a previous assistant teacher at a daycare, and as a current research assistant at this lab and at SickKids. Aside from volunteering and working, I enjoy singing, working out, and watching movies.
Hi, my name is Katrina, and I am a research assistant for the Child Lab. I am a recent HBSc graduate from UofT with a double major in health studies and psychology. I love working with children, and have worked with them both in an academic setting as a previous assistant teacher at a daycare, and as a current research assistant at this lab and at SickKids. Aside from volunteering and working, I enjoy singing, working out, and watching movies.
Nicholas Robichaud, Volunteer Research Assistant
I'm Nick! I'm a second-year undergraduate student completing my Honours Bachelor of arts in Cognitive Science and Philosophy here at the St. George campus. I'm very excited to be working with the Coco Development Lab, learning the intricacies of research, human development, and learning. A few of my personal interests in consciousness and learning have fascinating overlap with the work done in this lab. I have had lots of great experiences with children, from summer camp leadership to working with underprivileged children abroad. In my personal life, I am an avid reader, writer, and passionate music fan who loves traveling, pets, and life!
I'm Nick! I'm a second-year undergraduate student completing my Honours Bachelor of arts in Cognitive Science and Philosophy here at the St. George campus. I'm very excited to be working with the Coco Development Lab, learning the intricacies of research, human development, and learning. A few of my personal interests in consciousness and learning have fascinating overlap with the work done in this lab. I have had lots of great experiences with children, from summer camp leadership to working with underprivileged children abroad. In my personal life, I am an avid reader, writer, and passionate music fan who loves traveling, pets, and life!
Melisa Trujillo, Volunteer Research Assistant
I am a fourth year undergraduate student at UTSG, majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Psychology and French. I love working with children and helping them learn so I am very excited to be a part of this team. Through my studies I have also grown to really appreciate developmental research and cognitive psychology. I look forward to being able to apply and expand my experience and skill set in a laboratory setting. Outside of academics I enjoy playing intramural sports, hanging out with friends, and, of course, Netflix!
I am a fourth year undergraduate student at UTSG, majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Psychology and French. I love working with children and helping them learn so I am very excited to be a part of this team. Through my studies I have also grown to really appreciate developmental research and cognitive psychology. I look forward to being able to apply and expand my experience and skill set in a laboratory setting. Outside of academics I enjoy playing intramural sports, hanging out with friends, and, of course, Netflix!
Yvonne Wang, Independent Study Student
I am in my last year of undergraduate pursuing molecular genetics and psychology double majors. As an only child who grew up not having any younger sibling to play with, I love young kids a lot and have worked with kids for a long time. I used to volunteer as an assistant to teach disabled children how to ski. Afterwards, I joined the lab and have been here since May, 2016.
I am in my last year of undergraduate pursuing molecular genetics and psychology double majors. As an only child who grew up not having any younger sibling to play with, I love young kids a lot and have worked with kids for a long time. I used to volunteer as an assistant to teach disabled children how to ski. Afterwards, I joined the lab and have been here since May, 2016.