Student Research Assistants - Reading Comprehension and Cognition Lab

Ella Murthi

Medical Biology Major – Class of 2027

Ella is a third year at the University of New England from Bedford, NH. She is majoring in Medical Biology. Ella has completed 2 years in the RCC lab, and has been recently named the lab manager. After completing her undergrad degree at UNE, she hopes to attend medical school and become a physician. Ella is excited to continue her work in the lab and learn more about research design this semester. “I am so grateful to have the chance to learn more from Dr. Stiegler-Balfour and the other labbies about cognitive psych and the research process.”

Jadyn Stevens

Psychology Major – Class of 2027

Jadyn is a third year at the University of New England from Rochester, NH. She is majoring in Psychology with a double minor in mental health and rehabilitation and writing! This will be her third year in the Reading Comprehension and Cognition Lab. Her ultimate goal is to be a Clinical Psychologist that specializes in kids!

Jadyn is very excited for this year in the lab! “I am so appreciative and grateful for this opportunity to work with the other labbies and Dr. Stiegler-Balfour! I love working in the lab and I am so excited to take on this new role as lab supervisor!”

Fun fact: Jadyn has traveled to 13 countries and can’t wait to visit more!

Natalie Higgins

Psychology Major – Class of 2028

Natalie is a sophomore at the University of New England from Northfield, Vermont. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Mental Health Rehabilitation. This will be her second year in the Reading Comprehension and Cognition Lab. After completing her undergraduate degree at UNE she plans to attend med school in order to become a psychiatrist. “I am excited to learn more about the research process and grateful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Stiegler-Balfour.”

Mckenzie Kunesh

Psychology Major – Class of 2026

Hey! My name is Mckenzie and I’m from Liberty, ME. I’m a senior, in my last semester here at UNE, majoring in psychology and minoring in mental health rehabilitation and art therapy. I hope to be attending a Master’s of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program this upcoming January, and become an LCPC for children and adolescents.

I appreciate the continued experience to be a part of the RCC lab! Forever grateful for the labbies and Dr. SB, as well as having the opportunity to deepen my understanding of human cognition functioning

Trinity Huff

Psychology Major – Class of 2026

Trinity is a senior at UNE from Pembroke, NH. She’s a Psychology major with minors in Education and Art Therapy. This will be her second semester in the RCC Lab, and this semester she has been made the lab social media manager. Trinity is also the president of Psychology Club and the secretary of Generation Action. After she graduates she’d like to pursue her masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology.

“I am so grateful to be a part of this research and to work with Dr. SB as well as the other wonderful labbies!”

Sabrina Packer

Psychology Major – Class of 2029

Sabrina is a psychology major at UNE, from Coventry Rhode Island. She hopes to get her doctorate in psychology to one day become a clinical psychologist who specializes in adolescent work. “I am super excited to get involved with the RCC Lab early on as a first semester Freshman!”