Student Research Assistants

Emily is a Senior at the University of New England from Sandown, New Hampshire. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Political Science, Women and Gender Studies, Mental Health Rehabilitation, and History. This is Emily’s fourth year in the RCC lab. Her goal is to eventually obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in forensics. Emily was interested in joining the Reading Comprehension and Cognition lab as she would gain a deeper understanding of research and would learn valuable soft and hard skills that will be needed in her professional career. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work in the research lab alongside Dr. Stiegler-Balfour as well as the other research assistants as I know that I can learn so much from all of them”.

Haley is a Senior undergraduate student from Sandwich, Massachusetts. She is currently majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Philosophy and Writing at the University of New England. This will be her third year working in the lab and she is very excited to gain more experience working with in person participants. In the future she hopes to obtain her PhD in order to work in academia or in a clinical setting with neurodiverse kiddos! Haley is excited to continue working in the Reading Comprehension and Cognition lab as it gives her a new outlet with which to explore the field of Psychology. “I know this experience will both challenge me and open up doors for me in ways that I could never imagine. I can’t wait to continue working alongside Dr. Stiegler-Balfour and the rest of the team!”

Gracie is a Junior who grew up locally in Biddeford, Maine. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in both Education and Mental Health Rehabilitation at the University of New England. This his will be her second year in the Reading Comprehension and Cognition lab! Her ultimate goal is to pursue graduate school after completing her undergraduate at UNE to obtain a professional degree in either Clinical or School Psychology, although she is not yet certain which path she wants to take. Gracie is looking forward to another year working in the RCC lab to further her ability to think critically about research and gain more exposure to the reading comprehension area of psychology. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Stiegler-Balfour and this supportive, knowledgeable group of fellow students passionate about psychology and research. I cannot wait to see what this new experience will bring!” 

Lauryn is a Junior at the University of New England from South Ryegate, Vermont. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Mental Health Rehabilitation. This will be her first year in the Reading Comprehension and Cognition Lab. After completing her undergraduate at UNE she hopes to obtain a professional degree in Clinical or Developmental Psychology. Lauryn is excited to join the lab to further explore the field of Psychology as well as gain a greater understanding of research. “I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with Dr. Stiegler-Balfour and the rest of the team! I am excited for this year and the knowledge and new experiences that this opportunity will bring!”

Sarah is a Sophomore at the University of New England from Wilmington, Massachusetts. She is majoring in Psychology and  has minors in Education, Special Education, and Mental Health Rehabilitation. This will be her first year in the Reading Comprehension and Cognition Lab. After completing her undergraduate at UNE she plans to become a School Psychologist and work with young children. Sarah is very excited to start working in the lab to further explore the field of Psychology through a new lens and gain new critical thinking skills. “I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with Dr. Stiegler-Balfour and the other research assistants who are very passionate about Psychology.”