Research Assistants
DOAH SHIN
Research Assistant
Doah (she/her) graduated from Vanderbilt University in May 2023 with a B.A. in Psychology and Medicine, Health, and Society. Prior to joining the CARE Lab, she was at the TEACCH Autism Program at UNC-Chapel Hill working on studies examining mental health interventions with autistic individuals. This experience informed and further developed her current interest in better understanding the specific cognitive processes and mechanisms underlying emotional disorders, which led her to the CARE Lab! Outside of the lab, Doah can be found playing pickleball with her friends or reading a book.
MAGGIE CHIFFER
Research Assistant
Maggie Chiffer (she/her) graduated from Harvard University in May 2024 with an A.B. in Psychology. As an undergraduate, she primarily worked in the Weisz Lab for Youth Mental Health, where she conducted an honors thesis study investigating the psychotherapeutic effectiveness and mechanisms of a novel, accessible movement therapy intervention for children with neurodevelopmental conditions and emotional disorders. Maggie aims to dedicate her career to advancing the understanding of emotional disorders and developing accessible, scalable treatments for them. She is thrilled to be working in the CARE Lab and later plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, reading, gardening, and photography.
RONI ITKIN-OFER
Research Assistant
Roni Itkin-Ofer (she/her) graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2024 with a B.A. in Psychology. Before joining the CARE Lab, she worked as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Taiwan, where she designed lessons and community-based projects to support elementary school students’ learning. Her past experiences in both research and teaching have shaped her interest in developing accessible, community-oriented interventions for mood and anxiety disorders. Roni is excited to be working at the CARE Lab and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the future. Outside of the lab, she spends her time hiking, crocheting, reading, and cooking.
CARLIE WOODS
Student Research Assistant
Carlie (she/her) is a current junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Commonwealth Honors College, completing her B.S. in Psychology. Before transferring to UMass, she completed an honors thesis at Holyoke Community College on the comparative effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in reducing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in children and adolescents. Carlie aspires to continue her research and other research endeavors to enhance our comprehension of mental health disorders and disabilities, particularly those stemming from developmental trauma. Her goal is to identify and implement effective strategies for providing support and assistance. She is very excited about the opportunity to work in the CARE Lab and aims to pursue her Ph.D. in clinical psychology once she completes her bachelor's degree. In her free time, Carlie loves to cook and bake, listen to podcasts, and go hiking and camping.
LEILA BERNBECK
Student Research Assistant
Leila is a rising junior at Wesleyan University studying psychology and neuroscience. Her research interests include child and adolescent development and parent-child dynamics. In the future Leila hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. In her free time, Leila enjoys drawing, crochet, and spending time with their dog!
MAYA DECOUX
Student Research Assistant
Maya (she/her) is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she is majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. Her research interests include the development and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders in youth, emotion regulation in parent-child interactions, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions to support family well-being. She hopes to pursue a Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. Outside of academics, Maya enjoys traveling internationally and volunteering at animal rescues and wildlife rehabilitation centers.