Current Members

I am a professor at the Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park. My research focuses on understanding how emotion and cognition interact with each other both in terms of the brain and behavior.

pessoa@umd.edu

I am a doctor-turned neuroscientist and a post-doctoral researcher at LCE. I obtained PhD degree from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. There I had worked on understanding gamma oscillations in brain’s electrical rhythms in humans as well as non-human primates. My work led to the discovery of ‘slow’ gamma oscillations in primate visual cortex and suggested that these could be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. At LCE, I am studying how sustained threat is processed in the human brain (using functional MRI). I am also learning threat-avoidance and reward-seeking mechanisms in predator-prey games simulated in the lab. I am a nature lover and an amateur photographer. At leisure, the best place to search for me is in the mountains or near water!

Hello, I am interested in understanding spatiotemporal dynamics of the brain, how it changes with stimulus, etc. Being a graduate student in the ECE department, I use techniques from machine learning and network science to build models that explain the dynamics. Outside the lab, I practice yoga daily, read books and play badminton.

I am a second year PhD student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. I work on developing data analysis methods that can help us study the brain as a complex system. I am interested in using deep learning, Bayesian models and network science to explain the organization and dynamics of neural activity. Besides research, I enjoy playing a variety of racquet sports, going on bike trips and cooking!

Hello, my name is Saba, and I am a Ph.D. student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. My area of interest is the study of static and dynamic brain networks using machine learning and statistical methods. Through my research, I aim to uncover patterns and relationships within brain networks and identify the underlying principles that govern the behavior of the brain as a complex system. Currently, my focus is on studying dynamic large-scale brain networks using simultaneously recorded Ca2+ fluorescence imaging and fMRI data from mice. Besides research, I love dancing, drawing portraits, and cooking.

I do most of the administrative task for the lab as well as scanning participants. I graduated from UMBC with a Bachelors in Science in Biological Sciences. I’m interested in learning more about how emotions are intertwined with cognition and how that would affect artificial intelligence and unconscious bias. I have two cats, love drawing, reading comics, and horror movies.

My major is to apply Bayesian multilevel modeling, diagnosis, visualization and analysis on FMRI data; investigating brain-behavior relationship with statistical thinking; writing scentific manuscripts; and trying my efforts to manage machine learning and neural network. Love video games and delicious food 🙂

My role is assisting with all aspects of behavioral and fMRI studies including: recruitment, data collection, analysis and coordination of other regular lab activities. My general research interest is in Developmental and Behavioral Psychology. I would love to see how different brain functions throughout the course of development. I like to read novels in my free time!

Hi, my name is Giselle and I’m an undergraduate research assistant! I’m a senior psychology major who’s currently assisting with behavioral and fMRI data collection. My research interests include the effects of parent-child interactions and the effects of cultural and socioeconomic differences on youth’s cognitive development. I’m also a research assistant in the Growth and Resilience across Development Lab on campus and the Behavioral Diabetes Lab at Children’s National Hospital. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with friends!

Hi, my name is Michelle and I’m an undergraduate research assistant in the LCE lab. I am a sophomore biochemistry and neuroscience major on the pre-medical track. I assist with fMRI data collection and behavioral data collection and recruitment. I am a volunteer at a mental health hotline and text-line, an EMT, and a hospital volunteer. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing volleyball, running, traveling, and playing guitar.

I am Miles and I am a research assistant! I am doing my undergraduate degree in psychology with a neuroscience minor. I am responsible for collecting data and running the sessions. Outside of the lab, I am a administrative intern at a psychotherapy clinic and a counselor at a mental health hotline. I also sing in the Gamer Symphony Orchestra!

I’m Aliya Faisal, a 3rd-year Neuroscience student and Research Assistant with an interest in exploring the behavioral and cognitive aspects of the brain. My role involves aiding in all areas of behavioral and fMRI studies, from recruitment to data analysis. I’m intrigued by human responses to threat and reward, as well as the neurological and psychiatric dimensions of the brain. Outside of academia, I prioritize self-care and enjoy continuing on that ongoing journey.