Michael Osfeld

Michael is a PhD student working concurrently in the Cognitive Adaptation Lab and the Mayer Lab. His research applies insights from evolutionary psychology to education, possibility and autonomy, topics within philosophy of mind, and the process of doing science. Two major topics he is currently exploring are 1) how cognitive adaptations for social status generate student participation dynamics, and 2) how adaptationism can reframe the debates surrounding free will. When not working, he enjoys gardening, being with friends, and making music!

David Pietraszewski

David Pietraszewski (Pea-tra-zoo-ski) received his B.A. from Ithaca College and his Ph.D in Psychological and Brain Sciences from UCSB in 2009. He then took a postdoc at Yale University until 2014. He was a Research Scientist (the equivalent of assistant professor) at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (Bildungsforschung) in Berlin, Germany. He became a faculty member at UCSB in March 2024.

Emma Gareis

Emma is a 4th year undergraduate at UCSB pursuing a B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences with a minor in Applied Psychology. She is interested in pursuing a PhD in developmental psychology. Outside of the lab Emma is the president of Rho Psi Eta Pre-Health Sorority and works as a captain in Dr. Jimerson's Power of Play! She is excited to work on her Honors Thesis exploring how kids think about groups! 

Jasmine Ho

Jasmine is a 4th year biopsychology major with an interest in cognitive brain sciences. She’s interested in working in healthcare in the future. Some hobbies she enjoys includes running, cooking, and drawing. 

Zixiaoyu(Rain) Huang

Rain is a third-year undergraduate at UCSB pursuing a B.S. in Biopsychology with a double major in Economics. She is interested in pursuing a medical degree after graduation. Outside of the lab, Rain is a dancer and archery athlete. She has been dancing for more than 10 years! She is excited to explore more topics in neuroscience in the future.

Maya Soule

Maya is a second-year undergraduate at UCSB majoring in Biopsychology. She is interesting in pursuing a career in healthcare after graduation. Outside of the lab, she is a member of Rho Psi Eta Pre-Health Sorority. She is interested in learning more about group behaviors and developmental psychology.

Iris Whetstone

Iris is a 3rd year undergraduate student at UCSB pursuing a B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences. She is interested in pursuing a PhD in Forensic Psychology after graduating! Iris has enjoyed being the mental health chair for Rho Psi Eta pre-health sorority, and also loves water color, hiking, and working as a barista.

Yunli (Catherine) Liang 

Anna Teitelbaum

Naomi Monahan-Miller