Research Team
We were kids once, too. You can roll over most of our images to see us as children!
FACULTY
Dr. Candice Mills, Director
Candice Mills is an assistant professor in Psychological Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Mills earned her bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Yale University.
Dr. Mills’ research explores the development of social cognition: how children evaluate the knowledge and beliefs of others as well as themselves, and what changes over the course of development. Her research incorporates methods and theories from developmental, social, and cognitive psychology, with participant populations spanning from early childhood through adolescence and adulthood. Her previous research in has been published in professional psychological journals as well as discussed in national resources such as the New York Times, Scientific American Mind, and on National Public Radio.
|
|
DOCTORAL STUDENTS
|
Fadwa Elashi, B.A.
Doctoral Student in Developmental Psychology
Joined in Fall 2009 as a graduate student. Fadwa began working in the lab in Spring 2008 as an undergraduate, and her senior honors thesis examined stereotypes in children. She has various experiences with children, which include helping improve children’s reading fluency using phonics-based instruction, teaching in the public schools, and organizing numerous youth activities. |
|
|
Meridith Grant, M.S., B.A.
Doctoral Student in Developmental Psychology
Joined in Spring 2007. Meridith earned a bachelor of arts in International Relations from Tufts University and a masters of science in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas. She hopes to conduct research in cognitive development that assists in informing public policies that benefit developing children. |
|
Asheley Landrum, B.A.
Doctoral Student in Developmental Psychology
Joined in Spring 2009. Asheley earned a bachelor of arts in Philosophy and English with a Biology minor from The University of Texas at Austin and a graduate academic certificate in Volunteer and Community Resource Management from the University of North Texas. She hopes to conduct research in cognitive processes related to skepticism, self-labeling, and information-processing. |
|
GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS
Rawya Al Jabari, B.A.
Post-Baccalaureate Student
Joined in Summer 2008. Rawya graduated in Spring 2009 with a Dean's Award for Excellence, but she is continuing to volunteer in our laboratory. She hopes to go on to graduate school in Clinical Psychology to work with both young children and adults with mental health issues. Her goals also include teaching others about mental illnesses. |
|
Melinda Archacki-Sutter
Undergraduate Student
Joined in Summer 2008.
Melinda transferred from Collin College where she graduated with her Associates of Art, Magna Cum Laude. She is a senior double majoring in Child Learning and Development as well as Psychology. She is also earning her Teaching Certificate for grades 4-8. A mother of two college-age girls, Melinda's experience with children also includes eleven years of teaching typical and exceptional children. She has also volunteered extensively as a coach, with the Girl Scouts, with the Children's Program through the PTA, and with Angel League. She will pursue graduate studies in Clinical or Developmental Psychology. |
|
Samantha Arrington
Undergraduate Student
Joined in Fall 2008. Samantha is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Child Learning and Development. She enjoys working with children and intends to integrate them into her long-term career goals. She hopes to go on to graduate school in Clinical Psychology after graduation. |
|
|
Charee Fontenette, B.S.
Graduate Student in the Masters Program for Psychological Science
Joined in Fall 2009. Charee earned a bachelors of science degree in Psychology with a minor in Performing Arts from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in December 2007. During her undergraduate career as a McNair scholar, she conducted a research study on "Race and Gender Differences in Interpersonal Relationships." I also participated as an AmeriCorps team service member volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, and afterschool tutoring services. During her career in the Masters program she hopes to gain experience in cognitive research and eventually pursue a Ph.D. |
|
Alaa Khalil
Undergraduate Student
Joined in Fall 2009. Alaa is a senior majoring in Child Learning and Development. She loves working with children and helping them out during their learning process. She is interested in finding out more about the factors that influence cognitive development. |
|
Clarissa Lushaj
Undergraduate Student
Joined in Spring 2009. Clarissa is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Child Development. She has a large family and has many experiences interacting, teaching, and raising children of all ages. She finds working with children rewarding and has plans to incorporate these interactions in her future career plans. Clarissa will pursue graduate school as a Clinical Psychologist specializing in marriage and family counseling. |
|
Rosa Montelongo
Undergraduate Student
Joined in Fall 2009. Rosa is a senior studying Psychology. She is the eldest of her two brothers and sister, and her experience working with children comes from growing up with a large family and relatives. Her activies, aside from classes, include reading, swimming, and staying involved in academic and service oriented organizations. She hopes to continue her education in graduate school studying Counseling Psychology. |
 |
|
|
