Research Assistants

Cameron Manard is a undergraduate student researcher studying social psychology. He has been a research assistant with the DN Lab since the summer of 2022. He is interested in finding ways to alleviate anxieties caused by disabilities. He plans on getting his Ph.D. after finishing his undergraduate degree. In his free time, Cameron enjoys reading and creating stories as well as spending time with friends and family.
 

Joshua is a Third-Year undergraduate researcher at UCSD, double majoring in Neurobiology and Clinical Psychology. He joined the lab in Winter 2024 and is interested in BioPsychology and understanding the biological factors that play a role in developing disorders. In the future, Joshua plans to pursue a career in the medical field and obtain his PhD and MD, and become a medical scientist to pursue research in medicine and neuroscience. In his free time, Joshua enjoys going to the beach, hanging with friends, and trying new foods.
 

Natalie is a third-year undergraduate student researcher at UCSD majoring in Clinical Psychology with a minor in General Biology. She joined the lab in Fall 2024 and is particularly interested in Neuropsychology, with a focus on the biological aspects of personality disorders. Natalie is passionate about understanding how brain structure and function contribute to the development of mental disorders. In the future, she plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a career in research. Outside of academics, Natalie enjoys binging TV shows, watching anime, listening to music, and sleeping.
 

Amy is a third-year undergraduate student double majoring in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology. She joined the lab in Fall 2024 and is interested in the intersection of neuropsychology, neuroimaging techniques, and neurodevelopmental disorders. In the future, Amy hopes to obtain her PhD and become a clinical neuropsychologist. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, reading, and getting matcha.
 

Ani is a Second-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Clinical Psychology. She joined the DN lab in the fall of 2025 and is interested in studying various aspects of psychology, especially it’s overlap with neuroscience. In the future, Ani hopes to obtain her PhD and become a clinical neuropsychologist. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and volunteering!
 

Nima is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a pre-medical emphasis. My research interests center on understanding learning processes, particularly how implicit and explicit strategies are used during social stimulus tasks. Nima is especially interested in comparing these processes in neurotypical individuals and those with autism, with the goal of contributing to more effective approaches for supporting social learning and interaction.
 

Shruthi is a second-year undergraduate student at UCSD, majoring in Developmental Psychology and minoring in Education Studies. She joined the lab in Fall 2025 and is passionate about studying cognitive development and knowledge acquisition in neurodivergent children. Currently, she is working on a study that explores face perception in children with autism. In the future, she hopes to pursue graduate school and enhance education for students across all neurological profiles. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.