Dr. Youjung Choi is an assistant professor in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She received her Ph.D. from the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri. She proceeded to become a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology at both Yale and Harvard University.
Her research interests focus on the social cognitive development in infants and young children. Her research focuses, first, on how individuals understand others’ minds, and second, on how this understanding and other social capacities (e.g., moral understanding, intergroup cognition, language comprehension) play a role in interpreting social interactions.
Discover more about Dr. Choi on her SIU webpage.
Lab Coordinators/Graduate Students
mostafa.ila@siu.edu
Ila Mostafa is a third-year graduate student in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences program. She is interested in studying social development in typically developing children and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She received her B.A. in Neuroscience from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, knitting, and spending time with her cat, Rosie.
antonella.franciolapilla1@siu.edu
Antonella Franciolapilla is a first-year graduate student pursuing another Master’s Degree in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences program. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences and Techniques and her first Master’s Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology obtained in Italy, her home country. She is working to become a clinical psychologist and work with children. At the same time, she would like to cultivate her interest in research.
Research Assistants
Claire Oliver is currently a Senior double-majoring in Criminology and Psychology and double-minoring in Sociology and Social Justice. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to become a licensed therapist that specializes in trauma. Claire is currently employed as a Domestic Violence Crisis Manager at Sojourn Shelter & Services and has completed her 40-hour State domestic violence training and 150-hour on-the-job training. Outside of the lab, she is the co-president of Psi Chi and the Psychology Student Association, the Treasurer of the Criminal Justice Association, the Vice-President of the Women in Business Association, and the Pink Goes Green chair for her sorority, Delta Zeta. Claire is also involved in many honor’s societies and 14 other RSOs on campus.
Caitlyn Kleiss is currently a Senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. In the future, she plans to attend a clinical or counseling master’s program. Her time in the SCD lab allowed her to be able to win a REACH award to do her own study last year! Outside of the lab, she is a resident assistant, volunteer at CASD, and the VP of Psi Chi and the Psychology Student Association.
Camryn Howze is currently a Senior majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. She is on the pre-med track and in the future, she plans on pursuing a career in Pediatrics. Outside of the lab, she is an intern at a pediatric clinic, which has strengthened her passion for her career path.
Chris Cardona is currently a Sophomore majoring in Psychology. He plans to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology, with hopes of working with children, adolescents, and young adults to support their mental health as well as promote psychological well-being. He joined the SCD lab to gain hands-on experience, as well as strengthen his skills within the research side of Psychology.
Adrian Silva is a Sophomore majoring in Psychology. This is his second semester with the SCD lab. Outside of the lab, he loves hiking, anything crafty, and hanging out with his friends.
Rheannon Bohlman is currently a Sophomore double-majoring in Psychology and Musical Theater. She hopes to pursue graduate school after graduation. She joined the lab to learn new skills within the research field, improve her knowledge, and grow her experience with child psychology.
Liz Stolzberg is a freshman here at SIU. She is majoring in Psychology with the dream of becoming a Clinical Child Psychologist! She is super excited to be part of such an awesome research team here in the SCD Lab, especially since she gets to combine her childcare experience with her psychology knowledge, and then extend both areas into research and lab settings. It’s a great way to get field-specific experience in a fun and interesting way!