Sarah Jung is a senior at Emory University studying anthropology and human biology. This is her third year in the BGA lab, where she spent the first couple years working under the mentorship of graduate student, Colette Delawalla, supporting projects studying alcohol use in rural Black men, and compulsive alcohol use. Sarah is currently working on her honors thesis project studying motives for participation in genomic research in historically underrepresented groups through the lens of "trust".
Lydia Zindel is a junior at Emory University, studying Human Biology and Anthropology and Chemistry on the Pre-Med track. Her research interests include how different personality traits and genetics play a role in substance abuse and predispositions to addiction. She is currently working on research under the mentorship of Colette Delawalla.
Sean Lee is a Senior at Emory University, graduating in May 2025 with a B.S. in Quantitative Sciences under the Biology track. His research interests include using statistical analysis to understand the psychological and developmental impacts of teratogens. He is currently working under Ami Ikeda to investigate the long-term impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure, and intends to pursue an MD.
Manju Karthikeyan is a junior at Emory University studying Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology and Human Health with a concentration in Health Innovation. She is passionate about bridging scientific discoveries with improved patient care, particularly through biopsychology and clinical research. Manju works under Ami Ikeda, exploring the ramifications of prenatal polysubstance abuse. She hopes to pursue an MD/Ph.D. after college.
Manvi Jain is a junior at Emory University, pursuing a double major in Psychology and Classical Civilization. Her research interests include mental health and psychopathology in minority groups and marginalized communities with a focus on specially tailored clinical therapy approaches. She is currently working as a research assistant in the BGA Lab under Natalia Jaume-Feliciosi.
Aurore Msays is a junior at Emory University, majoring in Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology on the Pre-Med track. Her research interests include studying the environmental and biological risk factors of Alcohol Use Disorder, particularly the influence of mental illness. She is currently working on research about compulsive alcohol disorder under the mentorship of Colette Delawalla.
Cathy Cheng is a junior at Emory University, majoring in Psychology and Film and Media. Cathy is interested in the complex relationship between Alcohol Use Disorder and various co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Cathy is currently working with Colette Delawalla .
Chrisabella Javier is a senior at Emory University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Chrisabella joined the lab to gain experience in general research to have both an understanding of lab work that she would conduct in a graduate setting and to be able to work in an interdisciplinary environment while pursuing a research career. Chrisabella works as a research assistant, doing data analysis and screening papers as part of an encompassing scoping review. Chrisabella hopes to widen her data analysis and organization skills while expanding her knowledge in the field. In the future, she plans on continuing work in biomedical engineering. Currently, Chrisabella is working under Dr. Wasiri Niemis, examining stem cells and their role in substance use research.
Ariya Maskara is a junior at Emory University, pursuing a major in Psychology. Her research interests include child psychopathology and developmental disabilities within early adolescence. She is currently working on research about the relationship between parenting types, parent alcohol use disorder, and child substance use under the mentorship of Emma Webster.
Sophia Waite is a sophomore at Emory University, majoring in Psychology and Creative writing. Sophia is interested in how addiction starts and proceeds through young adulthood, with a focus on college years. Sophia is currently working on the MAPme project. She hopes to pursue a Ph.D in Psychology after college.
Aayan Ahmed is a first-year at Emory University studying Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology on the pre-med track. Aayan research interests align with behavioral neuroscience, particularly understanding how alcohol and drugs disrupt neural systems and increase vulnerability to addiction and maladaptive behaviors. Aayan is also interested in studying how environmental and neurobiological factors shape brain function and influence behavioral regulation. Aayan is currently working on the MAPme Project.
Maddie Novatt is a senior at Emory University graduating with a degree in Psychology. She is interested in female sexual and reproductive health, birth control, and improving sexual health education in schools. Maddie is passionate about advancing equitable access to reproductive healthcare and is excited to contribute to the MAPme project through outreach and recruitment. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Public Health.