Current Members
James K. Rilling, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Professor, Department of Psychology
Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
jrillin@emory.edu
Scarlett Wu
Research Specialist
BS Data Science- Anthropology Tack and Psychology c/0 2025
“I’m a recent Emory graduate from Shanghai, China. I’m interested in cross-cultural approaches to mental health and wellbeing, and in how brain function relates to empathy and caregiving. Outside of the lab, I love traveling, playing tennis, and going on hikes with my dog!”
Wei Peng
Postdoc
“I received my Ph.D. in Psychology from Ghent University, Belgium and now at Emory my research focuses on social and affective neuroscience, where I bring together formal modeling and advanced statistical methods with multi-modal approaches including neuroimaging, behavioral observation, and potentially genetic/epigenetic and hormonal measures, hoping to catch glimpses of how mind, brain, and culture weave patterns in the complexities of human experience. Beyond work, I enjoy reading, hiking, and exploring primitive technology.”
Dana Smith
PhD Student
“I am a 1st year PhD student in psychology with a concentration in behavioral and systems neuroscience. My research interests are focused on the neural and epigenetic mechanisms related to caregiving relationships and how this may impact cognition and cognitive decline. When I am away from the lab, I like to spend my time playing sudoku, reading, and practicing my calisthenics skills.”
Piper Lashley
PhD Student
“I am an Atlanta native and earned my B.S. in Psychology from Oglethorpe University in 2024. Following graduation, I joined the mTBI Brain Health and Recovery Lab at the Shepherd Center, where I contributed to a neuroimaging study investigating concussions. My research interests include aging and memory, and the application of neuroimaging methodologies. Outside of research, I enjoy spending my free time in the gym or playing with my puppy, Larry.”
Erica Chen
Undergraduate Volunteer
“I’m a third-year double majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, and Psychology, and I’m from Brookfield, Wisconsin! I’m interested in analyzing how social factors affect behavior and cognition, particularly in the context of neurodivergence. In my free time, I enjoy reading, photography, and catching up on my sleep!”
Gabriela Castilho Ribeiro
“I’m a third-year undergraduate student from São Paulo, Brazil, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology on the pre-medical track. I aspire to become an OB-GYN, interested in studying the multifaceted factors that impact human development. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, working out, going to concerts, and watching TV shows!”
Jacob Wahba
Undergraduate Volunteer
“I’m a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology on the pre-med track. My primary interests are the neuroscience of affect, the Hard Problem of Consciousness, and how the brain produces a concept/experience of “self” and Theory of Mind. Outside of the lab, I play for the Emory soccer team, read, write, and spend time with friends. “
Lab Alumni
Minwoo Lee, Ph.D.
“I’m interested in the cultural history and evolutionary origin of human morality. I use experimental methods -grounded in cognitive neuroscience and moral psychology- to study proximate mechanisms underlying moral judgment (e.g., “What happens in our brain when we make decisions about right and wrong?”) and social learning of moral norms (e.g., “How do we learn what to value?”). Outside the lab, I cook, take photos, worship lattes, and play the piano. ”
Esther Jung
Research Specialist
BS Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology c/0 2024
“I’m a recent Emory graduate from Irvine, California. I’m interested in how neuroimaging can be used to better understand the brain, especially cognitive processes like learning, decision-making, and emotion. Outside of the lab, I love knitting, baking, and watching movies!”
Molina Zhang
BS Neuroscience and Anthropology
“I’m from Chengdu (AKA panda’s actual hometown), China. I’m interested in social and cognitive neuroscience and how it relates to human social behaviors. In my spare time, I like to discover boba shops and good restaurants in Atlanta. ”
Paige Gallagher
Research Specialist
BS Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
“I’m interested in learning more about the biological changes that humans undergo as they encounter new environments and stimuli as well as how they reallocate their energy investments. Outside of the lab I enjoy baking, hiking, and trying new restaurants.”
Carolyn Zhou
Research Specialist
BS Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
“I’m a recent graduate of Emory University with a BS in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, and I’m from Bellevue, Washington. I’m interested in how social and environmental factors can impact neurobiology. In my free time, I love to cook, bake, and explore new places in Atlanta.”
Ella Arrant
Undergraduate Volunteer
“I am a fourth-year from Knoxville, TN majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. I am interested in exploring the neurological pathways through which hormones mediate social behavior! When I’m not in lab, I spend my time rock climbing and watching live music.”
Anderson Holcomb
Undergraduate Volunteer
“I am a senior studying Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, and I am from Loganville, GA. I am interested in seeing how our brain adapts and changes in response to major life events and how our reward pathway influences decision-making. In my free time, I enjoy swimming and am a huge music fan. I love listening to Lorde, Noah Kahan, and Gracie Abrams. My favorite color is green.”
Evie Borbonus
Undergraduate Volunteer
“I am a fourth-year majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and am from St. Louis, Missouri. I am interested in the organizational and activational effects of hormones on human behavior. In my free time, I enjoy playing futsal and watching movies with my friends.”
Alexa Lisenby
Undergraduate Volunteer
“I am a senior majoring in Anthropology and Human Biology, and I am from Los Angeles, California. I am interested in studying how our culture impacts our social interactions and decision-making. Outside of lab I love to sing, spend time in nature, and crochet!”
Shadman Kabir
Undergraduate Volunteer
“I’m a fourth-year majoring in Biology and minoring in Anthropology, and I’m from Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m interested in analyzing the behavioral and endocrinological changes associated with salient events taking place throughout human lifespan. I love talking about culture, language, and heritage, and learning more about what makes all of us unique and beautiful. In my free time, I like to work out, read books, and hang out with friends!”
Arianna Ophir
Undergraduate Volunteer
“I am a senior majoring in Anthropology and Human Biology with a minor in Religion. I’m interested in neurological and anthropological connections to conscious embodiments of individuality, such as creative expression, compassionate decision making, and faith. In my free time I like to draw, read, and play the piano.”