{"id":32,"date":"2019-07-11T21:25:47","date_gmt":"2019-07-11T21:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/?page_id=32"},"modified":"2026-02-25T18:43:41","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T18:43:41","slug":"people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/people\/","title":{"rendered":"People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Current Members<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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James K. Rilling, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Principal Investigator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Professor, Department of Psychology <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

jrillin@emory.edu <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Scarlett Wu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research Specialist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BS Data Science- Anthropology Tack and Psychology c\/0 2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I\u2019m a recent Emory graduate from Shanghai, China. I\u2019m 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!” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Wei Peng<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Postdoc <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dana Smith <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

PhD Student<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I am a 1st<\/sup> 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.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Piper Lashley <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

PhD Student<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Erica Chen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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!”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Gabriela Castilho Ribeiro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h4>\n

“I’m a third-year undergraduate student from S\u00e3o 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!”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jacob Wahba <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I\u2019m 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 \u201cself\u201d and Theory of Mind. Outside of the lab, I play for the Emory soccer team, read, write, and spend time with friends. “<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Katherine Mao<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I am a senior at Emory graduating this May. I major in psychology and have a minor in music. I am interested in applying neuroimaging techniques to better understand brain function. My research interests focus on self-esteem, social worth, and empathy, especially how these processes shape emotional and interpersonal relationships. Outside of the lab, I enjoy making music, figure skating, and catching up with friends!”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Peter Nicholas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I\u2019m a senior studying Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology on the pre-med track. I am interested in neuroendocrinology and the application of neuroimaging techniques to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying caregiving behavior. Outside of the lab, I enjoy fashion design, drawing, running, and watching basketball.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Zofia Killeen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I am a third-year student majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, and I\u2019m from Wellington, Florida. I\u2019m interested in research on empathy, and I am also very passionate about regenerative medicine. In my free time, I love painting, reading, and playing beach volleyball! “<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lab Alumni<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Minwoo Lee, Ph.D. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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. ” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Esther Jung<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research Specialist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BS Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology c\/0 2024<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I\u2019m 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!” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Molina Zhang <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BS Neuroscience and Anthropology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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. ” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Paige Gallagher <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research Specialist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BS Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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.” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Carolyn Zhou <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research Specialist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BS Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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.” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ella Arrant <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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.” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Anderson Holcomb <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Evie Borbonus <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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.” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Alexa Lisenby <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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!” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Shadman Kabir <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“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!” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Arianna Ophir <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Volunteer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I am a senior majoring in Anthropology and Human Biology with a minor in Religion. I\u2019m 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.” <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6139,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-32","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"col-md-12"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6139"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32"}],"version-history":[{"count":128,"href":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":972,"href":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32\/revisions\/972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/ldn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}