Team

Andrea is from Mexico City, Mexico, and is currently a sophomore at Northwestern University majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. She first discovered her passion for psychology in classes and programs in high school, where she also enjoyed spending time with children through clubs and volunteer opportunities. Andrea is interested in the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying learning, memory, and language development, with a particular focus on how early experiences shape cognitive outcomes.

Outside of the lab, Andrea enjoys reading, exploring new restaurants and places, and taking workout classes with her friends.

Hailing from South Florida, Barbara is an undergraduate student at Northwestern studying psychology. Barbara is passionate about uplifting youth through her work in mentorship and providing services promoting educational equity. She aspires to become a licensed mental health counselor in Florida to support and strengthen children and families through developmentally informed and culturally responsive care. Barbara is excited to start her professional journey with her first research position!

Amy grew up in the Chicago suburbs and is studying Psychology and Environmental Science at Northwestern. She enjoys volunteering with children and families and learning about development psychology, leading to her interest in ICDC’s cause. She hopes to become a therapist specializing in children and adolescents. In her free time, she loves dancing, going on walks, and cooking with friends.

Born in New York and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jenny is currently a junior at Northwestern University studying psychology, legal studies, and Spanish. While she wanted to be an only child, the arrival of her younger brother sparked Jenny’s fascination with learning more about how children develop. Volunteer experience at a local preschool further cemented this interest. Outside the center, Jenny loves to play music while adding to her journal all the receipts and stickers she has collected.

Ava Hamilton is an aspiring clinical psychologist that is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Northwestern University. She has gained hands-on experience through internships with Counseling and Assessment for Behavioral Health, Inc. and Community Lifeline, where she observed therapeutic practices, assisted with case management, and developed insight into both clinical and community-based approaches to care. Additionally, she has worked with children and families through roles at the YMCA as a youth sports official, swim instructor, and daycare attendant. With her academic training in psychology along with a strong commitment to supporting mental health and well-being, Ava is passionate about advancing access to quality care and hopes to build a career at the intersection of psychology, counseling, and community impact.

Mikayla is a current junior at Northwestern University studying Neuroscience and Psychology. She was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, where she spent a lot of time babysitting and volunteering in her church's nursery throughout high school. Her experience working with young children has motivated her to investigate child development through research, and she plans to eventually attend medical school to become a pediatric psychiatrist. Outside of lab, Mikayla enjoys cooking, baking, and playing beach volleyball with friends.

Sheridan Holliday is a junior at Northwestern University studying Political Science and Psychology, with a special interest in Developmental Psychology and Public Policy. Ultimately, she plans to find an intersection of policy/politics with the development of the next generation! Sheridan loves working at the ICDC and especially loves seeing how babies learn and observe the world around them!

She is a sophomore from Homewood IL, double majoring in Biological Sciences and Anthropology with a minor in History. She is on the Pre-Med and Pre-PhD track in hopes of specializing in Obsterics and Gynecology. She loves to read, try new foods, wrestle, and watch action and adventure new movies and shows.

Britney was born and raised in Melrose Park, Illinois, pursuing a dual degree in biology and psychology at Northwestern University. After experiencing a sudden personal loss, she recognized the hope children bring, inspiring her passion for pediatrics. She is a research intern in the endocrinology department at Lurie Children’s Hospital, where she also volunteers. Outside of academics, she enjoys journaling, exploring matcha spots, making crafts, and spending time with her cat, Miko.

Sophie was born and raised in Miami, Florida and is currently in her fourth year at Northwestern pursuing a degree in Psychology. Growing up with younger brothers sparked her interest in child development as she wanted to better understand how they began to conceptualize language and objects. At Northwestern, Sophie also works with NU Dance Marathon and is involved with Chabad and Hillel. In the future, she hopes to pursue an MD and work as a pediatrician.

Outside of the lab, she loves to hang out with friends, bake, listen to music (especially Bad Bunny), read a good book, and go on long walks.

Theo Strelecky is a sophomore at Northwestern University from Chatham, New Jersey, studying Political Science and Psychology. Through literature, education, and experience, his interest in language, cognition, and psychopathology deepened into a desire to study psychology further. In high school, he participated in an Independent Research Project that sparked an early interest in research he carried into his studies at college. Aside from the lab, Theo is also involved in Northwestern's Mock Trial team, as well as the Korean American Students Association.