People
Current lab members
Dr. Emily Russell
Director
I received my PhD in Developmental Psychology from UCLA in 2011. My dissertation was titled "Patterns of Children's Word Learning".
I feel very lucky to be a part of the Department of Child and Adolescent Development (CADV). Our tight-knit faculty are committed to excellence in research and teaching. Our students are super bright, hard-working, and a lot of fun! The best thing about of research is the opportunity it provides to work closely with young children and their families and to mentor undergraduate students.
I grew up in Claremont, CA and received my BA in Psychology and English at UCSB. In my free time, I enjoy exploring LA with my husband and spoiling our fat cat, Hank.
More about me:
Gissel Rochin
Research assistant and CSUN Presidential Scholar
Hello, my name is Gissel Rochin. I am currently in my fourth year at California State University, Northridge. I am pursuing a major in Child and Adolescent Development, focusing on the Applied Developmental Science option. When I first came to CSUN I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that involved both children and the medical field. However, I did not know that studying Child and Adolescent Development was an option until I took CADV 150 (Foundations of Child and Adolescent Development). I fell in love with the course and after taking a social development as well as a cognitive development course with Dr. Russell, I knew that I had found my niche. I now look forward to learning more about research from Dr. Russell.
After I receive my Bachelor of Arts degree, I plan to pursue nursing. My goal is to become a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. I want to make sure that I make a difference and support children who are going through their cancer treatments.
During my free time I love being with my family and friends, exploring new places, going to the movies, and working out at the gym (even if I do not know how to use many of the machines).
More about the Presidential Scholar's Program
Susen Chavez
Research assistant
My name is Susen Chavez. I am majoring in Child and Adolescent Development and I am anticipating earning my Bahcelor of Arts in spring 2018 at CSUN. Afterwards, I plan to pursue a Master's Degree in School Counseling.
I have an interest in helping adolescents reach their full potential, particularly as they transition to young adults. I am also very passionate about inclusive education and aim to advocate for it.
I love being a mom to my very silly, animal-loving daughter. A couple of my favorite things to do during my spare time are DIY projects and watching interesting documentaries.
Crisalys Vasquez
Research assistant
My name is Crisalys Vasquez. I am currently a Senior. Once I graduate I want to go to either UCLA or Boston College for graduate school and study language development or be involved in policy for education. In addition to being a student I also work at a spa in Santa Monica, volunteer at a private preschool by my home and am actively involved in my church. In my free time, I really enjoy reading, writing, and singing although I am not that great at it.
Lab alumni
Parandoosh "Parry" Samadi
Parry graduated from CSUN in 2017 with a B.A. in Psychology. She is currently working on her Master's in Counseling Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Lutheran University.
Kimberly Gonzalez
Kimberly is currently a Senior at CSUN, double majoring in Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development. She plans to pursue a Master's degree in Special Education.
Ester Yang
Ester graduated CSUN in 2016. She is currently applying to teacher credential programs.
Shawntel Barreiro
Shawntel is currently part of the HSI Pathways Program. She is a senior at CSUN and plans to apply for her masters in Fall 2017.
Melissa Yeghiazarian
Melissa graduated from CSUN in 2016 with a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Family Studies. She plans on becoming a child advocate lawyer.
Blanca Valle
Blanca graduated from CSUN in 2014.
Amy Aleksanian
Amy accepted a position at the Child Care Resource Center after receiving her Masters in Child Development from CSULA in 2016. She plans to pursue a doctorate in Developmental Psychology.
Nari graduated from CSUN in 2016, earning CADV's "Outstanding Senior" award.
Nari Kim
Sabina Villaescusa Pineda
Sabina graduated from CSUN in 2016. She plans to pursue a Teaching Credential.
Collaborators
Want to join the lab?
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