Team

The BASE Lab is a supportive, passionate, and caring community of researchers who apply multiple perspectives and backgrounds to answer important questions about child development.

Click here to learn about joining our team!

Nicholas J. Wagner (he/him), Ph.D., PI/Director

Dr. Wagner is an associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Boston University, and a faculty affiliate of the Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science. Prior to joining BU, he was a research professor in Human Development and Quantitative Studies at the University of Maryland. He became interested in psychological research and developmental science as an undergraduate, but his passion for understanding the various factors that confer risk or promote healthy psychosocial adjustment in childhood truly emerged during his time teaching elementary school in Phoenix, AZ.

His research examines the processes through which biological and environmental factors promote psychosocial adaptation or contribute to the emergence of psychopathology. Cutting across the entirety of this program of research is an appreciation for the influence of family relationships and the social environment (e.g., peer relationships, school contexts) on patterns of adaptation and maladaptation. The driving aim of his program of research is to produce translatable knowledge to inform the creation and evaluation of methods for supporting children’s healthy emotional and behavioral development, as well as for preventing and ameliorating psychopathology.

Professor Wagner’s research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIMH, NICHD) and the National Science Foundation. He has received early career awards from the Society for Research in Child Development and the International Society for Research on Aggression, and the “Rising Star Award” from the Association for Psychological Science. He serves on the editorial boards of leading journals, including Child Development, Developmental Psychology, and Development and Psychopathology. He lives with his wife, four children, and dog outside Boston, MA. He enjoys traveling, hiking, and doing whatever his kids want to do!

Email: njwagner@bu.edu

NJWagner CV

Faculty Page        Research Gate        Google Scholar       Twitter   

 

Staff

Cora Ordway (she/her), Project Coordinator 

I graduated from Brown University in 2018 with a BS in Cognitive Neuroscience, and worked in the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health at Northeastern University before joining the BASE Lab. I am especially interested in finding ways to identify early risk factors of psychopathology and developing specialized interventions. I am also curious about how early childhood experiences affect long-term health outcomes. Outside of the lab, I enjoy gardening, reading, and playing music.

Email: cordway@bu.edu

 

Maxine Bailey, Lab Manager

I graduated from the University of Maryland in 2022 with a BA in Psychology. Before joining the BASE Lab, I was working as a post-bac RA in the Snedeker Lab at the Harvard Lab for Developmental Studies. I am very interested in how psychopathological disorders manifest in early childhood and progress over time, and in the development of specialized interventions. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

Email: mabailey@bu.edu

 

Graduate Students

Kathy Sem (she/her), Doctoral Student

I am a fourth-year doctoral student in the Developmental Sciences program working with Dr. Wagner in the BASE Lab. Prior to joining, I graduated from Michigan State University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I worked as a research assistant and research coordinator at MSU’s Clinical Psychophysiology Lab where I used electroencephalogram (EEG) to examine the cause and effect of anxiety on children’s cognitive and emotional development. Now as a doctoral student, I hope to build upon my interests in using psychophysiological methods to examine markers for risk of childhood anxiety.

Email: semkathy@bu.edu

Kathy’s CV

 

Nicole Huth, Doctoral Student

I am a second-year doctoral student in the Developmental Sciences program working under Dr. Wagner’s mentorship in the BASE lab. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During my undergraduate and post-graduate career, I worked as a research assistant and lab manager for the combined research projects of the Prejudice and Intergroup Relations Lab and the Social Kids Lab. My work in these labs primarily focused on engaging parents in intervention efforts to reduce their children’s intergroup biases and promote their prosocial behaviors. As a doctoral student, I am interested in examining how early life experiences and interpersonal relationships shape children’s emotional functioning and risk for psychopathology. I am particularly excited to investigate how social factors, such as parenting practices, attenuate the relationship between adversity and externalizing psychopathology, such as antisocial behaviors or callous unemotional traits.

Prejudice and Intergroup Relations Lab

Social Kids Lab

 

Undergraduate Research Assistants

We are currently not recruiting undergraduate research assistants to work in the lab. Click here to learn more.

Lindsy Tra, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am currently a freshman majoring in Human Physiology at Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. In the future, I hope to pursue an MD and become a pediatrician working in underserved communities. I am specifically interested in learning about how different environmental factors influence child development and emotional regulation, especially in racial and ethnic marginalized communities. Outside of the lab, I love dancing, reading, watching TV shows, and spending time with family and friends.

Rithika Kilari, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I’m a sophomore at Boston University, majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Business and Economics. I’m particularly interested in how injuries, diseases, and neurodevelopmental conditions affect cognition and emotion. I plan on obtaining PhD in clinical psychology with the intention of becoming a neuropsychologist, and I hope to open my own clinic one day, way down the line. In my free time, I love crocheting, listening to music, and playing chess.

Ruby Dai, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a freshman majoring in Neurobiology in the College of Arts and Sciences. After undergrad, I hope to attend medical school and aspire to enter the medical world as a pediatrician or working in oncology. I am passionate about promoting equitable healthcare access and dream of opening my own clinic to serve diverse communities. I have always been interested in human behavior, especially the effects of psychopathology in one’s physical health. In my free time, I love spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and journaling. 

Isabela Gabrielli Tangioni, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am currently a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in economics. Psychology has always been an intriguing topic to me, and I am captivated by human behavior, cognitive development, and, specifically, children’s neurological responses to their environment and others around them. I love thinking creatively; music is one of my biggest passions! My hobbies include singing, playing the guitar, photography, and cooking. 

 

Linda Yao, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am currently a freshman majoring in Human Physiology at Sargent College of Health. I have a strong interest in child behavior and development, with a focus on understanding how early experiences shape physical, cognitive, and emotional health. My future aspirations include pursuing a career in pediatrics. Outside of academics, I enjoy shopping, listening to k-pop music, hiking, and exploring new restaurants with friends! 

Joelle Watanabe, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I’m from Aiea, Hawaii! I’m a sophomore studying Health Science with a minor in Psychology! I hope to one day go to medical school, and become either a pediatric anesthesiologist or child psychiatrist. Outside of the lab, I’m on two dance teams, and enjoy community service, photography, and cafe hopping for new matcha drinks.

 

 

Dana Yarden, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am currently a first-year student at Boston University majoring in Psychology. After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology and contribute to research on child development. I am interested in how early experiences and social environments influence children’s emotional development. In my free time, I enjoy reading, surfing, and spending time with friends.

 

Maya Zubrinsky, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I’m currently a sophomore at Boston University majoring in Psychology with intended minors in Applied Human Development and Spanish. I plan on also pursuing either a PsyD or PhD in psychology in hopes of becoming a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in how anxiety and mood disorders develop through adolescence. Outside of the lab, I am an editor for The Nerve and enjoy playing tennis, watching movies, and discovering new music!

 

Dayanah Belcher, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a junior undergraduate student pursuing a double major in neuroscience and psychology with a minor in deaf studies. I plan on going to graduate school to attain a PhD in neuropsychology. In this field, I have special interests in child neuro and psychological development in relation to one’s socio-economic status. With my degree, I want to contribute to research on neuropsychological development. Outside of my studies, I love to play guitar, read, and travel around Boston to find good food!

 

Khalil Henderson, Undergraduate Research Assistant 

I am currently a junior at Boston University double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Deaf Studies. I hope to continue my ASL and Deaf culture classes to provide quality care to a diverse range of individuals. After undergrad, I hope to attend graduate school to get my PhD in Clinical Psychology – or something else TBD because I’m indecisive, but I know I want to work with children. Outside of lab, I enjoy reading, playing video games, and exploring nature!

 

Diah, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I’m a Sophmore (Class of 2028) at The College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Psychology. Having grown up in a joint family, I’ve had the opportunity of spending a lot of time with children, which has deepened my passion for helping people. My goal is to attend grad school to study clinical/counseling psychology and eventually become a therapist. In my free time, I enjoy playing the guitar, staying active with workouts/runs, and travelling. (international student things!)

 

Aarushi, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am currently a sophmore majoring in Human Physiology in Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation. My future aspirations include having an MD and being a physician in the department of neurology. My current interests include PTSD, trauma, and the physiological impact of various experiences on behavior. In my free time, I like to bullet journal, edit videos, read, dance, hang out with my cat, and fall into rabbit holes.

 

Master’s Students

Yongxin Huang, Master’s Student

I am a graduate student in psychology at Boston University. I received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Davis. My research interests include child and adolescent development, mental illness, and mental health interventions. In the future, I hope to become a psychological counselor or clinical psychologist. Outside of academics, I love spending time with animals, traveling, and taking photos.

 

 

Huynh Huynh, Master’s Student

I am from Vietnam, and am currently a Master’s student in Psychology at Boston University. I went to college at the University of Sydney- Australia, majoring in Psychological Science and minoring in Music. In studying psychology and becoming a research assistant at BASE, I hope to learn about the interplay between the multifaceted factors that contribute to socioemotional development in children, and how we can foster it. My personal interests include anything music-related: listening, playing instruments, producing; and golden retrievers.

 

Part-Time Staff

Rutva Bhatt (she/her), B.A.

I am currently pursuing an M.D. at the Boston University School of Medicine. In 2023, I graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in biology within the Kilachand Honors College. I completed an honors thesis with the BASE Lab examining patterns of sympathetic nervous system reactivity in young adults with callous-unemotional traits. After graduation, I stayed with the BASE lab as a weekend data collection assistant for the Promoting Empathy and Affiliation in Relationships (PEAR) study. Outside of school, I enjoy painting, watching movies with my friends, and exploring Boston (this picture is from near the ICA!).

Email: rhbhatt@bu.edu

 

 

Lab Alumni

 

Postdoctoral Fellows

Sarah Vogel, former postdoc,  Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston

Nila Shakiba, former postdoc, Assistant Professor at Auburn University

Doctoral Students

Sarah Lynch, former Doctoral student, completing Post Doc at Harvard University

Master’s Students

Raina Kim, former MA student, completing her PsyD at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)

Lois Anakwe, completed her MS in Clinical Research

Grace, former Masters Student

Amanda Swartz, Masters Student (2023-2024)

Marcos Coli, Masters Student (2021-2023)

Michele Hiserodt, MA ’20, Working as a research coordinator the in Translational Research Program at the BU Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders

Cameron Cooper, MPH ’21 / Undergraduate Research Assistant (2019-2021), Working at a mental health non-profit while applying to PhD programs

Staff

Kendall Andrews, former lab manager, pursuing a law degree at New York University

Polina Perelstein, former lab manager, pursuing a PhD in clinical science at the University of Alabama

Tru Powell, Research Coordinator (2020-2022), Pursuing a PhD at the University of Minnesota Child Development Institute

Clara Haymon, former lab manager, working in fundraising in Boston.

Rebecca Levine, Lab Manager (2018-2020), Pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of California San Dieg0

Undergraduate RAs

Agnes Yu, former RA

Aurora Schifferli, former RA

Philipp Standring, former RA

Louise Lee, former RA

Gretta McEachern, former RA

Kayla Edelheit, former RA

Kayla Ji, former RA

Sophia Lin, former RA

Ari Faraday, former RA

Krishi Shah, former RA

Dafni Suresh, former RA

Renee Torio, former RA, pursing an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Tori Keefauver, former RA, pursing a PhD in Neuroscience at University of Pittsburg

Maya Applbaum, former RA, pursuing a Masters in Social Work at Boston University

Eden Park, High School Intern (Summer 2023), pursuing a B.A. at Cornell University starting fall, 2024

Sophia Lam, High School Intern (Summer 2023), Currently Applying for Colleges (dream college: Brown University)

Danae Gayton, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2022-2023), Pursuing a PhD in Education at Washington University in Saint Louis

Isabella Maserejian, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2022)

Katarina Jevtic, Masters Student (2021-2022)

Haya Aldabbagh, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2022)

Erin Duffy, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2020-2022), Completing a Masters in Public Health at Boston University.

Anika Brahmbhatt, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2020-2022)

Evans Naquin, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2020-2022)

Ankur Bamezai, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2021)

Yang “Alex” Yu, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2021)

Natasha Soesanto, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2018-2021), Working with Americorps in New Jersey

Elizabeth Hinds, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2018-2021), Working as a recruiter in New York City

Maya Delity, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2019-2021), Completing an NIH IRTA in the Section for Affective Neuroscience and Pain (NIMH/NCCIH)

Yue Sun, MA ’21

Kelly Smith, Postdoctoral Fellow (2020-2021)

Mira Mashali, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2020)

Sarah Bedell, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2018-2020)

Christian Parades, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2020)

Giselle Cabrera-Arevalo, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2020)

Isobel Munday, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2018-2020), Working as a Lab Manager at Harvard University

Gabrielle Johnson, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2018-2020), Working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital

Anna Daher, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2019-2020), Working as a Curriculum Developer at Culture Coach International

Patlapa Sompolpong, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2018)

Maria Fournier, Undergraduate Research Assistant (2018-2019), Pursuing a Master’s Degree at Teachers College, Columbia University

Talia Buksbaum, Graduate Research Assistant (Summer 2019), Pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at Boston University

Natalia Antonides-Jensen, Pre-Bacc Research Assistant (Summer 2019), Completing her IB Diploma in Madrid, Spain

Marissa Fuhrman, Undergraduate Research Assistant (Summer 2019), Completing her Bachelor’s Degree at Washington University in St. Louis

 

Collaborators

Developmental science is best served by thoughtful collaborations between scientists whose expertise facilitate a multi-disciplinary approach to research. Below are a few collaborators with whom I have the pleasure of working.

Rebecca Waller, University of Pennsylvania
Rachael Bedford, King’s College London
Noa Gueron-Sela, Ben Gurion University
Cathi Propper, Center for Developmental Science
Michael Willoughby, RTI International
Kenneth Rubin, University of Maryland
Paul Hastings, UC Davis
Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, University of Maryland
Roger Mills-Koonce, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Luke Hyde, University of Michigan
Steven Holochwost, John Hopkins University
Jennifer Coffman, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Julie Bowker, University at Buffalo