CURRENT LAB MEMBERS
Jordan Goetze, Research Assistant, Project Lead
Project: Prospect Theory and Career Decision-Making
Bio: Hi! I am a senior undergraduate student from Scranton, PA. I am double majoring in Psychology B.S. and Human Development & Family Science B.A.E with a minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences. In the next year, I will be applying to graduate school to pursue my master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with hopes of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist. I also run the non-profit Carolina For the Kids Foundation here at UNC! My work in the Buzinski SDS lab is rewarding and I enjoy honing my scientific research skills while exploring the complexities of human behavior and the brain.
Sophia Kovacs, Research Assistant, Co-Project Lead
Project: Social Anxiety Responses in Active Learning Classrooms
Bio: Hi, I am a senior undergraduate student from New Jersey studying Psychology. As an active member of the fencing team, I tend to balance most of my time between academics and athletics. In the SDS lab, I am researching social anxiety in active learning environments and am thrilled to work with and learn from Dr. Buzinski on this project! After graduation, I aspire to continue my education with the goal of becoming a sports psychologist!
Sarah Soson, Research Assistant, Project Lead
Project: Autonomy and Restriction on Academic and Health Motivation
Bio: Hi! I am a senior undergraduate student double majoring in Psychology and Political Science. I am interested in exploring how social settings influence individual behavior and decision making. In the SDS lab, I am currently researching academic and health motivation emphasizing self-determination and reactance theories. After graduation, I intend to pursue a career that incorporates my interests in psychology and public policy.
Couper Wilkins, Research Assistant, Co-Project Lead
Project: Social Anxiety Responses in Active Learning Classrooms
Bio: Hi! I am a senior undergraduate student from Greensboro, NC. I am a psychology B.A. major with a social and economic justice minor. I plan on applying to graduate school to get a master’s degree in clinical psychology and then I plan to get a doctorate in forensic psychology. I am working alongside Dr. Buzinski in the SDS lab to investigate social anxiety responses in active learning classrooms. I am excited to have this position and eager to learn more from working on this project!
Eiman Elkoumy, Research Assistant
Project: Autonomy and Restriction on Academic and Health Motivation
Bio: Hi! I am a junior undergraduate student from Cary, NC. I was born in Egypt and moved to the U.S. in 2013. I am a Psychology B.S. major with a double minor in Chemistry and Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies on the pre-med track. I am interested in a career in pediatrics as well as behavioral science research. I find it fascinating to know why people behave the way they do, especially children, and how the environment around them impacts them in the future. In the SDS lab, I am working alongside Sarah and Dr. Buzinski to research autonomy and restriction on academic and health motivation. I also run the non-profit, Haqq publications, and the Mental Health Service Initiative here at UNC. I am excited to be part of the SDS team and learn from Dr. Buzinski.
Trinity Gill, Research Assistant
Project: Prospect Theory and Career Decision-Making
Bio: Hi! I’m a sophomore undergraduate student from Raleigh, NC, majoring in Psychology (B.S.). I plan to apply to graduate school to pursue a doctorate in social psychology with a focus on research. Currently, I am assisting Jordan Goetze with her research, and I’m excited to deepen my understanding of the research process and gain valuable skills for my future career. I’m thrilled to learn from Dr. Buzinski and to be part of the SDS team!
Olivia Smith, Research Assistant, Project Lead
Project: Attention, Construct Activation, and Environmental Behavior
Bio: Hi! I am a senior undergraduate student from Greensboro, NC. I am double majoring in Psychology and Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in History. In the next year, I will be applying to graduate school to pursue my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with potentially a specialization in supporting the neurodivergent community. I have enjoyed volunteering with Orange County Special Olympics throughout my undergrad as well as doing community translation efforts to help improve my Spanish proficiency. I have found Dr. Buzinski’s passion for research inspiring, and I am eager to learn more about the research process and gain helpful skills that I can use later in my future career.
Amit Ariely, Research Assistant
Project: Attention, Construct Activation, and Environmental Behavior
Bio: Hi! I am a senior undergraduate student from Durham, NC. I am a completing a major in psychology with a minor in philosophy. I work in a division of the National Inclusion Project, where I help children learn skills to self-regulate and integrate into neurotypical settings. I am very excited to be working in the SDS lab with Dr. Buzinski on his project, which explores how to influence and effect individual behaviors for communal gain. I plan on getting a PsyD and working in a field that combines my interests in both mental health and behavioral sciences.
LAB ALUMNI
Nina Fisher, B.S.
Vishal Easwar, B.S.
Lauren Hamm, B.A.
Zach Reulbach, B.A.
Karolina Tuska, B.S.
Diana Bodea, B.S.
Brooke Scullin-Baccarella, B.S.
Glorimel Rodriguez, B.A.
Dr. Elle Hepburn, M.D.
Benjamin Weinberg, B.S.
Dr. Emma Armstrong-Carter, Ph.D.
Kendall Parker, J.D.
Cheyenne Tabb, M.S.
Nicole Court-Reuss, B.A.
Dr. Samantha Martinez, Ph.D.
Hayley Maxwell, B.A.
Dr. Benjamin Buck, Ph.D.
Dr. Matthew Cohen, Ph.D.
Dr. Jenna Clark, Ph.D.
Taylor Fricano, B.A.
Sydney Mark, J.D.
Elena Scialabba, J.D.
Shannon McGovern, M.S.
Savanna Stakely, B.S.
Victoria Herschel, B.S.
Allison Price, B.S.
Melanie Yeames, B.A.
Alex Edwards, B.S.
Dr. Hannah Samuelson, Ph.D.