Roya Baharloo, who has been a Research Assistant at the READi Lab since June 2016, is heading off today to pursue another adventure! She will be starting a Developmental Psychology PhD program at University of California, Berkeley under the mentorship of Dr. Fei Xu. There, she hopes to study the early social development of infants, especially in the context of autism. She has played an integral role in the READi Lab over the past two years, including the early and continuing development and coordination of the Screen-Refer-Treat Study and the Social Attention Study. She has also administered behavioral assessments for the ImPACT Study and has the unique ability to calm even the fussiest of babies! We will miss her dearly, but we cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes as a young scientist.

“Remember– if you are following in someone else’s footsteps, you will only get where they want to go,” was one of the sentiments that Sef Scott, a class of 2018 high school graduate, wished to pass on to his peers during his graduation speech. Sef is 17 years old and, in his speech, describes himself as someone who has autism and who chooses not to speak very often. Sef was chosen as a commencement speaker after a voluntary audition process based on his message and ability to motivate an audience.  In his speech, he challenges his 1,400 peers to “be unexpected,” which he demonstrated by speaking in front of them. His captivating six-minute speech was met with a standing ovation from an audience of almost 10,000 people. To read more and to listen to the highlights of his speech, click here.

Congratulations to Dr. Colleen Harker, Wendy’s former graduate student, who participated in the Psychology Department “hooding ceremony” last Saturday to celebrate a major milestone — obtaining her Ph.D. degree! Some of our community partners may remember Colleen for her outstanding presentation skills during RIT training workshops. Colleen has been on internship at UCLA this year, and will soon be heading to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to begin her postdoctoral training (and to be closer to her idol, Bruce Springsteen). We at the READi Lab have missed her during the past year, and wish her great success in her postdoctoral fellowship and beyond!

Pictured above are Wendy’s current graduate students posing together during the Psychology Research Festival, which took place at the Waterfront Activities Center on May 30. Trent and Catherine (far left and far right) did a super job of presenting data from their second year projects, while Lizzy and Sarah (middle left and middle right) provided their encouragement and support. Both Lizzy and Sarah will be leaving this summer to begin their clinical psychology internships — Sarah will be at Duke University, and Lizzy will be at the UNC-TEACCH program in Chapel Hill (where Wendy did her internship about 100 years ago!). All of us in the READi Lab will miss them dearly, but we wish them the best as they move on to the next phase of their professional development.

As the academic year comes to a close, we at the READi Lab wanted to give a big THANK YOU to the wonderful undergrads who made our work possible this past year! Here is a little more about each of our stellar students:

Anna Hager is graduating this spring with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. She is interested in working with children with developmental or behavioral disorders, and hopes one day to be a counselor or psychologist. Her favorite food is the potato, due to its versatility. “My favorite thing about READi Lab is how much I learn every day, and how supportive and helpful everyone is. I always look forward to coming in!”

Nadine Ayudiani is graduating this spring with a degree in Psychology. She has always wanted to work with families and children, and ever since learning about autism here at the READi Lab she has wanted to find a position with those affected by autism in any way. She likes all kinds of food and if she could pick a superpower she would choose mind reading, as it would be pretty handy career-wise and for life in general! “What I love about working at READi Lab is the people! They all seem very passionate and dedicated about the studies that they are working on. And I love how everyone is so kind, helpful, and encouraging towards each other!”

Jailene Ceballos is a junior double majoring in Psychology and Anthropology: medical anthropology and global health. She aspires to become a physician assistant in the future. Her favorite food is hot dogs, and if she could pick a super power it would be mind reading/control. Jailene also has a puppy named Harvey James. “I am so thankful for the knowledge and awareness I’ve acquired through my work at the READi Lab. The crew at the READi Lab are all so informed, welcoming, and kind. I’m glad to be given the opportunity to work with them.”

Raine Myrvold is finishing her sophomore year and is majoring in Psychology and Speech & Hearing Sciences. After she finishes at UW, she hopes to go to graduate school and pursue an advanced degree in speech pathology. Her favorite food is cookies, and she enjoys long walks on the beach, reading, playing trombone, running, and traveling. “My favorite thing about working in the READi Lab is that the whole team is so smart, dedicated, and pleasant to work with!”

Ashley Sun is graduating this spring with a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. This upcoming year she will be working as the director of Island Choral Experience in order to pursue her passion in teaching music and dance. “I absolutely loved my experience working in the READi Lab—it’s been an honor working alongside the incredible people there!”

Nat Bumrungtrakul is graduating this spring with a B.S. in Psychology and this coming year will be pursuing her interest in working with children by doing ABA intervention back home in Thailand. Her favorite food is buffalo wings and all kinds of veggies, and she loves rain — but from the inside of the house, with a glass window and a cup of hot chocolate. “There are so many wonderful things about being an undergraduate research assistant at the READi Lab. My favorite is having the opportunity to learn from, and work with, other research assistants. Also, I always have the best time when kids come into the lab.”