Current Research Assistants

Casey Cunningham

Graduate Student

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

Fall2021

Casey Cunningham is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Psychological Sciences and Human Development and Family Sciences. Prior to coming to Penn State, Casey worked at the UConn Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy in a lab researching sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth and adult health disparities. Her research interests include public policy, low-income families, and SGM parents.

T Berry

Graduate Student 

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

Fall2021

T is a first year PhD student in the Human Development and Family Studies Program at Pennsylvania State University. Prior to attending Penn State, T graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Child and Family Studies, and he has extensive experience working with children and their families in a variety of settings including a therapeutic childcare center, a summer heritage camp for adoptive families, and serving on a panel discussing the experiences of LGBTQ neurodivergent individuals. Their research interests include the experiences of LGBTQ indivdiuals and LGBTQ headed families, adoption, and the intersections of race, disability, and mental health on LGBTQ individuals. In his time outside of the classroom or the lab, T enjoys reading, writing poetry and prose, and watching Marvel movies.

Emily Laird

Research Assistant/Independent Study

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

Fall 2020 - present

Emily is a junior undergraduate student at the Pennsylvania State University studying Spanish and Human Development and Family Studies. Outside of school, she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with friends. She hopes to pursue a career helping others and continuing to speak Spanish after graduation, possibly working in social work or studying law.

Isabella Taffera

Research Assistant

Pennsylvania State University -University Park

Fall 2020-Present

Isabella Taffera is a senior undergraduate student at Pennsylvania State University majoring in Human Development & Family Studies with a minor in Child Maltreatment & Advocacy Studies. When not in class, Isabella likes to exercise, try new recipes, and get outdoors with friends. After graduation, Isabella plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in social work.

Shandi Folmar

Research Associate 

Spring 2021- Present 

  Shandi Folmar is a recent graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. in  Psychology and minors in Sexuality and Gender Studies and German. Outside of school, Shandi  enjoys video games, skincare, drawing, and watching horror movies with their cats. Shandi  plans on attending graduate school and pursuing a PhD in Psychology, specializing in LGBTQIA+  research with a focus on gender diversity. 

Julianna Amore

Research Assistant

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

FALL 2021

Julianna is a Sophomore undergraduate student at the Pennsylvania State University studying Elementary and Early Childhood Education, with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Outside of school Julianna enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, and volunteering. After graduation, Julianna plans to attend graduate school to get her Master’s degree in Special Education. 

MaryGrace Brizendine

Research Assistant

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

Fall 2021

MaryGrace Brizendine is a third-year undergraduate student at The Pennsylvania State  University studying Biobehavioral Health. This is her first semester working in the lab and she is  looking forward to it. Outside of her studies, she is involved in Health and Human Development  Student Council, THON, and Sunny State at Penn State. She also enjoys working out, listening  to music, and participating in yoga. After graduation, MaryGrace plans to attend graduate school  to obtain her master’s degree in Public Health.

Natalie Bjorklund

Research Assistant

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

FALL 2021 

Natalie Bjorklund is a senior undergraduate student at Pennsylvania State University. She is a Biobehavioral health major, minoring in biology. Outside of school, Natalie is on the university’s rugby team. She also enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, Natalie intends to experience the work force and participate in more research before attending graduate school.

Emily Trimino

Research Assistant

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

FALL 2021 

Emily Trimino is a sophomore undergraduate student at the Pennsylvania State University studying Psychology with a Human Development and Family Studies minor. Outside of school, Emily enjoys playing and listening to music, spending time with friends and family (and her Boston Terrier), and staying active. After graduation, Emily plans to go into the field of Developmental Psychology and work with children.