Lab director
Rachel Wu, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Wu received two Bachelor’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, a Masters from University College London, and a PhD from Birkbeck, University of London. She also has a Fine Arts degree from Middlesex University. Dr. Wu’s research focuses on learning and attention to maximize cognitive agility from infancy to aging adulthood. In her free time, she paints, sculpts, plays the violin and piano, and sings. [CV]
Graduate students and graduate collaborators
Leah Ferguson
Leah graduated from CSU Monterey Bay in 2017 with a BA in Psychology. Her interests vary from neurodegenerative diseases to social psychology and social stigmas. She wishes to pursue graduate school for Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology, contributing research on social reform and reentry processes in order to improve life after prison and reduce recidivism rates. In her spare time she likes to go to the park or hike with her lab, Cali, drink coffee, read new books, and cross stitch.
Austin Moon
Austin graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2017 with a B.S. in Cognitive Sciences and a B.A. in Education Sciences. His research interest includes visual search, attention, and perceptual learning using computational modeling, EEG, and deep learning techniques. During his spare time, he likes playing video games, learning how to play the keyboard, and working out with his two cats.
Tania Rodriguez
Tania majored in Psychology at Cal State Fullerton. She is interested in cognitive aging and learning in adulthood to delay or even prevent cognitive decline in underrepresented populations. Her hobbies include watching crime documentaries, going on nice walks with her sister, spending time with family, and cooking Mexican food.
Pamela Sheffler
Pamela graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BS in psychology and a minor in music. She is interested in motivation, learning, and achievement outcomes across the lifespan. In her free time, Pamela enjoys playing the violin, swimming, and watching classic films.
Isabela Perez
Isabela is a PhD candidate in social psychology. Her research investigates how educational and health disparities emerge. She has a passion for learning about the processes involved in addressing inequalities through community-based research and service. Outside of academic work, Isabela enjoys dancing, roller skating, discovering new foods, and learning new languages.
Research Assistants