Faja Laboratory | Student Interns

Ziyan is a student at Tufts University majoring in Clinical Psychology and Child Study & Human Development, with minors in Computer Science and Film & Media Studies. Prior to joining Faja Lab, she worked as an intern at Twelve Prescott Program at Wayside Youth Family Support Network and Massachusetts Center for Unexpected Infant and Child Death. She is passionate about supporting positive youth development and she hopes to learn more about factors influencing sexual health for adults on the spectrum. She also worked as a research assistant at DICE lab and SED project at Tufts University. Outside of the lab, Ziyan enjoys dancing and cooking. She is a member at Tufts’s hiphop and kpop dance crews.

Raymond is an undergraduate student at Harvard College studying Neuroscience on the Mind, Brain, and Behavior track. He is interested in the intersection of neuroscience and psychology and is particularly curious about the role of emotional regulation and early childhood experiences in social development. He is very excited to be working in the Faja Lab, where he gets to work with children and contribute to research that will positively impact the lives of children on the autism spectrum. Outside the lab, Raymond helps direct the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, sings high tenor with the Harvard Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, and works as a student coordinator at the Harvard First Generation Program. He is an avid botanist and loves philosophy, playing ultimate frisbee with his friends, and volunteering at his local flower shop.

Tommy is currently a student at MCPHS University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pre-med and health sciences with minors in psychology and business. Before coming to the Faja lab, he volunteered as an ambassador for the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and worked in the emergency department of Emerson Hospital. Tommy grew up in Harvard, Massachusetts, as the youngest of three brothers and enjoys playing baseball, cooking, listening to music, and learning about a range of topics from history to philosophy. He is excited to learn more about research that will benefit those on the autism spectrum including his two brothers.  

Melinda is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Environmental Studies at Northeastern University. She is very excited to be a part of the Faja Lab and learn the inner workings of the research world while contributing to studies she finds interesting and important. Melinda has experience with children through multiple teaching and mentoring positions, and absolutely loves working with them. Outside of the lab, Melinda works as an EMT and loves playing the guitar, baking, finding new restaurants, and spending time with friends.

Daniella is an undergraduate student at Tufts University majoring in Cognitive and Brain Sciences and minoring in Child Studies and Human Development. Along with working at the Faja Lab, Daniella does research at the Crehan Lab at Tufts. At the Crehan Lab, Daniella has worked on a study that examines the intersectionality of the female identity with the autistic identity in adult women. She also researched the efficacy of a Sexual and Relationship Education (SRE) curriculum for autistic adolescents. Currently, Daniella is leading a study that works to address SRE gaps in healthcare for autistic adolescents via a gamified SRE screening tool. Daniella is excited to be working at the Faja Lab, where she gets to further her love for applied research in cognitive and developmental science. In the future, Daniella hopes to pursue a PhD in… something exciting! Outside of the lab, Daniella is a big fan of all-things music. She drums in an indie-rock band as well as a jazz band, and she plays the piano and the electric bass. Daniella also music directs a “trash drumming” group at Tufts – do ask her about it!

Sidnie is an undergraduate student at Amherst College studying neuroscience with a certificate in Culture, Health, and Science. She is pursuing a career in pediatric medicine. Sidnie was admitted to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai as a part of their early admissions process through FlexMed. Sidnie founded and ran a science club for elementary aged students while in high school. At Amherst College, she is on the board of Emergency Medical Services program, Project Salud, and the Neuroscience Steering Commitee. She works in the Kim lab at Amherst which studies the molecular biology behind Autism Spectrum. She is also on the varsity track and field team. Outside of the lab, Sidnie enjoys running, singing, and spending time with friends and family.

Yoonseo Lee

Yoonseo is an undergraduate student at Wellesley College majoring in Neuroscience. She previously volunteered in a psychology lab that aims to investigate the association between one’s self-concept and impostor phenomenon, a neuroscience lab that investigates the P3 ERP auditory signal in rats’ brain, and was involved in another neuroscience lab that explores the association between diet/exercise/menstruation and microbiome population. She was a social chair for Wellesley’s Neuroscience Club and engaged in efforts to improve the visibility of Wellesley’s Neuroscience Department. She is currently a part of the publicity team of Sci-MI, a nonprofit organization that aims to bridge the gap of research knowledge among underrepresented populations using a remote platform. Joining the Faja lab, she is excited to work with children on the autism spectrum and is excited to learn more about conducting clinical research. Her hobbies are drawing and taking walks.