 | Brittney Kleinfelter Brittney Kleinfelter is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University New England with a planned focus on pediatric neuropsychology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Endicott College and has completed training at several neuropsychology sites across Greater Boston. Her research interests include cross-cultural neuropsychology and examining the impact of high-conflict divorce on children’s executive functioning. She strives to enhance the accuracy, relevance, and availability of neuropsychological assessment for diverse populations through a lens of justice and accessibility. In her spare time (when she’s not up to her eyeballs in textbooks!), she enjoys spending time with her two Bernese Mountain Dogs and a much smaller senior cat. |
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 | Andrew Oldenborg Andrew is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience on the pre-med track with minors in Astrophysics and Music. He is passionate about understanding the human brain and its varied progression in children stemming from neurodevelopmental conditions. At Northeastern, Andrew holds a chair position in Northeastern's chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon, a co-ed professional medical fraternity, while also being a member of the Executive Board for Healing Harmonies, a club partnered with hospitals and senior-living homes centered around volunteer-based musical performances. Outside of the lab, Andrew enjoys hiking, writing/playing music, astronomy, physics, and playing soccer. |
 | Grey Peters Grey is an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia pursuing a Neuroscience and Philosophy double-major on the pre-med track. She is particularly interested in neuroethics, cognitive philosophy, and the language and communication aspects of neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly in autism and dyslexia. Outside of the Faja Lab, Grey works as a research assistant for the Yale Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, where she previously earned her certificate in Bioethics. Grey is also deeply involved in introducing philosophy and ethics to pre-collegiate students, coaching middle school Ethics Bowl and developing her own curriculum for early philosophy introduction. In her free time, Grey is a competitive horse rider and enjoys exploring Boston, tutoring dyslexic students, playing tennis, and will never turn down a cup of tea.
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 | Ryan Martino Ryan is an undergraduate student at Tufts university majoring in both Psychology and Child Studies & Human Development. His hands-on experience with children and adults on the spectrum in caregiving and research settings has shaped his deep love for developmental science. Ryan is extremely excited to learn from the staff at the Faja Lab and looks forward to being a meaningful contributor to their work. In his free time, Ryan likes to craft, write, and spend time outside exploring the Boston area.
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 | Joanne Ji Jae is an undergraduate student at Harvard College concentrating in Psychology with a secondary field in East Asian Studies. Broadly, she is interested in early social and emotional development in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and how it might interact with mental health. Prior to coming to the Faja Lab, she dedicated herself to initiatives in clinical social psychology, spearheading programs for youth in stigmatized communities and conducting research about factors related to mental health. This love for understanding how subgroups within a population may differ in their psychological development is what first motivated her to work with autistic children, and she is excited to advance her experience in this area. She hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical science. Outside of the lab, Jae spends her time reading, curating extensive playlists, and playing Othello.
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 | Jennifer Kim Jennifer is an undergraduate student at Harvard College studying Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology. She is interested in developmental psychology and is working towards a career in pediatric psychiatry. Before joining the Faja Lab, she worked as an intern at Asan Medical Center in a Social Skills Training program for neurodiverse children, and she volunteered as an art instructor for children in her local community in California. Jennifer is excited to contribute to research that will impact the lives of children on the spectrum in the Faja Lab. At Harvard, Jennifer is a peer counselor for students on campus, helps run the Buddy Program at Harvard Synapse, and is the managing editor of Harvard Pre-Medical Society's magazine. Outside the lab, she volunteers at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program and the Pediatrics Unit at Mass General Hospital. She loves art, trying new restaurants, going thrifting, and spending time with friends and family.
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 | Neel Sharma Neel is an undergraduate student at Tufts University majoring in Biopsychology. Before joining the Faja Lab, he worked as a research coordinator for the Children’s Television Project Lab at Tufts, where he studied how diversity in children’s media influences development. Neel currently serves as a Behavioral Health Technician at Boston Children's Hospital, supporting children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities in a clinical setting. He is excited to continue working with autistic children in the Faja Lab and to contribute to research that advances more equitable patient care for neurodivergent youth. In his free time, Neel enjoys long runs along the Somerville bike path, reading fantasy novels, and playing with his two Yorkies.
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 | Emma Vatnsdal Emma is an undergraduate neuroscience major at Amherst College. Before joining the Faja Lab, Emma worked as a direct support professional for children ages 5-10 on the autism spectrum, helping them develop essential life skills through individualized, compassionate care. In addition, her volunteer experience working with neurodivergent individuals in Ukraine fueled Emma’s passion for advocacy, highlighting how cultural context shapes awareness, acceptance, and support for neurodivergent individuals. Emma is especially passionate about research that contributes to creating inclusive, culturally informed systems that support neurodivergent communities. She is excited to contribute to the Faja Lab’s mission and help bridge gaps in current understanding. Outside of the lab, Emma runs cross country and track, enjoys spending time outdoors, and is always on the hunt for a good local coffee shops.
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 | Sadia Tanzem Sadia Tanzem is an undergraduate at Boston College majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-medical track. She is particularly interested in the neuroscience of child and adolescent development, with a strong passion for working with children and young adults, especially those from minority and underserved communities. Sadia has research experience at Boston College’s Cell to Society Lab and clinical experience as a medical assistant at Massachusetts General Hospital. She also volunteers as a mentor to a young autistic student at a local elementary school and has previously worked with neurodiverse children and students to support effective behavior in educational settings. Originally from Minnesota, Sadia enjoys reading, cooking new dishes, and painting her nails in her free time. After graduation, she hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career in pediatric neurology. |
 | Shaylee Moreno Shaylee is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and minoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Prior to joining the Faja Lab, she worked as an intern in two school systems, Williams Bridge Academy and Beverly Pre-School at McKeown, where she worked with children with language-based learning disabilities and behavioral challenges. Shaylee was also a mentor for the music therapy choir, My Own Voice, where she worked with autistic children and children with anxiety, Down syndrome, and other genetic disorders, to encourage communication through music. Shaylee is excited to continue working with autistic children in the Faja Lab. After graduating, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree in child clinical psychology. In her free time, Shaylee enjoys art, playing tennis, and singing!
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 | Carlie Orr Carlie is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University majoring in Psychology with minors in Behavioral Neuroscience and Spanish. She previously worked as a research assistant at Northeastern's Learning and Brain Development Lab and completed her first co-op at Work Inc. as a life and wellness coach for autistic adults. At Northeastern, Carlie is involved in Peace Through Play, a club working with local Boston elementary students to teach social and emotional learning through games and activities. Outside of the lab, Carlie enjoys running, hiking, traveling, and exploring Boston.
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 | Ziyan Xie 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.
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| Carlie Orr Carlie is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University majoring in Psychology with minors in Behavioral Neuroscience and Spanish. She previously worked as a research assistant at Northeastern's Learning and Brain Development Lab and completed her first co-op at Work Inc. as a life and wellness coach for autistic adults. At Northeastern, Carlie is involved in Peace Through Play, a club working with local Boston elementary students to teach social and emotional learning through games and activities. Outside of the lab, Carlie enjoys running, hiking, traveling, and exploring Boston.
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| Ziyan Xie 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.
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 | Julia Maciejak Julia is a student at Harvard University studying Neuroscience with a minor in Global Health and Health Policy on the pre-medical track. She is interested in the overlaps between anxiety disorders and autism. Julia is passionate about working with children and being a part of research that will positively impact them. Having grown up in New York City, Julia is a first-generation American and college student. Outside of the lab, Julia is a lightweight rower for the Harvard-Radcliffe varsity team, enjoys baking pastries, and is working on improving her Spanish fluency! |