Research Coordinators
Claire Breitenfeldt
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Claire graduated from St. Olaf College with a B.A. in Psychology. She is a Research Coordinator in the MnTiC Lab, working primarily on the NExT and CBIT+TMS studies. She is interested in using imaging and neuromodulation to learn more about neurodevelopmental disorders and work with individuals and families affected by them. Her long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. In her free time she enjoys reading, going for walks, and baking.
Tabitha Mungai
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Tabitha graduated from The University of Chicago with a B.A. in Neuroscience. In the lab, Tabitha is primarily working on the TReC study and assisting with the TEAL and CBIT+TMS studies as needed. She enjoys learning about research and non-surgical interventions for understanding and treating neurodevelopmental disorders. In her free time, Tabitha can be found playing tennis, hiking, or spending time with friends and family.
Mayella Brinker
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Mayella graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a B.S. in Psychology and a Minor in Public Health. She is a Research Coordinator in the lab where she manages websites, social media, and helps with recruitment. And additionally assisting on NExT, TicTech, and other studies. Mayella is especially interested in helping to bridge communication gaps between research and the public. To do so, she hopes to pursue a health communication career in the public health field. Her hobbies include baking, painting, playing team sports, and spending time with friends and family.
IaOom Khang
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
IaOom is a first-generation student of Hmong refugee immigrants. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a B.A. in Biology, Society, and the Environment with a double minor in Public Health and Developmental Psychology. IaOom is working in the MnTiC Lab as a Research Coordinator, focusing primarily on the TEAL study and assisting with the TReC study. IaOom is interested in combatting stigma regarding mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders amongst underserved BIPOC communities and is interested in learning how to make research more accessible. IaOom's long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Outside of work, her hobbies include traveling, exploring nature, thrifting, and attending music festivals.
Research Assistants
Megan DuBois
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Megan is a clinical psychology PhD student at Kent State University. Her research interests include risk factors for child anxiety disorders, particularly obsessive-compulsive related disorders. She was previously a CAN Lab coordinator working on a variety of projects, including the tic coding projects.
Kerry Houlihan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Kerry is a clinical psychology PhD student at Bowling Green State University. She is interested in juvenile justice, specifically in evidenced-based diversion programming and forensic assessments. Kerry was previously a research coordinator in the Minnesota Tic and Compulsivity Lab, primarily working on the CBIT+TMS Study. She is excited to be involved with the lab again!
Christopher Johnson
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Christopher is currently studying Computer Science and Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota. He has studied abroad in Korea and Japan. Because of Japan and Korea, many of his dreams came true. After coming home, Christopher now wants to make others' dreams come true like his did abroad. Aside from his new dream, He likes to hang out with friends and family, meet new people, go hiking, and to spend time with his dog Russel.
Alison Pryor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Alison is a Research Assistant in the MnTiC lab working primarily on the Tic Tech study. Her interests are in sex differences in individuals diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome. Alison graduated with a B.S in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and is currently applying to medical school. She work as a psychiatric associate in an inpatient psychiatric unit for M Health Fairview. Alison loves to travel, be outside, and participate in any activity that gets her adrenaline pumping!
Students & Volunteers
Noor Christava
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Noor is a fourth year undergrad studying Human Biology and Psychology. She is a volunteer research assistant in the MnTiC lab where she works on studies focused on OCD and Tic Disorders. She has previously worked on ASD studies and SPARK that were based in the CAN lab. She wants to continue her experience and further develop her interest in neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of school and the lab, Noor enjoys traveling the world, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Sophie Madge-Nyren
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sophie is a 3rd-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto majoring in psychology and neuroscience. She is particularly interested in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration and hopes to pursue a career in neuropsychology. She is a volunteer research assistant at the MnTiC lab and is excited to learn more about OCD and tic disorders through this research! In her free time, Sophie likes to travel, read, listen to music and spend time in nature.
Sammy Murad
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Sammy is a third year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota studying Psychology and Public Health. He is hoping to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology working in research and being part of an integrated team of professionals providing care to patients. Outside of school and lab Sammy enjoys running, spending time with friends, and playing video games!