Research Professionals
Emily Kuhn, PhD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Emily Kuhn, Ph.D. is a licenced clinical psychologist and conducts research in the MnTiC Lab. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Creighton University, her doctorate degree from Kent State University, and completed her pre-doctoral internship at Hennepin Healthcare. Dr. Kuhn’s research centers around pediatric OCD, Tourette Disorder, and anxiety disorders. She is specifically interested in examining risk factors for the development and/or exacerbation of symptoms and factors that may impact the effectiveness of interventions. In her spare time, Dr. Kuhn enjoys hiking, running, and spending time with her friends and family.
Will Simonson, OTD, OTR/L
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Will earned his bachelor's degree in Spanish from Luther College, master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from UW-Madison, and doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. As a research professional, his role includes assisting with the TReC and CBIT+TMS studies. Before joining the lab, Will was an occupational therapist for an outpatient clinic in the Twin Cities. Will is passionate about working with families and children with developmental disabilities. He hopes to use his clinical experience as an occupational therapist to help disseminate research findings and improve access to evidence-based therapies for children and adolescents with tic disorders. During his free time, Will enjoys running, playing basketball, and hanging out with his two adorable bunnies.
Post-Doctoral Associates
Adrienne Manbeck, PhD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Adrienne Manbeck, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow in the MnTiC Lab. Dr. Manbeck earned her BA in psychology at the University of Minnesota, her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Minnesota, and she completed her pre-doctoral internship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Manbeck's research interests aim to better understand the development, maintenance, and treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on the impact of societal stressors on these disorders. Dr. Manbeck is specifically interested in better understanding the ways in which societal stressors impact symptom severity, access to high-quality treatment, and impact of treatment on symptoms. In her spare time, Dr. Manbeck enjoys cooking for her family and friends, walking with her dogs, and playing board games
Research Coordinators
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 graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a B.A. in Biology, Society, and Environment and minors in Public Health and Developmental Psychology. IaOom is a research coordinator in the lab and she primarily works on managing the QUEST study and also helps with other various lab tasks such as data management, CBIT, and EEGs. IaOom is most interested in research accessibility and inclusivity amongst BIPOC communities within the metro. During IaOom's free time, she enjoys hanging out with her younger brothers, traveling, and cuddling with her cat Beerus.
Lily Michaud
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Lillian Michaud graduated from Macalester College with a B.A. in Neuroscience as well as minors in Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry. She is a research coordinator in the lab, focusing primarily on the CBIT+TMS study. Lillian is interested in neurological interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders and is passionate about making research a positive experience. Outside of work, her hobbies include reading, cooking, and going for hikes with her dog and friends.
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.
Research Assistants
Noor Christava
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Kerry Houlihan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Students & Volunteers
Sophia Mitchell
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sophia is an undergraduate student at Carleton College, where she is completing a double major in Cognitive Science and Psychology alongside minors in Educational Studies and Creative Writing. Her academic and career interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience and mental health research, with a focus on decreasing societal stigma and building equitable research frameworks that ensure accessibility for all populations. When she isn't studying, Sophia can be found with her nose in a book, spending time outdoors, or traveling.
Anoma Yang
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Anoma Yang is an undergraduate studying Psychology and Social Justice. She currently works as a personal care assistant and hopes to continue providing care as a career and learning about underrepresented identities in healthcare. Volunteering at the MnTiC Lab is an exciting part of her last year at the University of Minnesota. Anoma is looking forward to being a part of a passionate team.