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 CAN 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.
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 the Community Engagement Coordinator in the lab where she manages websites, social media, and helps with recruitment. 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 CAN 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.
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
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 CAN 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
Sammy Murad
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Sammy is a third year undergraduate student at teh 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!