Leehyun Yoon, PhD

Dr. Leehyun Yoon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Center for Vital Longevity at UT Dallas. Her research explores how adolescents and young adults process self-relevant social and performance feedback to construct their sense of self, shape emotions, and adapt their behavior. Dr. Yoon’s work aims to contribute to the prevention and treatment of mental health challenges such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, and rumination, as well as interpersonal difficulties. 

She received her doctoral training in social/affective and decision neuroscience at Korea University and completed her postdoctoral training in developmental psychopathology and neuroscience at UC Davis, furthering her interdisciplinary research interests. In her free time, Dr. Yoon enjoys playing the electronic piano, walking in nature, and exploring new places.

See Leehyun Yoon’s CV

Thomas Painter, BS

Thomas graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a BS in psychology. As an undergraduate, he worked in the Aging Well Lab at the Center for Vital Longevity. Thomas is interested in studying aging across the lifespan as well as self-esteem. In his spare time, Thomas enjoys fishing and playing video games.

Israel Smitherman, MS

Israel graduated with his BS in psychology from Fort Hays State University in 2021 and MS in applied cognition and neuroscience from The University of Texas at Dallas in 2023. Following graduation, he worked as a lab manager for the Aging Well Lab under Dr. Kendra Seaman. His research interests include neuroeconomics, social decision making, affect, and cognitive ability.  In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, playing chess, and reading. 

Maximilian Ciesla, BA

Maximilian Ciesla is a first-year student in the cognition and neuroscience doctoral program at UT Dallas. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral neuroscience from Cornell College in 2023. There he worked in the Integrative Neuroscience and Behavior Lab studying the impact of high-fat diets on memory and perseverative behaviors in adolescent rats. His research interests revolve broadly around cognitive and neurobiological development and its relation to socioemotional behaviors and experience. When not at a desk he can be found swimming, reading in his favorite chair, or watching his favorite shows and movies.

Peiru Zhang

Peiru is a second-year master’s student in human development and early childhood disorders at UT Dallas. She is interested in how adolescents process feedback and how this shapes their self-concept, mainly on the persistence of negative self-beliefs and their link to youth depression. In her free time, she enjoys painting, playing the violin, and reading fiction.

Raksha Rajeev

Raksha is a sophomore psychology major at The University of Texas at Dallas, currently on the premed track. Her research interests focus on emotion regulation and cognitive development. In her free time, Raksha enjoys reading, learning intriguing historical facts, exploring new restaurants and cafes, and running!

Kathryn Ditzler

Kathryn is a third year biology student at The University of Texas at Dallas. She is also in the UTEACH program earning her teaching certificate. Her research interests include child development and psychology. After completing her degree she hopes to go on to medical school and become a pediatric surgeon. Kathryn enjoys activities such as painting, drawing, and hiking in her free time.

Haley Price

Haley received her associate of science from Collin College Wylie. She is now an undergraduate at UT Dallas studying psychology. She currently is an undergrad research assistant in the DSAN laboratory. Her research interests include cognitive changes due to external factors in daily life. After graduating, Haley wants to get her master’s in psychology. Outside of the lab, Haley enjoys reading and taking her dog for walks.  

Hamshitha Sasidhar

Hamshitha is currently a sophomore pursuing a BS in neuroscience on the pre-medical track at The University of Texas at Dallas. Previously, Hamshitha worked in the Baby Brain Lab under Dr. Meghan Swanson, studying caregiver communication and the correlation to infant brain and cognitive development. She is interested in studying social competence and social learning in adolescence coupled with the influence of mental disorders. In her free time, Hamshitha enjoys window shopping and watching new television shows and movies!