A group of people learning about brains learning…

Lab Director

Tehila Nugiel, Ph.D.

Tehila is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department and Neuroscience Program at Florida State University. Trained in developmental cognitive neuroscience, her research broadly investigates how brain function and organization supports academic learning and attention in youth with a variety of experiences and developmental challenges. Her research has been supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Development and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Before coming to FSU, Tehila completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology with a cognitive neuroscience concentration from the University of Texas at Austin-and received her B.A. in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey. When she’s not in the lab you can find Tehila bothering anyone around her to play pickleball or playing backgammon and hanging out with her wife and small petting zoo (a cat and two rabbits).

CV

Lab Manager

Nikita Potdar, B.A

Hi, I’m Nikita and I recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a major in Psychology and a minor in Social and Behavioral Sciences. My research interests broadly include early childhood development, neurodevelopment disorders, and emotion regulation. I’m super excited to be working at the Learning Brain Lab and can’t wait to see where it takes me! I love being outdoors, so when I’m not working, I’m exploring new places, playing soccer, running, or hiking.

Graduate Students

Ashley Jaimes, M.S

Hi! I am currently a Neuroscience graduate student in the Nugiel Lab. In 2016, I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from Colorado State University. After graduating, I taught English in Vietnam and Taiwan for 5 years before completing a Master's degree in Cognitive Neuroscience at National Taiwan University in 2022, working with Dr. Joshua Ooh Son Goh and Dr. Susan Shur-Fen Gau to investigate developmental functional connectivity differences in adolescent children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing children (TD). My current research plans in the Nugiel Lab include examining and identifying specific brain networks and hub-regions in adolescents to better understand brain network developmental differences. In my free time I enjoy trail running, exploring the beautiful FL beaches, and most importantly, trying out different banana bread recipes.

Summer Caliri, B.S.

Hi, I’m Summer and I’m from Miami Florida. My research interests include learning disorders / ADHD from a developmental perspective some former research topics include exploring memory and memory disorders in older adults. In my free time I enjoy cooking and hanging out with my roommates and doggie Coco!

  • Emily Lopez Diaz

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    I am a second-year majoring in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience in the Honors Program at FSU. I am currently working on my honors thesis studying the functional connectivity patterns in the brains of children with anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors to understand how disruptions in the neural networks relate to specific symptoms or cognitive impairments. Outside of an academic setting, I enjoy having game nights with friends and I have been a swimmer for over 11 years. After graduation, I am hoping to go to Medical School to pursue a career as a pediatrician!

  • Ayberk Ozgen

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    I’m a senior majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience at FSU. My hobbies include playing instruments such as the saxophone and banjo; as well as pursuing my lifelong interest in studying foreign languages. I'm deeply passionate about contributing to impactful neuroscience research that contributes positively to our understanding of human behavior and the how to use the underlying mechanisms to better people in general.

  • Savannah Wyckoff

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    I’m currently a senior getting my bachelors in Biology. I’ve always had an interest in neuroscience specifically the gut-brain axis which explores our connection between gut health and mental well being. Outside of being a student, my favorite things to do are going to the gym and spending time with my friends and family. I love fostering puppies and socializing them to be future service dogs. I have a puppy named Gale that I’m currently training!

  • Karsyn Baughman

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    I am a sophomore in the Honors program at FSU pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in psychology. My goal is to attend medical school to later become a forensic psychiatrist. I love learning about the brain and human behavior, and this lab has allowed me to do so. I am the Health & Wellness Coordinator of FSU Yoga Club and a leader for the FSU Hiking Club. For fun I enjoy reading, yoga, running, and going to the beach. 

  • Sarah Drake

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    I'm a senior studying Psychology, Chemistry, and Biology here at Florida State University. I was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL and have a passion for Neuroscience. I am interested in researching sleep in adolescents and how that is attributed to sleep disorders such as Insomnia. My hobbies outside of academics include teaching ballet, traveling, and learning about new cultures. After receiving my bachelor's degree, I hope to continue research while obtaining my Ph.D. 

  • Aiden Irrizary

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    I am a Florida State University Senior majoring in Pre-Med psychology. I am interested in helping individuals with complex neurological disorders get better patient care through research and development of novel treatments. In my free time, I enjoy watching football and playing pickle ball. After college, I plan to pursue a career in medicine focusing on the treatment of individuals with complex neurological disorders.

  • Abigail Okey

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    I am a third-year double majoring in Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience and Human Development & Family Sciences at FSU. I am interested in studying mental health and the development of disorders throughout childhood. I plan to go to medical school and become a pediatric psychiatrist! Outside of school, I have been a violinist for 16 years! I also love to volunteer around Tallahassee on weekends.

  • Kayla Frameli

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    I am a junior majoring in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, with a minor in Child Development, and I’m on the pre-veterinary track. I’m particularly interested in how animals can help children overcome cognitive challenges and improve their mental health. On campus, I proudly represent Women in STEM through the WIMSE society. I have a soft spot for cats, and when I’m not studying, I enjoy volunteering at the local humane society, reading, or thrifting.