

Kelsey L. West
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Faculty Page | Curriculum Vitae | Google Scholar
Email: klwest7@ua.edu

Ramya Manikkan
Doctoral student, Clinical Child Psychology

Malerie McDowell
Doctoral student, Clinical Child Psychology
Student Page | Curriculum Vitae | Google Scholar
Email: mmcdowell6@crimson.ua.edu

Ryan Colburn
Doctoral student, Developmental Psychology
Undergraduate Research Assistants

Hali Skelton
Hali is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. As the oldest child in her family, Hali is very accustomed to working with children and loves to do so. Hali is an honors thesis student and loves learning about developmental psychology and seeing those concepts unfold right before her eyes through her 2-year-old sister. After graduation, Hali hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Outside of her studies and the lab, Hali loves to hike, explore nature, and spend time with her family.
Desireé Turner
Desiree is a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Social Welfare. She is from Alabama and her favorite thing about it is the warm weather. Desiree grew up in a big family and grew to love engaging with children and watching how they explore and learn about the world. She hopes to continue her education into graduate school and earn a PsyD. During her free time, she loves to read comics, watch anime, and engage in outside activities such as hiking.


Reagan Baker
Reagan is a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminal Justice. She is from Edgewood, Kentucky and has absolutely loved being around and working with children through babysitting, working in a daycare, etc. In the coming years, Reagan plans to pursue a Ph.D. and wants to work at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. In her free time, she loves to paint, get coffee with friends, listen to country music, and loves to travel. She recommends going to the Bahamas and Costa Rica at least once in your life!

Isabella Torres
Isabella is a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in English. She is fascinated by the human mind and loves working with kids. Once done with her bachelor's degree, she plans to attend graduate school and earn her Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, singing along to her favorite artists in the car, and finding good restaurants to eat at.
Lindsey Flondro
Lindsey is currently a junior at the University of Alabama majoring in Kinesiology on the Exercise Science Track, minoring in Randall Research Scholars Program (RRSP) and Biology, with the hope of attending Physician Assistant School after graduation. In her high school years, she taught ballet lessons to children of ages two to twelve, which initiated her passion and love for children. She enjoys filling her spare time through various groups across campus, including Alpha Chi Omega and Medicine and Community, and by serving at Druid City Hospital.


Abbie Chan
Abbie is a senior at the University of Alabama majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in Pediatric Occupational Therapy. Abbie loves to work with children and believes that childhood lays the foundation for the rest of our lives. Abbie's favorite experience was working with children as a travel nanny in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. In her free time, Abbie loves to try new recipes, travel, read, and spend time with her family.

Erin O' Neil
Erin is a junior at the University of Alabama, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Communicative Disorders. Hailing from Plymouth, Massachusetts, she actively participates in various on-campus activities, including BRIGHT, READ, Gamma Phi Beta, Student Recruitment Team, and more. Post-graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology with the aim of working in a hospital setting, specifically in the pediatrics department. Erin has a deep love for children and is dedicated to understanding and learning more about their development. Outside the lab, she enjoys cycling, cheerleading, volunteering in the Tuscaloosa County School System and spending time with her French bulldog.

Faith Bartkowiak
Faith is currently a junior at UA majoring in Biology on the pre-medical track and minoring in Studio Art. After she completes her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend medical school and become an obstetrician-gynacologist or a pediatrician. Faith is passionate about helping children, especially helping to understand their cognitive development. In her free time, she loves playing tennis, drawing, and crocheting.

Baylie Cruce
Baylie is a freshman at UA majoring in Kinesiology on the Pre-PT track with a minor in psychology and food/nutrition wellness. After graduation, she plans to attend PT school and become a travel physical therapist that works with a variety of patients including children, military personal, and senior citizens. Baylie is passionate about giving back to the community and dedicates time to running her non-profit, Totty's Totes, volunteering with on-campus groups, and serving at PT offices. During her free time Baylie enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and going on long walks with her dog.

Kathleen Campbell
Kathleen is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Alabama majoring in Human Development and Family Studies on the pre-medical track with a minor in Blount Liberal Arts. Her long-term plans include attending medical school after graduation and becoming a pediatrician. She loves to work with children and their families and hopes to gain an understanding of the way we interact with the world as children. Outside of the lab, Kathleen is involved in the Blount Scholars Program, Kappa Alpha Theta, New View, the Society of Women in Medicine, and various other on-campus organizations. She also enjoys dancing, reading, and spending time in the kitchen.
Rachel Crumpton
Rachel is a senior at UA majoring in psychology and minoring in biology. After graduation, she plans to go to occupational therapy school and pursue a career as a pediatric OT, specifically with children ages 0-4. She loves working with young children and hopes to make a difference in the development of little lives! During her time at UA, she played the tuba in the Million Dollar Band and was in the Tuba Euphonium Ensemble. When she is not busy with school or the band, she loves to spend time with her cat, Miss Bugs, while reading or watching movies!


Ryan DeGreen
Ryan is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Alabama majoring in Biology on the pre-med track and is minoring in Chinese. Before her time at UA, she worked with children ages 7-10 to help them learn to read and write and she also was a camp counselor that helped children learn over the summer and complete fun activities. She loves children and believes they are a crucial part of society as they are the future. In the future, Ryan plans on pursuing medical school to specialize in oncology and hematology. Along with her studies, Ryan is a part of Alpha Omicron Pi, a sorority at UA, and plays for the UA field hockey team.
Lab Alumni
Lauren Rymer (Doctoral student at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill)
Parrys Washington (University of Alabama)
Ellie Collins (University of Alabama