Kelsey L. West
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Faculty Page | Curriculum Vitae | Google Scholar
Email: klwest7@ua.edu
Graduate Students
Ramya Manikkan
Doctoral student, Clinical Child Psychology
Malerie McDowell
Doctoral student, Clinical Child Psychology
Hali Skelton
Doctoral student, Clinical Child Psychology
Graduate Student Collaborators
Briana P. Keller
Doctoral student, Educational Psychology
Bahare Bahmani
Doctoral student, Developmental Psychology
Lab Manager
Subhiksha(Suba) Kanchadapu
Research Assistant III / Lab manager
Suba earned a B.A. in Psychology (High Honors) and a B.S. in Computer Science (Honors) from UC Davis. Previously, she worked as research associate for the Kids’ Lab at UT Austin under Dr. Laura Quiñones Camacho. Suba is studying developmental cascades with specific interest in language development in autistic and neurotypical children. Suba is also interested in understanding how family context shapes child development. Her goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Outside of research, Suba enjoys exploring new foods, and spending time with her friends and two cats (Holly and Jolly)!
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Alexandria Plunkett
She is senior majoring in Psychology with minors in Neuroscience and Human Development & Family Studies at UA. After graduation, Alexandria plans to pursue a Master's/PhD in Developmental or Clinical Child Psychology, with the goal to have a career within Child Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, exploring locally or going out of town. Outside of the lab, Alexandria is the membership officer for Psi Chi, and also collaborates with other research labs under the Alabama Life Research Institute.
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Amanda van Dillen
Amanda is a junior at UA majoring in Psychology with a minor in General Business. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a master’s in Developmental Psychology and ultimately a career in Clinical Psychology with a focus on working with children. Her passion for working with kids began in high school through her experiences at a horse therapy program and as a camp counselor. Outside of her studies, Amanda is an active member of Delta Gamma and enjoys traveling, listening to country music, going to the gym, and spending time with her favorite people.
Catherine French
Catherine is an undergraduate at UA majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. She is a part of the Honors College and on the pre-medical track. Originally from Poulsbo, Washington Catherine is involved in numerous clubs on campus including Alpha Epsilon Delta, Friends of MSF, HOSA, Project Health, and Society for Women in Medicine (SWIM). After graduation, she plans to attend medical school to become a neonatologist or obstetrician. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends, baking and volunteering at DCH Regional Medical Center.
Emma-Sofia Gaytan
Emma-Sofia Gaytan is a sophomore majoring in psychology with minors in human development and general business. Originally from Oak Brook, Illinois, she lived in Mexico for nine years during her childhood, fostering her bilingual background and passion for child clinical psychology. Through her coursework and research interests in treatments like EMDR and art therapy, she plans to pursue graduate school and a PhD in child clinical psychology, ultimately owning her own private clinic focused on children's mental health. She enjoys running, water polo, traveling, getting coffee with her friends and supporting The Arthritis Foundation through her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi.
Gillian Bangert
Gillian is a sophomore at UA, majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in the Randall Research Scholars Program (RRSP). After graduating, she hopes to pursue a graduate degree in Neuroscience or Psychology. She enjoys working with children, and her previous experience includes being a Sunday School assistant at her church, working as a camp counselor, and babysitting. On campus, she is involved in Alpha Omega Epsilon and is a Lab Manager for RRSP. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, exploring local hiking spots, and spending time with her friends and family.
Hannah Miller
Hannah is an undergraduate at UA, originally from Abita Springs, Louisiana. She is majoring in Public Health on a pre-medical track, with hopes of becoming a pediatrician or pediatric endocrinologist. She has always enjoyed working with children, especially in her roles as a babysitter, nanny, and assistant dance teacher during high school. She is involved in various organizations on campus, including Pi Beta Phi, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Vital Volunteers, and Society of Women in Medicine (SWIM). In her free time, she enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Isabelle Burmaster
Isabelle is a junior at UA majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Biology on the pre-medical track with Honors. She is from Katy, TX and after graduation she plans to attend medical school and hopes to pursue a career in pediatrics or dermatology. Through her experiences shadowing pediatricians and working with children, she has developed a strong interest in caring for children. She enjoys volunteering at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham and at the Capstone Village. Outside of academics, Isabelle is involved in Alpha Chi Omega, Medicine and Community club, and serves as an Honors College peer mentor. In her free time she enjoys traveling, taking dance classes, spending time with friends and family, reading, and trying new coffee shops.
Isabella Brown
Isabella is a junior at UA majoring in Biology on the pre-medical track. After graduating, she hopes to attend the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, pursue a residency in pediatrics followed by a fellowship in neonatology. She has always loved working with children, and currently volunteers at Children’s of Alabama! On campus, she is involved in Alpha Omicron Pi and UA B+ where she serves as Freshmen for the Kids director. In her free time, Isabella loves reading, going on walks, and spending time with friends and family.
Kathleen Campbell
Kathleen is an undergraduate at UA 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.
Leah Hackney
Leah is a sophomore at UA, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. After graduation, she plans to move back home to Cincinnati to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy and become a pediatric occupational therapist. Her passion for working with children was inspired by her three-year-old nephew, who is on the autism spectrum. She has enjoyed working with children as a summer swim coach and through volunteering with Al’s Pals. Leah is also an active member of Pi Beta Phi and participates in the sorority’s children’s literacy initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, crafting, hiking, strength training, and cooking.
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Lila Lindsey
Lila is a sophomore at UA majoring in Psychology and minoring in Neuroscience and Theater. She grew up in Madison, Alabama and is now living in Athens, Alabama. Her dream is to become a Children’s Counselor by attending graduate school for child clinical psychology and receiving her mental health license (LPC). She has loved working with children at her summer internship at Lindsay Lane Baptist Church in the Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry, as well as serving as a camp counselor at Camp APAC with the Children’s Aid Society of Alabama. During the school year, Lila has the honor of serving as Lambda Sigma Honor Society’s President. Additionally, she is a member of Crimson Stage, Psychology Club, an active member of Alpha Chi Omega, and a part of the Honors College. Lastly, she enjoys reading, being with her family, playing with her dog, meeting new people, acting, singing, and Starbucks Coffee!
Lila Chamberlain
Lila is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience on a pre-medical track. She is from Fishers, Indiana and has found a true passion for psychology and medicine through her coursework and recent clinical internships. She enjoys working with kids during her volunteer work with TOPsoccer, Pi Beta Phi’s philanthropy, and New Hope Preschool. Additionally, she enjoys volunteering with Southern Care New Beacon, where she provides companionship for patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, Lila takes part in Project Health, a peer-education initiative with the UA Department of Health and Wellness. She plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in neurology or dermatology! In her free time, Lila loves to teach Inferno Hot Pilates, go on coffee dates, and travel around the world.
Lindsey Coppel
Lindsey is a senior at UA, originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is double majoring in Psychology and Music. After graduation, she plans to apply to master's programs in Mental Health Counseling. Lindsey has spent time working with children in K-12 schools and local festivals through the Tuscaloosa Symphony Education Quintet, where she helps provide orchestral music outreach. She also spends her time volunteering with the Crisis Text Line and in her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, baking, and playing the French horn.
Makiya Harris
Makiya is a Senior at UA majoring in Psychology and minoring in Human Development and Family Studies. She is passionate about working with children and is interested in understanding child development and children’s mental health. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology and hopes to become a children’s therapist specializing in play therapy. Outside of school, Makiya enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and trying new foods.
Melany Fuentes
Melany is an undergraduate at UA majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development. She plans to pursue graduate school to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and work with children to support their social, emotional, and behavioral growth. Melany is passionate about child development research and am currently completing her Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification while gaining hands-on experience working with children on the autism spectrum. Outside of this, she is a member of Alpha Phi, and enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family.
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Natalie Pegnia
Natalie is a sophomore at UA, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She is also an Ignite tutor for Teach for America, a mentor for Al's Pals, and an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Outside of the lab, Natalie enjoys spending time with her friends or walking her dogs. After graduation, Natalie plans to earn her master's in Applied Behavioral Analysis and become a behavioral therapist for children.
Nathan Neugebauer
Nathan is a senior at UA majoring in Psychology with minors in Neuroscience and the Blount Scholars Program. He hopes to pursue a Ph.D. to further study developmental psychopathology, with specific interests including callous-unemotional traits and depression. His interest in research has led him to work with a wide range of age groups from his home state of Arizona to Alabama. Outside of the field, Nathan enjoys spending time with his family and dog, creative writing, and wildlife photography.
Olivia Pyrcioch
Olivia is a junior at UA majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminal Justice. She plans to graduate early in May 2027. Olivia is interested in child development and hopes to pursue graduate studies in developmental psychology. She is also a mentor for The University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders College Transition and Support (UA-ACTS) Program where she mentors and supports a fellow student on campus with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, baking, working out, and spending time with friends and family.
Olivia Stanfield
Olivia is a junior at UA majoring in Psychology with a minor in Public Relations. She is an active member of Turning Point USA and The Crimson Stride Run Club, and she currently serves as the Director of Recruitment Public Relations for Delta Gamma. Olivia has a passion for developmental and child psychology, and she hopes to attend graduate school and a career in the field, where she can continue exploring how children grow, learn, and thrive. Outside of the lab, Olivia loves spending time with friends, going to the beach, and taking Pilates classes.
Lab Alumni
Lou Colavita
Faith Bartkowiak
Emily Tentindo (University of Alabama)
Rachel Crumpton
Ryan DeGreen
Abbie Chan
Baylie Cruce (University of Alabama)
Erin O'Neil (University of Alabama)
Isabella Torres
Desiree Turner (University of Minnesota)
Reagen Baker
Lindsey Flondro (University of Alabama)
Hailey Huguet (University of Alabama)
Lauren Rymer (Doctoral student at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill)
Parrys Washington (University of Alabama)
Ellie Collins (University of Alabama)
Ryan Colburn (Child Development Research Center, University of Alabama)