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
Hali Skelton
Doctoral student, Clinical Child Psychology
Briana P. Keller
Doctoral student, Educational Psychology
Subhiksha(Suba) Kanchadapu
Post-bacc Research Assistant
Suba is a full-time post-baccalaureate research assistant in the Bama Baby Lab. She previously worked as lab manager for the Kids’ Lab at UT Austin under Dr. Laura Quiñones Camacho. She earned a B.A. in Psychology (High Honors) and a B.S. in Computer Science (Honors) from UC Davis. Suba’s research interests focus on how caregiver anxiety/mood disorders and caregiver-child interactions influence language and development in neurotypical and autistic children. Her future goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Outside research, Suba enjoys Carnatic music, exploring new foods, and spending time with her cats, Holly and Jolly.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
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Amanda van Dillen
Amanda is a junior at the University of Alabama 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.
Emily Fishman
Emily is a senior at the University of Alabama, double-majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology, with a minor in Cyber Criminology. She is also enrolled in the Honors College and on the Pre-Law track. Hailing from Bayside, New York, Emily is actively involved in various on-campus organizations, including UA Miracle, Beat Auburn Beat Hunger (BABH), the Student Government Association (SGA), Women in Pre-Law, and Gamma Phi Beta. She also serves as President of UA Dream On 3 and mentors students through Crossing Points. After her graduation, Emily plans to pursue a Master’s degree in clinical or school psychology, with the goal of working with children. Passionate about community service and volunteer work, she is dedicated to giving back and supporting youth. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with friends and family, taking walks, and traveling.
Emily Tentindo
Emily is a sophomore at The University of Alabama. She is originally from Charles Town, West Virginia which is about an hour west of Washington D.C. She is a biology major on the pre-medical track, and involved in various clubs on campus including Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), Tri-Beta, Remote Area Medical (RAM), and MedLife. Emily also volunteer both at DCH Regional Medical Center and local senior living facilities each week. After she graduates, she plans to pursue medical school in hopes of becoming a physician; Specifically, in either the surgical or OB/GYN fields. In Emily's free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with family, and cooking.
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.
Gillian Bangert
Gillian is a current 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.
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.
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.
Lou Colavita
Lou is a senior majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Psychology. Lou grew up a proud Army Brat, moving 9 times before settling with her family in Huntsville, AL. She has always been fascinated by the complexities of the human brain, with inspiration stemming from her older brother who is on the Autism Spectrum. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Lou plans to pursue her Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience with a focus in maladaptive behaviors in autistic adults. One day, she plans to become a professor, guiding students in their pursuit of research and academic growth. In her free time, Lou loves to crochet, watch movies, and spend time with her family.
Maddie Zarazinski
Maddie Zarazinski is an undergraduate freshman from Coral Springs, Florida, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Neuroscience. She is an active member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and is also involved in various clubs, such as Universities Against Cancer, Canine Companions Collar Scholars, and Dr. Darren George’s Think Tank. Her hobbies include studying, hanging out with friends, being outdoors, and shopping. She aspires to attend graduate school in Florida to continue her education and eventually own her own private practice.
Melany Fuentes
Melany is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Alabama 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.
Olivia Stanfield
Olivia is a junior at the University of Alabama 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.
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!
Lab Alumni
Ryan DeGreen
Abbie Chan
Baylie Cruce (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)