Gabriela Rosenblau

Principal Investigator

Gabriela Rosenblau is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at George Washington University (GWU). She is also affiliated with the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute at GWU. Her research combines computational and neuroscientific methods to understand the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms underlying social interactions across development and in clinical populations, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder. One particular focus of her research is understanding how individuals gather and access information about others through a process coined social learning. She is currently funded by the Simons Foundation for Autism Research (SFARI) and by the NIMH.

Samantha (Yen-Wen) Chen

Postdoctoral Associate

Samantha (Yen-Wen) received a Ph.D. in Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University in 2023. Sam’s doctoral work investigated loneliness, the Big Five personality, and aging, using MRI-based imaging techniques. Her dissertation identified brain connectivity networks associated with loneliness and age, leveraging the Lifespan Human Connectome Project Aging dataset and graph theory. Sam is interested in in identifying biomarkers in developing brains among typically developed individuals and individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions by integrating behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational modeling approaches. During her free time away from the lab, she enjoys listening to music, watching TV shows and anime, and taking leisurely walks.

Wenda Liu

Postdoctoral Associate

Wenda received a B.A. in Biology at Shandong University and a M.S. in Cognitive Psychology at Beijing Normal University and has been a former PhD student in the lab. His general interest focused on assessing the behavioral and neural mechanisms of social development. His recent project uses computational modeling and brain imaging (fMRI/fNIRS) to investigate the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying cooperation – across typical and aberrant developmental trajectories, with particular focus on pre-adolescence as a sensitive period. He loves video games, basketball and going to the gym.

Shannon Cahalan

Graduate Student

Shannon received a BS in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and a BA in Psychology at the University of Rochester in 2019. Following her undergraduate degree, Shannon spent two years working as a lab coordinator for the Mathematics, Reasoning and Learning Lab and the Language, Behavior and Brain Imaging Lab at Rutgers University – Newark. Additionally, she spent several months working as a research assistant with the Kessler Foundation. She is interested in using neuroimaging and computational modeling approaches to understand social learning in autism and particularly sex and gender differences in social learning. Outside the lab, Shannon enjoys swimming, running, listening to podcasts, and exploring DC with friends.

Lexie Mathis

Graduate Student

Lexie received a B.A. in Psychology from University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2021 and an M.A. in Experimental Psychology from Towson University in 2023. She then spent one year as a research coordinator at Kennedy Krieger Institute working on clinical trials for conditions including fragile X syndrome and bipolar disorder. Lexie is interested in using neuroimaging and computational modeling to examine social learning, cognitive rigidity, and anxious and obsessive-compulsive symptoms within autism. In her free time, she likes to crochet, exercise, and spend time with her family.

Mikaila Loughlin

Lab Manager

Mikaila graduated summa cum laude from the George Washington University in 2024 with a B.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychological & Brain Sciences, plus minors in Criminal Justice and Mind-Brain Studies. She is particularly interested in clinical psychology with a focus on neurodivergent, adolescent, and young-adult populations. Mikaila is deeply involved in all areas of management and research within the lab, and takes particular interest in designing study methodology, administering clinical assessments, and conducting neuroimaging study visits – particularly using fMRI. Mikaila intends to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology, focusing on ADHD in women and ADHD with comorbid mood disorders. Outside of the lab, Mikaila is a part-time psychometrist and office administrator at Manas Cor Psychological Services, a competitive ballroom dancer, and an avid Broadway enthusiast.

Nicole Treece

Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellow

Nicole is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychological and Brain Sciences with a double minor in Human Services and Social Justice, and Mind-Brain Sciences. She is interested in using brain imaging to understand the neural underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders and improve treatment, education, and accessibility. In their free time they love to walk their dog Koda, watch movies, and work in mutual aid networks.

Kelsey Kirker

Research Assistant

Kelsey is a triple major dual degree student at the George Washington University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychological Brain Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She is the recipient of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship. Kelsey intends to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology, centering her focus around diagnostic evaluation and clinical assessments. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys dancing, spending time with family and friends, and visiting the theater for any kind of show.

Diksha Sriram

Research Assistant

Diksha is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychological and Brain Sciences at the George Washington University. As a research assistant, she administers clinical assessments, screens and schedules participants, and conducts fMRI visits. Diksha is deeply passionate about understanding how psychiatric disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder and major depressive disorder, affect social decision-making in adolescents. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience, using neuroimaging and computational modeling to identify disorder-specific patterns in brain function that can inform more precise, personalized i nterventions. Outside the lab, Diksha sings, beatboxes, and arranges music for her a cappella group, writes original songs, and enjoys Broadway, theater, and spending time with her dog Bobby, friends, and family.

Lab Alumni

Isabella Mark

After spending almost five years in the DSN Lab, first as an undergraduate research assistant and then as lab manager, Isabella left to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology at Case Western Reserve University in August 2025.

Andrea Jara

Andrea completed her master’s thesis in the lab from 2022-2024. After receiving her M.S. in biology, she left to attend medical school.

Ella Chapman

Ella worked as an undergraduate research assistant and then as a part-time lab manager from 2023 until 2024. She is completing a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Program at the George Washington University, with the goal of attending medical school afterward.

Jonathan Doyon

Jonathan worked as a postdoctoral associate in the lab from 2019 until 2022 and started a postdoc position at the Schepens Eye Research Institute – Harvard Medical School.

Sair Lazzaro

Sair worked as a lab manager in the DSN lab from 2021 until 2023, while pursing an MA in art therapy at GWU. They currently work as an art therapist for adolescents.

Sophia Block

Sophia worked as a lab manager from 2020 until 2021, before leaving to attend medical school. She is currently a medical student at Thomas Jefferson University.

Nikita Shah

Nikita worked as a lab manager from 2018 until 2020, before leaving to complete her Masters degree in clinical psychology at the University of Maryland. She currently works as a neuropsychologist.