Group: Previous PHD, MA, and Thesis Students

Rachel Frietchen majored in Psychology and minored in Computational Data Science and Neuroscience. Upon graduation, Rachel now works as a post-baccalaureate research assistant to further solidify her research interests. Eventually, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a research focus in emotion regulation.

Karlan Cruz completed his Master’s in Dr. Goldstein’s lab in 2021. He received his B.A. in Psychology with a minor in English from the University of Maine in 2013. He has worked in a childcare setting for a number of years, which has heavily influenced his decision to study developmental psychology. His interests include how activities like drama, role-playing, and gaming can be used to improve social skills and problem-solving skills.

Bailey Hill graduated with his MA in ADP in 2020. He completed his undergraduate education at Wheaton College (IL), earning a B.A. in psychology. During his undergraduate career he completed training as an ABA therapist, working specifically with individuals who have autism spectrum disorders. His interests include Applied Behavioral Analysis, the transition of individuals with developmental disabilities into independent living, and social development of those with ASDs.

Kaylee Chulla graduated with her MA in ADP in 2020. She received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Religion from High Point University in North Carolina. Her previous research includes work on the production effect and study methods in elementary aged children. Her current research interests include appropriate classroom engagement and learning strategies for children with developmental disabilities.

Brittany Thompson completed her Ph.D. with the lab in 2020.  She graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2012 with a B.A. in psychology with a minor in educational studies. Her current research interests include defining and measuring pretend play, and which specific components of pretend play benefit child development. More broadly, Brittany is interested in measurement and construct validity, as well as the value of consistent operational definitions in early childhood intervention. When she graduates in Spring 2020, she is interested in pursuing a job at an independent research organization focused on helping policymakers and practitioners apply research to best serve children’s needs and foster their development.

Sumukhi Vaid is a 2023 MA graduate of Dr. Goldstein’s lab. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from University of Jammu in India, after which, she changed her course of study to the development sector, wherein, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management from IIHMR University, Jaipur, India. She then served in various positions in non-governmental organisations. Her core domains of work so far have been in adolescent education, child rights and child health and nutrition. This strengthened her interest in exploring the domain of education, and she went on to complete Master’s in Education from Azim Premji University, Bangalore, India. She wishes to strengthen and explore the domain of social and emotional learning amongst teachers, children and community.  She completed a practicum at the PATHs program and will be joining the team at School Readiness Consulting. 

Megan Stutesman earned her PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University, working under Dr. Thalia Goldstein in the Play Learning Arts and Youth Lab in 2024. Her research falls into three primary areas including psychology of the arts, social cognitive development, and contextual influences on development. Megan employs quantitive, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches in her work. Her dissertation used mixed methods to examine how dance education is implicated in children’s social cognitive development. Prior to her PhD studies, she earned a BS in Psychology and a BA in Dance from the University of Washington and a MSEd in Human Development from the University of Pennsylvania. Before returning to graduate school, Megan spent several years working as a professional dancer, teaching dance, and working with children on the Autism spectrum. While at the University of Pennsylvania, she worked at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships conducting program evaluation research on extracurricular programs for K-8 students in West Philadelphia public schools. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow with the Developing Belief Network at Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Outside of academia, she enjoys teaching dance classes to children and adults and gardening.

DaSean Young is a 2023 graduate of Dr. Goldstein’s lab. He received his BA from Pace University where he majored in Psychology and minored in Queer Studies. He previously conducted research for the Social Justice & Health Equity Psychology lab. There he studied intersectionality and stigma toward marginalized groups. His current interests are in how the arts and play impact social, emotional, and identity development in young kids and adolescents.  He is now an assistant professor of Psychology at Pace University.