Research Assistants
Gabriella Chiasera
Gabriella is a senior at the University of Maryland, pursuing a dual degree in Microbiology and Spanish. Her research interests include how culture and language influence parent-child interactions and child-rearing practices. She is particularly interested in childhood bilingual development and the role of language in early family environments. Outside of research, Gabriella is a Team Lead for Maryland mentor corp and enjoys playing sports and going to the gym.
Naomi Cook
Naomi is a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park, pursuing a Bachelors of Science in both Psychology and Human Development. She began her time in the Family Involvement Lab as a Research Assistant in the Spring of 2026 hoping to continue gaining valuable experience in the research sector. Naomi is particularly interested in why children choose to help others and how intrinsic or extrinsic motivation influences children's motivation to partake in prosocial behavior. In addition to the lab, Naomi works as an Event Manager at the Memorial Chapel and is an active member and Facility Manager of Gamma Phi Beta.
Ashlee Daniel
Ashlee is a senior at the University of Maryland, currently completing her Bachelor’s of Science in Family Health. Driven by her passion for medicine, Ashlee hopes to pursue pediatrics, utilizing the skills and concepts learnt from FIL to deliver inclusive, holistic healthcare. Her research interests include language development (with an emphasis on bilingualism), applications of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, cultural differences in parenting styles, and explorations of child development through the context of current events. Outside of FIL, Ashlee is a Department Liaison within the Family Health major, supporting undergraduate teaching assistants through her involvement in SPHL333.
Norah Hannum
Norah is an undergraduate student at University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development. She is a member of the UMD Honors College, specifically within the University Honors program. Driven by a strong commitment to learning and impactful research, Norah’s interests include child–parent relationships, the role of technology in development, and intervention studies. She is currently involved in research examining cultural influences on parental beliefs and patterns of parent praise.
Kripa Krishnan
Kripa is a sophomore at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a Sophomore with a dual degree in Neuroscience and Human Development on the pre-medical track, as well as being in the Gemstone Research Honors Program within the University. She began working with the Family Involvement Lab as a research intern in the Spring of 2026, with research interests lying in how economic disparity and ACEs impact child development and educational/cognitive milestones. Outside of the lab, Kripa enjoys being an executive chair for Terp Thon, as well as being a Teaching Assistant in her honors college, and doing neuroscience research at Children’s National Hospital.
Parker Landau
Parker is a sophomore with a major in psychology on the pre-medical track at the University of Maryland, College Park. During Fall 2025, she was granted the opportunity to work in the Family Involvement Lab as a research volunteer participating in entering data IDs for the BB2 project, completing literature systematic reviews, and gaining experience by shadowing others. Her research interests include child development, how culture plays a role in parenting and the development of children's executive functions, and mental health of both adolescents and parents and how that plays a role in their development and relationship.
Anita Mosbriantanha
Anita is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in neuroscience. She began working with the Family Involvement Lab as a research assistant in 2026 where she began gaining hands-on experience in coding, transcription, and data entry. Anita is highly interested in how technology impacts a child's development and their social relationships. Outside of the FIL, Anita is a teaching assistant for PSYC355 Developmental Psychology, and is the VP of Marketing for Psi Chi, the psychology honors society.
Suhani Shah
Suhani is a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in Human Development. She is part of the UMD Honors College, specifically the Interdisciplinary Business Honors. Suhani finds a deep interest in parent-child interactions as well as the long lasting effects of a good parent-child relationship. Outside of FIL, Suhani engages with Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at UMD as the event coordinator.
Cory Thomas
Cory is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. In 2025, he received his A.A. in Psychology from Hagerstown Community College. Within academia, he is focused on investigating and applying quantitative research methods and procedures that can help address the growing replication crisis in the psychological field. He is also especially interested in healthy masculinity and men’s mental health. From his experience working alongside skilled tradesmen, he hopes to reduce the stigma such groups may hold toward mental health and provide a healthier, alternative version of masculinity.