Research Assistants
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.
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.
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.
Parker Landau
Parker is a Bachelors in Science candidate at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a Freshman with a major in psychology on the pre-medical track. 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.
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.