Meg Schlichting, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology PhD in Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin BA in Cognitive Science, University of Pennsylvania Meg is the Principal Investigator of the Budding Minds Lab at U of T. She is interested in how the episodic memory system (especially the hippocampus and its surrounding medial temporal lobe cortex) interacts with prefrontal brain regions to update our stored memories with new information. Her work aims to characterize how these neural operations happen in healthy young adults, as well as how they might change as the brain develops across childhood and adolescence. In her spare time, Meg loves to cook, try new restaurants, and explore all that her new city of Toronto has to offer. Meg's CV |
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Sagana Vijayarajah
BSc in Psychology, York University MA in Psychology, University of Toronto PhD in Psychology, University of Toronto Sagana is a post-doctoral researcher in Dr. Schlichting’s lab and Dr. Michael Mack's lab. She is interested in exploring the developmental changes in memory that occur from childhood to adulthood and how they impact decision-making and learning strategies. In her spare time, she likes to bike, paint, and spend time with family and friends. |
Graduate Students
Merron Woodbury
BSc in Neuroscience, Minor in Computer Science, McGill University Merron is a graduate student in Dr. Schlichting’s lab. They are interested in using various neuroimaging and computational techniques to study structural and functional changes in the brain underlying the development of memory processes. In their spare time, Merron loves to paint, read feminist science fiction and fantasy, and spend time outdoors. |
Emily Heffernan
BASc in Electrical Engineering, Queen's University MA in Psychology, University of Toronto Emily is a PhD student in Mack Lab and is doing an outside project with Dr. Schlichting on hippocampal white matter development. She is interested in how behavioural, neuroimaging, and computational modelling data can be combined to understand how we learn. When she's not studying the brain, Emily enjoys doing yoga, reading, and hiking. |
Alex McArthur
BA in Political Science and Philosophy, University of Western Ontario BSc in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario Alex is a PhD student in Dr. Schlichting’s lab. He is interested in using different neuroimaging techniques to explore how learning and memory systems change across development. In his free time, Alex is almost always reading, but he also enjoys painting, yoga, and visiting used bookstores. |
Lab Manager
Emily (Emmy) Wang
BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto Emmy recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Psychology and a minor in Environmental Studies. She is interested in learning about cognitive development across the lifespan, and hopes to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology. In her free time, Emmy enjoys painting and going on picnics with her dog. Contact info: manager.buddingmindslab@gmail.com |
Lab Programmer
Lily Meng
BSc in Computer Science and Cognitive Science, University of Toronto (in progress) Lily is a second-year student at the University of Toronto, double majoring in computer science and cognitive science, and minoring in mathematics. She is interested in the crossover between machine learning and cognitive science to develop intelligent systems and understand human cognition. In her free time, she likes playing video games and spending time with her friends. |
Research Assistants
Sara Bawany
BSc in Fundamental Genetics and its Applications, Psychology and Immunology, University of Toronto (in progress) Sara is a second-year student at the University of Toronto pursuing a double major in Genetics and Psychology and a minor in Immunology. She is passionate about pediatric genetics and and how genetic disorders can lead to developmental and cognitive disorders in children. In her spare time, she enjoys making playlists on Spotify, watching Netflix and trying different dessert shops around Toronto! |
Louise Boulard
BSc in Cognitive Science, University of Toronto (in progress) Louise is a fourth-year undergraduate student with a major in Cognitive and a double minor in English and Creative Expression. She is interested in the neurodevelopment of learning and memory and how these processes evolve with age. Outside of the lab, Louise enjoys producing music, baking and going on hikes with friends. |
Stephanie Cardillo
BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto (in progress) Stephanie is currently finishing her third year at UofT, majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. She is interested in learning more about the development of the brain, specifically the areas involved in learning and memory and how these differ among atypically developing populations. Outside of the lab, Stephanie enjoys trying new restaurants, going on walks, and playing video games with her friends. |
Mariana Castrillon
BSc Psychology Research Specialist Program, University of Toronto (in progress) Mariana is going into her third year at the University of Toronto, intending to pursue a degree from the Psychology Research Specialist Program. Her experience working with child refugees and conducting research on alternative strategies to manage traumatic memories that have led to PTSD have made her passionate to learn more about memory integration and its connection to cognitive development in children. Outside of the lab, Mariana enjoys playing her cello, travelling, and spending time with her family and friends. |
Hannah Chang
BSc in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Physiology, University of Toronto (in progress) Hannah is a third-year student with a major in Neuroscience and double minor in Psychology and Physiology. She is interested in the development of learning and memory, and how such processes change across the lifespan. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the guitar, baking sweets, and spending time with her friends and family. |
Katherine Lili Chen
BA in History and Philosophy of Science, University of Toronto (in progress) Katherine is a work-study student at the budding minds lab and is going into her fourth year studying the history and philosophy of science at Uoft. She is interested in how developmental differences impact things like learning. In her free time she enjoys baking, swimming and spending time with her friends and family. |
Vardhan Deorukhkar
BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto Vardhan recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a Major in Psychology and minors in Anthropology and English. His research interests revolve around the mechanisms of memory reconsolidation and their therapeutic applications in treating addiction and trauma. In his free time, he enjoys board game nights with friends, playing football, and writing poetry from time to time. |
Joshua Duong
BSc Global Health Specialist Program and Neuroscience Major, University of Toronto (in progress) Joshua is a Global Health specialist and Neuroscience major entering his third year. His research interests include neurodevelopment throughout the lifespan and the implications of neurodegenerative disorders on the body, cognition, and social determinants of health. In his spare time, Joshua enjoys producing music, practicing piano, and cooking. |
Keevyn Hirschfield
BSc Psychology Research Specialist Program and Cognitive Science Major, University of Toronto (in progress) Keevyn is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree from the Psychology Research Specialist Program alongside a major in Cognitive Science. He is joining the Budding Minds lab for his undergraduate thesis, which focuses on aphantasia - the blindness of the mind's eye - and how this condition impacts memory retrieval. Outside of class, Keevyn enjoys a combination of long walks, coffee, and podcasts. |
Dana Huang
BSc in Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Toronto (in progress) Dana is a first-year undergraduate student studying neuroscience and physiology. She is interested in studying memory and learning, and how that develops and changes from childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, reading, and playing the piano! |
Angel Hsieh
BSc in Health and Disease Specialist Program, University of Toronto (in progress) Angel is a third-year undergraduate in the Health and Disease Specialist program with a minor in Psychology. Her interest in neurodevelopment began with her community work of teaching children Buddhism. She is passionate about mental health awareness, feminism, and journalism. She loves telling scientific jokes to people around her, including children. Outside of lab, she is an avid reader, writer, and "colourist" (i.e. person who color for fun). |
Cindy Jean
BSc in Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto (in progress) Cindy is a third-year undergraduate student at UofT double majoring in Physiology and Neuroscience. She has a strong interest in developmental psychology, specifically how our memories are subject to change throughout the lifespan. In her spare time, she enjoys watching Netflix, travelling, and spending time with family and friends. |
Anusha Ramesh
BSc in Psychology, Nutritional Sciences, and Physiology, University of Toronto (in progress) Anusha is in her third year at UofT studying Psychology, Nutritional Sciences, and Physiology. She is interested in developmental research and in particular, is curious about memory consolidation and the development of these systems through the lifespan. Her experience working with children in varying capacities has made her interested in learning about how children learn! Outside the lab, she enjoys singing, participating with the UofT theatre clubs, and watching Modern Family :) |
Siena von Rosen
BSc in Psychology, Buddhism, Psychology & Mental Health, and Religion, University of Toronto (in progress) Siena is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and minoring in Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health, as well as Religion. She is interested in how memory formation changes through development and what impacts this. In her spare time, she can be found reading, cooking or enjoying the outdoors! |
Jessica Sah
BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto (in progress) Jessica is a third-year undergraduate student with a double specialist in psychology and neuroscience with a minor in physiology. She is interested in studying memory and learning in neurodevelopmental disorders. In her spare time, she is regularly found reading, baking, singing, and spending time with friends and family! |
Vanessa Sgambelluri
BSc in Psychology and Health and Disease, University of Toronto (In progress) Vanessa is an incoming third-year student at the University of Toronto. Upon discovering her passion for the human mind a couple of years ago, she delved deeper into this interest through her postsecondary career by engaging in fascinating classes such as Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, and more, while also combining this knowledge with the captivating field of medicine. She is particularly intrigued in learning about the mental and physical barriers that undermine illness through the use of neuropsychological methods. Ultimately, she loves to learn; however, when she is not learning, she enjoys cooking, tutoring, and spending time with those she loves most! |
Jordan Starenky
BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (in progress) Jo is a third-year student in the Psychology Research Specialist program. She is very interested in the neural bases of memory, learning, and thinking and reasoning, and is currently investigating the effect of knowledge structure on reasoning ability across development. Outside the lab, she spends her time reading fantasy books, hiking, cooking and baking, and going to workout classes. |
Tien Yang
BSc in Psychology and Anthropology, University of Toronto (in progress) Tien is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and Socio-cultural Anthropology. She is interested in developmental psychology and how culture may impact development and learning. In her free time, she enjoys running around the city, travelling, and reading. |
More wonderful lab members (not pictured):
- Evelina Aghayan
- Fariha Kaosar
- Lily Meng (Lab Programmer)
- Shernise Mohammed-Ali
- Abigail Siu
Lab Alumni
Postdoctoral Fellows
Anna Blumenthal
Xiaoping Fang
Graduate Students
Tess Forest - PhD in Psychology at the University of Toronto
MA in Psychology, University of Toronto
BA in Cognitive Systems and Linguistics, University of British Colombia
Research Assistants/Lab Managers
Zahra Abolghasem - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto
Mrinal Anagal - BSc in Nursing (BScN), University of Toronto (In Progress)
BSc in Neuroscience, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Toronto
Sasha Arnett - BSc in Life Sciences, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Hailey Benedict - MSc in Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto (In Progress)
BA in Psychology, McGill University
Sarah Berger - MSc in Psychology, University of Western Ontario (In Progress)
BSc in Psychology and Biology, Queens University
Samantha Bray Kingissepp - M.Ed. in Counselling and Psychotherapy at OISE, University of Toronto (In Progress)
BA in Honours Specialization Psychology, University of Western Ontario
Eryk Brol - BSc in Computer Science, University of Toronto
Freeman Chan - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Eric (Xingjian) Che - BSc in Physiology, Neuroscience and Immunology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Nathan Chen - BSc in Neuroscience and Immunology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Sua Cho - BSc in Human Biology, Physiology, and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Andrew Chun - BSc in Psychology and Sociology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Catherine Clarke - BSc in Psychology and Human Biology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Natanela Dain - BSc in Psychology and English, University of Toronto
Brad Dalgleish - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Carissa DeMarinis - Juris Doctor, University of Toronto (In Progress)
BSc in Neuroscience, Psychology and Physiology, University of Toronto
Sahir Dhalla - BSc in Neuroscience, Philosophy, and Computer Science, University of Toronto (in progress)
Ashiana Dhanani - BSc in Human Biology and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Simran Dhir - BSc in Pharmacology and Biomedical Toxicology, Education and Society, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Oceana Ding - BSc in Cognitive Science, Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Yujie Du - BSc in Neuroscience and Nutritional Science, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Lana Duan - MSc in Medical Science at the University of Toronto and SickKids Research Institute (In Progress)
BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Zosia Gontarz
Isabelle Vanasse Grosdidier - BSc in Psychology, Sociology, and Physiology, University of Toronto
Alyssa Ho - BSc in Neuroscience, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Rachel Ho - BSc Psychology Specialist, University of Toronto (in progress)
Nicole Hung - BSc in Psychology and Urban Studies, University of Toronto (In Progress)
David Huynh - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Jessica Im - BSc in Psychology , Environment & Behaviour, and Urban Studies, University of Toronto (in progress)
Zachary Johnson - BSc in Psychology Specialist, Linguistics Minor, Buddhism/Psychology/Mental Health Minor, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Nisha Klein - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Ezra Laker - BSc in Cognitive Science and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Sherry Li - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Tianyu Lu - BSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Specialist, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Krystyna MacRae - BSc Psychology Specialist and Neuroscience major, University of Toronto (in progress)
Eilidh McAlister - BSc in Psychology and Immunology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Elida Nexha - BSc in Psychology, Health Studies, and French, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Carleigh Pace-Tonna - BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Amy Pan - BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Julia Pearce
Eden Prosser - BSc in Neuroscience, Molecular Genetics, and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Cheryl Quan - BSc in Psychology, Biology, and Anthropology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Sarah Ripley - BSc in Psychology, Statistics, and Mathematics, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Rena Rivera - BSc in Nursing, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Valeria Sarangova
Riveea Satkunaratnam - BSc in Immunology and Physiology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Katarina Savel - BSc in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Spanish, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Chuyun Shen - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto
Hasaan Sobaan
Hannah Tarder-Stoll - PhD in Psychology at Columbia University (In Progress)
BMus in Classical Voice Performance, University of Toronto & BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Thurka Thillainathan - BSc in Psychology and Anthropology, University of Toronto
Mila Valcic - BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Mia Vucurovic - BSc in Psychology and Philosophy, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Chen Yang - BSc in Pharmacology, Physiology and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Wangjing Yu - PhD in Psychology at Columbia University (In Progress)
BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto
Xuan Zhang - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Sophia Zhao - PhD in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
BSc Psychology and Physiology
Cindy Zhou
Cherrie Zhu - BSc in Neuroscience and Pathobiology, University of Toronto
Anna Blumenthal
Xiaoping Fang
Graduate Students
Tess Forest - PhD in Psychology at the University of Toronto
MA in Psychology, University of Toronto
BA in Cognitive Systems and Linguistics, University of British Colombia
Research Assistants/Lab Managers
Zahra Abolghasem - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto
Mrinal Anagal - BSc in Nursing (BScN), University of Toronto (In Progress)
BSc in Neuroscience, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Toronto
Sasha Arnett - BSc in Life Sciences, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Hailey Benedict - MSc in Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto (In Progress)
BA in Psychology, McGill University
Sarah Berger - MSc in Psychology, University of Western Ontario (In Progress)
BSc in Psychology and Biology, Queens University
Samantha Bray Kingissepp - M.Ed. in Counselling and Psychotherapy at OISE, University of Toronto (In Progress)
BA in Honours Specialization Psychology, University of Western Ontario
Eryk Brol - BSc in Computer Science, University of Toronto
Freeman Chan - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Eric (Xingjian) Che - BSc in Physiology, Neuroscience and Immunology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Nathan Chen - BSc in Neuroscience and Immunology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Sua Cho - BSc in Human Biology, Physiology, and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Andrew Chun - BSc in Psychology and Sociology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Catherine Clarke - BSc in Psychology and Human Biology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Natanela Dain - BSc in Psychology and English, University of Toronto
Brad Dalgleish - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Carissa DeMarinis - Juris Doctor, University of Toronto (In Progress)
BSc in Neuroscience, Psychology and Physiology, University of Toronto
Sahir Dhalla - BSc in Neuroscience, Philosophy, and Computer Science, University of Toronto (in progress)
Ashiana Dhanani - BSc in Human Biology and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Simran Dhir - BSc in Pharmacology and Biomedical Toxicology, Education and Society, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Oceana Ding - BSc in Cognitive Science, Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Yujie Du - BSc in Neuroscience and Nutritional Science, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Lana Duan - MSc in Medical Science at the University of Toronto and SickKids Research Institute (In Progress)
BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Zosia Gontarz
Isabelle Vanasse Grosdidier - BSc in Psychology, Sociology, and Physiology, University of Toronto
Alyssa Ho - BSc in Neuroscience, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Rachel Ho - BSc Psychology Specialist, University of Toronto (in progress)
Nicole Hung - BSc in Psychology and Urban Studies, University of Toronto (In Progress)
David Huynh - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Jessica Im - BSc in Psychology , Environment & Behaviour, and Urban Studies, University of Toronto (in progress)
Zachary Johnson - BSc in Psychology Specialist, Linguistics Minor, Buddhism/Psychology/Mental Health Minor, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Nisha Klein - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Ezra Laker - BSc in Cognitive Science and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Sherry Li - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Tianyu Lu - BSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Specialist, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Krystyna MacRae - BSc Psychology Specialist and Neuroscience major, University of Toronto (in progress)
Eilidh McAlister - BSc in Psychology and Immunology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Elida Nexha - BSc in Psychology, Health Studies, and French, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Carleigh Pace-Tonna - BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Amy Pan - BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Julia Pearce
Eden Prosser - BSc in Neuroscience, Molecular Genetics, and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Cheryl Quan - BSc in Psychology, Biology, and Anthropology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Sarah Ripley - BSc in Psychology, Statistics, and Mathematics, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Rena Rivera - BSc in Nursing, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Valeria Sarangova
Riveea Satkunaratnam - BSc in Immunology and Physiology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Katarina Savel - BSc in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Spanish, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Chuyun Shen - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto
Hasaan Sobaan
Hannah Tarder-Stoll - PhD in Psychology at Columbia University (In Progress)
BMus in Classical Voice Performance, University of Toronto & BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Toronto
Thurka Thillainathan - BSc in Psychology and Anthropology, University of Toronto
Mila Valcic - BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Mia Vucurovic - BSc in Psychology and Philosophy, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Chen Yang - BSc in Pharmacology, Physiology and Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Wangjing Yu - PhD in Psychology at Columbia University (In Progress)
BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Toronto
Xuan Zhang - BSc in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
Sophia Zhao - PhD in Psychology, University of Toronto (In Progress)
BSc Psychology and Physiology
Cindy Zhou
Cherrie Zhu - BSc in Neuroscience and Pathobiology, University of Toronto
Our lab is growing - join us!
We are recruiting students for the work study program at UofT. We are also still looking for postdoctoral fellows to join our team!
Visit the Get Involved page for more information.
We are recruiting students for the work study program at UofT. We are also still looking for postdoctoral fellows to join our team!
Visit the Get Involved page for more information.