Kimberly Cuevas, Ph.D.
Director
About
Dr. Cuevas (Ph.D. Rutgers University) is an Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Connecticut and Director of the CAP Lab. Her lab characterizes the building blocks of early cognition. Dr. Cuevas examines the development of basic and higher-order cognitive skills from infancy through early childhood, identifying the mechanisms and contextual factors that shape them. Drawing on developmental psychobiology and neuroscience, the CAP Lab’s research centers on three core areas—learning & memory, executive function, and neural mirroring systems—while advancing developmental EEG methods and establishing functional links between neural activity and emerging cognition. Outside the lab, Dr. Cuevas enjoys seeing “development in action” on a daily basis with her daughters–from gymnastics-dance parties and pretend play to baking and plenty of silliness.
Sarah Mannella, B.A.
Project Coordinator
Sarah is a UConn graduate with a B.A. in psychological sciences. She has enjoyed working with adolescents for the past 11 years and is eager to explore the field of developmental research with infants and toddlers in the CAP Lab. In her free time Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 young daughters, hiking, and caring for her plant collection.
Nour al-Zaghloul, B.A.
Research Assistant
Nour is a professional researcher with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from UC Davis. She has spent the last decade in developmental research working with youth from pre-natal to pre-teen and is excited to explore new facets of research with the CAP lab. When not in the lab, they can be found cooking up a storm or reading furiously about their latest interest.
Livia Goulart da Trindade, B.A.
Research Assistant
Livia is a full-time research assistant in the CAP Lab and recent graduate of UMass Boston with a B.A. in Psychology and Cognitive Science. During her studies, Livia discovered her passion for children’s cognitive development, especially in the areas of learning and attention. In her free time, she enjoys watching K-dramas, playing volleyball, and spending time with her puppy, Tuna.
Kelsey Davinson, M.S.
Graduate Student
Kelsey is a fourth-year graduate student at UConn. Her research interests include the behavioral and neural bases of memory development. She moved to Connecticut from California and has fallen in love with the fall season. In her free time, she loves hiking and exploring with her dogs.
Siqi Liang, M.A.
Graduate Student
Siqi is a Ph.D. student at UConn. She earned her B.A. in Psychology in China and her M.A. in Developmental Psychology at Columbia University. Her research focuses on the interaction between environmental factors (such as family and maternal influences) and children’s individual characteristics, and how these dynamics shape their cognitive and social development. At UConn, she is excited to expand her work using EEG methods to better understand these processes. Outside of research, Siqi enjoys dancing, watching movies, and reading.
Raynia Martinez
Graduate Student
Raynia earned her B.A. in psychological sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences from UConn in the spring of 2024. She is now working toward her goal of pursuing her Master’s in social work at UConn. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing, learning new things, exploring her interests in more depth, and spending time with family.
Delaney Mendoza
Graduate Student
Delaney is a first-year graduate student at UConn. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Clemson University in 2024, and her research interests include memory and language development throughout infancy and early childhood. In her free time, Delaney enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying various outdoor activities around Connecticut and New England.
Ali Mohiuddin
Graduate Student
Ali is a master’s student at UConn in Developmental Psychology. He also earned his BA at UConn in Linguistics/Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS). His research interests include language development and acquisition in infants/toddlers using EEG and other neuroimaging techniques. On days the universe grants him free time, you’ll find Ali raving over aesthetic video games, listening to electronic-adjacent music, or enjoying scary movies.
Sana Khan
Research Assistant
Sana is a volunteer post-baccalaureate research assistant in the CAP Lab and a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a B.A. in Neuroscience and Computer Science. She is interested in developing computational approaches to understanding the brain and plans to pursue a master’s degree in neuroscience or a related field in the fall. Outside of the lab, Sana enjoys running, spending time with her family, and playing board games.
Michelle Jimenez
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Michelle is a senior at UConn pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Philosophy, expecting to graduate in May 2026. She plans to attend graduate school and continue her involvement in research, with a focus on cognitive developmental psychology. Her academic interests center around psychological safety and ethics, especially as they relate to learning and emotional development. Outside of academics, Michelle enjoys crocheting, baking, and spending quality time with her family.
Kermina Salib
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kermina is a freshman at UConn majoring in Allied Health Sciences. Passionate about working with children and making a difference in healthcare, she plans to attend medical school after completing her bachelor’s degree to achieve her goal of becoming a pediatrician. She has gained experience working at a daycare and volunteering at Vacation Bible School, which further deepened her interest in caring for and supporting children. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, exploring new interests, and spending time with her friends and family.
Faith Zhao
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Faith is a senior at UConn majoring in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Sociology. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy with a particular interest in pediatrics. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, taking walks outside, and playing card games like Dutch Blitz with her friends.
Lauren Bryant, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Dr. Bryant is an assistant professor at Sacred Heart University and CAP Lab Alum (2020). Her research examines cognitive development in infants and young children, including the neural correlates (EEG) of early social cognition. Dr. Bryant is especially interested in executive functions—processes that help us control our thoughts and behaviors—and pursues behavioral and psychophysiological research in this area.
Collaborators:
- Martha Ann Bell, Ph.D. (Virginia Tech) NIH R01 Project BUBBLES MPI
- John Colombo, Ph.D. (University of Kansas) NIH R01 Infant Learn Project MPI
- Melissa Carrasco McCaul, M.D., Ph.D (University of Wisconsin) Thrasher Research Fund Early Career Award
- Amy Learmonth, Ph.D. (William Paterson University)
- Zhe Wang, Ph.D. (Texas A & M) NIH R01 Project BUBBLES Co-I