The Team

A group of people learning about brains learning.

Lab Director

Tehila Nugiel, Ph.D.

Tehila is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department and Neuroscience Program at Florida State University. Trained in developmental cognitive neuroscience, her research broadly investigates how brain function and organization supports academic learning and attention in youth with a variety of experiences and developmental challenges. Her research has been supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Development and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Before coming to FSU, Tehila completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology with a cognitive neuroscience concentration from the University of Texas at Austin-and received her B.A. in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey. When she’s not in the lab you can find Tehila bothering anyone around her to play pickleball or playing backgammon and hanging out with her wife and small petting zoo (a cat and two rabbits).

Lab Manager

Sarah Drake, B.S

Hi! I’m the Lab Manager at The Learning Brain Laboratory, with a B.S. in Psychology, Chemistry, and Biology from Florida State University (Class of 2025). I’m passionate about exploring the adolescent brain and especially how sleep, executive functioning, and neuroimaging (like fMRI) intersect during this critical stage of development. Outside the lab, I’m either teaching ballet (my first love) or off exploring new places. I try to travel as much as possible!
I’m currently working toward pursuing a Ph.D. in either Cognitive Neuroscience or Psychology, with the goal of continuing research that bridges brain science and developmental health.

Graduate Students

Ashley Jaimes, M.S

Hi! I am currently a Neuroscience graduate student in the Nugiel Lab. In 2016, I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from Colorado State University. After graduating, I taught English in Vietnam and Taiwan for 5 years before completing a Master's degree in Cognitive Neuroscience at National Taiwan University in 2022, working with Dr. Joshua Ooh Son Goh and Dr. Susan Shur-Fen Gau to investigate developmental functional connectivity differences in adolescent children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing children (TD). My current research plans in the Nugiel Lab include examining and identifying specific brain networks and hub-regions in adolescents to better understand brain network developmental differences. In my free time I enjoy trail running, exploring the beautiful FL beaches, and most importantly, trying out different banana bread recipes.

Summer Caliri, B.S.

Hi, I’m Summer and I’m from Miami Florida. My research interests include learning disorders / ADHD from a developmental perspective some former research topics include exploring memory and memory disorders in older adults. In my free time I enjoy cooking and hanging out with my roommates and doggie Coco!

Chloe Britton Naime, B.S.

Hello, I’m Chloe, a Neuroscience graduate student from Chicago, Illinois. I earned my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Neuroscience from Syracuse University in 2025. My research focuses on using neuroimaging to examine learning differences between neurodevelopmental and neurotypical populations, with particular interest in autism, ADHD, and learning disorders. I am also interested in how factors such as sex, race, and gender influence functional outcomes, and in improving neuroimaging data processing. Previously, I completed my honors thesis at the Center for Autism Research and Electrophysiology and a Fulbright-MITACS internship at the University of British Columbia’s Baby Learning Lab. Outside of research, I enjoy rock climbing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting.

Gehna Gupta, M.S.

Hi! I am Gehna, a Psychology PhD student in the Learning Brain Lab. I am an international student from India, and came to the U.S. to be able to study how the brain works and develops with neuro-developmental disorders. I graduated with an undergrad degree in psychology and a master’s in Neuroscience from Georgia State University, where I researched neural sex differences in children with dyslexia. My current research focus is researching the interplay of sleep, depression, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescent brains! When I am not working, I love to read, watch movies, explore cute coffee shops, and go dancing! I am super excited to be working with Dr. Nugiel and this lab!

Current Undergraduates

Karsyn Baughman

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a Senior in the Honors program at FSU pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. My goal is to attend medical school to later become a forensic psychiatrist. I love learning about the brain and human behavior, and this lab has allowed me to do so. I am the Health & Wellness Coordinator of FSU Yoga Club and a leader for the FSU Hiking Club. For fun I enjoy reading, yoga, running, and going to the beach.
Aiden Irrizary

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a Florida State University Senior majoring in Pre-Med Psychology. I am interested in helping individuals with complex neurological disorders get better patient care through research and development of novel treatments. In my free time, I enjoy watching football and playing pickle ball. After college, I plan to pursue a career in medicine focusing on the treatment of individuals with complex neurological disorders.
Abigail Okey

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a fourth-year double majoring in Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience and Human Development & Family Sciences at FSU. I am interested in studying mental health and the development of disorders throughout childhood. I plan to go to medical school and become a pediatric psychiatrist! Outside of school, I have been a violinist for 16 years! I also love to volunteer around Tallahassee on weekends.
Emma Prior

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I’m a Junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child Development here at FSU. I’m from Jacksonville, FL and after graduation I’m looking to pursue a Ph.D in developmental psychology. I’m interested in studying cognitive and behavioral changes during childhood as well as helping children with developmental difficulties get effective treatment and support. Outside of school, I love spending time with my friends and going to the beach back in Jax.
Nicole Moll

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I’m Nicole and I’m a Senior majoring in Psychology. My research interests have always been stem-focused or child- related. For fun I love reading, working out and traveling.
Abigail Schenck

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I’m currently a Senior here at FSU majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. My research interests include understanding developmental disorders in childhood and adolescence, as well as understanding the brain and its influence on human behavior. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in medicine and attend medical school. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, and going to the beach!
Annisa Richardson

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a Senior at Florida State University majoring in Psychology, with minors in Biology and Spanish. I began my undergraduate journey through the First Year Abroad program in Valencia, Spain, where I tutored elementary students in English and Spanish. I currently work as a Registered Behavior Technician at Cayer Behavioral Group, using evidence-based interventions to support children on the autism spectrum. I’m passionate about inclusive mental health care and plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to help improve outcomes for neurodiverse and underserved populations.
Bronson Empsall

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hello! I'm a Junior in Behavioral Neuroscience hailing from Palmetto, FL. I'm interested in studying neurodiversity, especially the cognition behind ADHD & Autism. In my free time I like to jam out to punk & metal music, log a film on letterboxd, and brew some speciality coffee.
Nathalie Faresi

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a Sophomore majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience on the pre-med track. I am interested in exploring the neurological mechanisms that shape individual differences in perception. The work in this lab connects to my career goal of becoming a well-rounded physician who values holistic patient care and works to reduce barriers to healthcare. Outside of academics, I enjoy going to the gym, reading, and spending time with my friends and cats.
Carmela Gonzalez

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a freshman at FSU, majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. I am interested in studying developmental disorders and how underlying cognitive deficits impact academic and social performance in different subjects and areas of people’s lives. Although I am still exploring my options, my plans are to attend graduate school for neuropsychology and eventually engage in clinical work while performing research through my practice or on the side. Outside of academics I enjoy playing beach volleyball, going to the gym, drawing/crafting, and I am currently in the process of getting my RBT certification.
Camila Roman

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a Senior majoring in Biochemistry with minors in Astrophysics and Data Analysis. I am interested in the research process as a whole, with a specific focus in understanding data analysis and interpretation for a future career in graduate-level research. After my degree, I hope to enter an MD-PhD program developing innovative solutions to a variety of medical issues, including brain dysfunction. I am the Executive Director for The Big Event on campus to promote student engagement with the local Tallahassee community! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my two cats and playing lots of video games.
Alessia Molina

Undergraduate Research Assistant
I'm a Senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Communication! My research interests focus on how childhood bullying can impact individuals into high school and beyond. Outside of academics, I love singing, acting, going on Disney trips with my family, and watching classic movies.