The Swarthmore Kid Lab

Read more about us below!

Principal Investigator

Emily Foster-Hanson, PhD. 

Assistant Professor of Psychology

she/her

Website

I study concepts and cognitive development from toddlerhood through adulthood. In my research, I ask questions about how people come to think and reason about the world and the different kinds of things in it—from animals and plants, to smartphones, to men and women. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids, hiking, and reading escapist novels. 

Research Manager

Julia Linden-Charlain, M.S. 

she/her

I am studying interpersonal relationships and constructs that impact and/or are impacted by these relationships. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, singing, watching movies/tv or reading, and going for walks.

Research Assistants

Angie Kwon ’24

she/her

I’m a double major in Psychology and Art, but no, I’m not planning on becoming an art therapist. Instead, I am interested in researching how bilingualism and/or growing up in multiple cultures affect development and socializing! Outside of classes, I love to read, crochet, make playlists, and play violin with my piano trio.

Eleanor VanRheenen ‘24

she/her

At Swarthmore, I study Psychology, Linguistics, and Engineering. I am passionate about inclusivity and care deeply about children. After college, I plan to pursue a career in pediatric counseling, combining my drive to understand others with my love of children and commitment to issues of accessibility and inclusivity. Outside of classes, I love painting and being outdoors.

Arley Johnson ‘25

he/him

I’m a psychology major with plans to pursue nursing after Swarthmore. I’m interested in how creativity develops in children and infant amnesia. Outside of class, I’m a sprinter for the track and field team and a part-time hooper. 
J Choi ‘25

he/they

I’m a Psychology honors major and Peace and Conflict Studies honors minor hoping to go into social work with children and adolescents. Outside of classes, I enjoy reading poetry and baking, and am the president of one of the a cappella groups on campus.

Jie Yang ‘25

she/her

I’m a Psychology and Biology double major. I’m interested in parent-child interactions and how kids learn about norms. Outside of school, I love baking, being outdoors, and exploring new places with my friends.

Nour Alajarma ’25

she/her

I’m a neuroscience major on the pre-med track hoping to become a child psychiatrist, and I’m very interested in exploring the role technology plays in children’s cognitive development. In my free time, I love to play volleyball, read, and spend time with friends and family. 

Leo Rosaz Shariyf ’25

he/him

I’m a psychology and educational studies major who’s interested in the development of decision-making in children. Outside of class, I enjoy cooking, exploring Philadelphia, and performing in comedy groups on campus.

Alvin Lugo Jr. ’26

he/they

I’m an English and Psychology major hoping to one day work in School Psychology. Outside of hanging out with my friends, I’m on the College Ultimate Frisbee team and I enjoy reading and writing poetry. 

Ella Peyre ’26

she/her

I’m a Psychology and Political Science double major interested in studying the intersection between human development and public policy. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, traveling to new places, and watching the Buffalo Bills. 

Elisha (Seoyoon) Bae ’26

she/her

I’m doing an Honors Special Major in Psychology and Education. In research, I’m passionate about exploring the interplay between technology and child development, parent-child attachment + how it affects various relationships, and how children learn. Outside the lab, you can find me singing (and/or playing the ukulele) or gushing about the latest gadgets. 

Prerna Karmacharya ’26

she/her

I am studying psychology, education and engineering. I am interested in studying the intersection between child development and education. In my free time, I enjoy playing board games, baking, and taking walks in nature!

Sidra Muhammadi ’26

she/her

I am a Psychology and Economics double major interested in studying human development and behavior, especially parent-child interactions and learning of norms. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling to new places, trying out bubble tea spots, playing recreational sports, and napping.

J’ovanny Jno-Pierre ’27

he/him

I’m a prospective Psychology or Cognitive Science major with a minor in Biology on the pre-med track. I plan to study medicine and pursue a career in the psychiatric field after undergrad. I enjoy finding new music, thrifting, and reading in my free time!