Crishnaa is a fourth-year doctoral student in the Developmental Psychology program. Born and raised in Bangalore, India, Crishnaa graduated from Christ University with a B.A. Honors in Psychology and minors in Communication Studies and English Literature and a certification in Personal Safety Education. Her interest in child and youth development led her to pursue an M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development at the University of Pennsylvania, where she coordinated a research project on school-based intergenerational mentoring. Crishnaa’s research examines sleep as a developmental mechanism influencing socio-emotional adjustment and the impacts of family and school factors on the educational outcomes of vulnerable youth and young adults. Beyond her academic and research pursuits, Crishnaa spends her time dancing, playing with dogs and cats, going on hikes, traveling, and exploring new cuisines.

Jay (he/they) is a fourth-year doctoral student in the Developmental Psychology program. He graduated from Pace University in 2019 with a B.A. in Psychology and minors in Queer Studies and Criminal Justice. During his undergrad, he conducted research on the impacts of campus climate to gender identity development, and in 2020 assisted in qualitative analysis for a study exploring social and political attitudes among members of different racial and social groups. He is currently interested in research highlighting the experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQA communities, examining the ways in which systemic inequity in educational spaces negatively affect student identity, adjustment, and stress response. He aims to conduct research informed by an interdisciplinary critical lens and strives to engage in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Outside of the lab, he loves watching movies, hiking, listening to R&B, and reading.