Alexis Brieant, Ph.D.
Lab Director (she/her)
Dr. Brieant is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Vermont. She received her B.A. in Psychology and French from SUNY Geneseo and her Ph.D. in Psychology at Virginia Tech. Prior to joining the faculty at UVM, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University.
Our Team
Lab Manager
Emma Renwick
(they/them)
Emma is our post bac lab manager, who graduated from UVM with a B.A in Psychological Sciences and Human Development and Family Studies in 2025. They are passionate about youth mental health advocacy and community engagement. Emma plans on pursuing a graduate degree in clinical psychology, focused on the interaction between neurodiversity and early life adversity, and its effect on mental health outcomes. Outside of the lab, Emma enjoys being outside in nature, practicing yoga, or reading and writing!
Graduate Student (Neuroscience Doctoral Program)
Owen Caldwell
(he/him)
Owen is a doctoral student in the neuroscience program. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a B.S. in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. At LUC, he worked with Dr. Margaret Guy, using EEG to study how the infant brain responds to stress, while concurrently working with Dr. Jordan Grafman at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, exploring novel electrophysiological stimulation techniques to aid in cognitive recovery following TBI. He is interested in human cognition, specifically how it develops longitudinally, and the various factors that may impact typical cognitive development. Outside of the lab, Owen enjoys spending time outdoors, running, backpacking, and snowboarding.
Graduate Student (Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program)
Anna Beloborodova
(she/her)
Anna is a doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at UVM. She graduated with a B.A. in psychology from Columbia University in 2021. After graduating, Anna spent two years working as a research assistant at the New York State Psychiatric Institute with Dr. Daniel C. Javitt, followed by two years at Yale University with Drs. Arielle Baskin-Sommers and Dylan Gee. She is interested in studying mechanisms of resilience following exposure to traumatic stress in childhood and adolescence. Outside the lab, Anna enjoys creative writing, running, and spending time outdoors.
Post-graduate Student (Clinical Psychology Master's Program)
Rachel Lamb
(she/her)
Rachel has finished UVM’s Accelerated Masters Program and now holds a degree in Clinical Psychology. She also graduated from UVM majoring in Psychological Science and minoring in Human Development and Family Studies, and Jewish Studies. Rachel loves working with kids and adolescents and hopes to continue working with the population in her future career, with a focus on family dynamics and how it can shape development. When she’s not in the lab you can find Rachel outdoors- whether she’s hiking, snowboarding, or just soaking up the sun. She also loves to read, draw, and take care of her plants.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sine Thompson
(she/her)
Sine is entering her third year at UVM on the pre-med track, with a Major in Neuroscience and Minors in Psychological Science and Studio Art. In the future, she plans to attend medical school and enter a neurological application-based career. She is particularly interested in the intersectionality of neurological diseases and hands-on therapy approaches. Outside of the lab, Sine can be found making art, practicing on the drum kit, or basking in the sun!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Cameron Marable
(she/her)
Cameron is a rising senior at Champlain College, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Social Work. She is especially interested in how adverse childhood experiences influence individuals development and future mental health. After graduating, Cameron plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. Off campus and outside of the lab, she greatly enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, drawing, going for hikes with friends, or just basking in the sun at Oakledge!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Lakshmi Ojha
(she/her)
Lakshmi is a senior at UVM, majoring in Psychological Science and minoring in Human Development & Family Science. After her time at UVM, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and hike the Camino de Santiago in one go. Outside of academics, Lakshmi leads outdoor trips, chats a lot, and loves a good watercolor session.
Post-graduate Research Assistant
Will Schrier
(he/him)
Will has recently graduated from UVM's undergraduate psychology program with minors in statistics and anthropology. He is particularly interested in mental health disorders affecting marginalized groups and LGBTQ+ youth. In the future, he plans to pursue a career in social work and clinical mental health counseling. Outside of the lab, you can find Will outdoors, probably hiking or cycling the causeway!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Katherine Hashem
(she/her)
Katherine, known to friends as Kat, is a senior at UVM double majoring in Psychological Science and Studio Art. She is interested in understanding how abnormal psychology develops in early life and how early intervention may be used to prevent later social deviance. She plans on pursuing a graduate degree in psychology and in her future career she hopes to work with adolescents as a clinical psychologist while also conducting research on under-recognized mental illnesses. In her free time, she enjoys creating multimedia art and plans on eventually incorporating art into her therapeutic treatments.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
Shira Bohrer
(she/her)
​Shira is a junior majoring in Psychology at the University of Vermont with a minor in Parks Recreation and Tourism. She is particularly interested in the effects of culture on child development and the applications of nature in trauma-informed settings. Shira is considering pursuing a PhD in the field and outside of lab can be found leading back country trips with the University.
High School Intern
Kian Ruid
(he/him)
Kian is a high school junior at CVU and is looking to major in neuroscience and follow a pre-med track in college. Kian loves math and the sciences and how they apply to human behavior and cognition. In 2024, Kian had brain surgery, which is what sparked his interest in the medical sciences, especially around the brain. He recently gave a speech about his experience at the UVMMC All Leaders meeting this spring. Outside the lab, Kian enjoys playing hockey, travelling whenever possible, spending time with friends and family, and playing guitar.
Lab Alumni
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Jenna Gonzalez, Class of 2025
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​Avinabo (OV) Poddar, Class of 2026​
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Lexi Divers, Class of 2026
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​Emily Tan, Class of 2026