Meet our Team

I am an assistant professor of psychology and the director of the Children’s Learning Lab (CLL). My research focuses on 3- to 10-year-olds’ cognitive development. I find it both illuminating and rewarding to uncover how and why children learn about the world as they do, especially as it relates to complex concepts. In my five years at Stockton (two of which were during the COVID-19 pandemic!), we completed six studies covering areas like children’s knowledge about where food comes from, their consideration of others’ viewpoints when judging behaviors as right and wrong, and knowledge of contamination about an unfamiliar contagious illness (COVID-19) compared to a familiar one (cold), among others. Our research is dedicated to gaining a comprehensive understanding of how children's concepts evolve with age, including identifying universal thinking patterns and exploring the influence of culture on these patterns

Through this research, we can provide the best environment for children to reach their full potential, which is not possible without the help of our community, specifically our schools, directors, principals, teachers, parents, and children. We are incredibly thankful for your support and dedication to children’s cognitive and social development!

Stockton University Research Assistants

Jason Schaub 

Psychology Major, Mental Health Concentration

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Jason Schaub 

Psychology Major, Mental Health Concentration

My name is Jason Schaub, and I'm a senior majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health. I plan to further my education in the Master of Counseling Program at Stockton, with my goal of becoming a therapist for adolescents. I'm a mental health advocate, and teenagers' voices are often unheard regarding their struggles. Children are our future, so having a positive impact on their lives would help immensely.  Conducting research with the team will not only help me build necessary life skills and make new friends, but also lay the groundwork for my career. 

Janiya Redfurn

Psychology Major, Mental Health Concentration

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Janiya Redfurn

Psychology Major, Mental Health Concentration

My name is Janiya Redfurm. I am a senior at Stockton. I am a psychology major with a concentration in mental health. My long-term goal is to become a psychology researcher, concentrating on bullied adolescents. This is my first time working in a lab. I hope to build skills for my career and make new friends during my last semester! 

Riley Finn

Psychology Major

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Riley Finn

Psychology Major

Hi, I am Riley Finn, a recent psychology graduate from Stockton University. My long-term goals include getting my doctorate and becoming a child psychologist. I am interested in cognitive psychology and moral development. By working in the lab, I hope to gain experience and knowledge that will benefit my future education and career. 

Riley Forsyth

Health Science Major, Pre-Communication Disorders

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Riley Forsyth

Health Science Major, Pre-Communication Disorders

Hello! My name is Riley Forsyth and I am a 3rd year health science major with a concentration in pre-communication disorders and a minor in childhood studies. I have always been interested in learning about children on an interpersonal level, for example, knowing the reason behind certain actions, communication, thinking patterns etc. My goal for the future is to become a school speech language pathologist. Working with Dr. Girgis and turning this interest into research will help me better understand what to expect in the future working with kids.  

Abby Dreyer

Biology Major, Pre-Professional Studies

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Abby Dreyer

Biology Major, Pre-Professional Studies

My name is Abby, and I am studying Biology on the Pre-Professional Studies pathway. My long-term goal is to establish a career in dermatology. Working with the Children’s Learning Lab provides me with the opportunity to approach important topics surrounding children and health from an empirical perspective.  

Natalie Latham

Psychology Major, General Concentration

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Natalie Latham

Psychology Major, General Concentration

Hi! My name is Natalie Latham and I am a senior majoring in psychology. I am excited to work with Dr. Girgis and the other research assistants in the Children's Learning Lab to gain real world research experience and insight on how children in the community perceive the world around them. My professional goal is to become a therapist for children, adolescents, and young adults. I hope to specialize in helping people adjust to their life following the diagnosis of a new disability or chronic illness. 

Project for Distinction

Lab Alumni