Applied Cognition and Development

Xiao-Yin Chen is a third-year doctoral student in the applied cognition and development program. She earned her master’s degree in educational psychology and bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on the social influences of motivation, but her greater purpose for this work is to examine ways to reduce achievement gaps for students who are minoritized in educational settings. This interest stems from her experiences growing up in Appalachia as a first-generation Chinese American. Aside from this research, she lives a minimal-waste lifestyle and can often be found on hiking trails in Athens with her two pugs, Henry and Harriet.

Shannon Clark is a third-year doctoral student in the applied cognition and development program. She is passionate about STEM education and the factors that motivate all students to persist in the sciences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in both biology and chemistry from Valdosta State University and a master’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Edinburgh. She has taught science at the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels. One of her most prized possessions is a blanket of the periodic table of elements.

Jessica Downing is a first-year master’s student in the applied cognition and development program. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in organizational/industrial leadership from the University of North Georgia in 2021 and is planning on getting a doctorate in school psychology one day. She loves working with students and wants to continue to work with them in the future. She wants every student to know they are capable of succeeding academically. A fun fact about her is she loves the holidays and spending time with her kitty Oscar and pup Tootsie.

Sofia Hirt is a third-year doctoral student in the school psychology program with interests in applied cognition and development. Her work currently revolves around social-emotional and learning outcomes as well as school support for children with chronic health conditions. In her free time, she likes to go for walks with her rescue dog.

Smyth (Sexton) Moore is a third-year doctoral student in the applied cognition & development program and has loved everything she has learned and been a part of so far. She got her undergraduate degree in psychology at UGA, master’s degree in mental health counseling from The University of Mississippi, and Ed. S. in educational psychology at UGA. Her research focuses on social media and its influence on multiple areas, but specifically on mental health concerns such as body image. She is also interested in the utilization of social media in the classroom, looking at the challenges and benefits from the educator’s perspective. In her free time, she loves to do anything outdoors—scuba diving, hiking, sports—you name it! She is an avid UGA fan and looking forward to another year. GO DAWGS!!!

Erica Smolinski is a fifth-year doctoral student in school psychology, but much of her work is done in the applied cognition and development program. She received her bachelor’s degree in child psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2017. Her research focuses on the impact of prenatal stress on child development and family functioning, with a specific focus on marginalized communities. She is currently working on her dissertation studying the experiences of Black and White individuals during pregnancy. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new recipes and watching movies.

Yuchen Song is a first-year doctoral student in the applied cognition and development program. He received his bachelor’s degree in experimental psychology from the University of Michigan in 2016 and his master’s degree in experimental psychology from Brandeis University in 2018. He spent two years working with students before attending a doctoral program to understand how psychology can empower education. His primary research interest is to explore the psychological processes that hinder students from unleashing their full academic potentials. In his free time, he enjoys driving on scenic backroads and appreciating the beautiful Georgia landscape!

Sadona Thompson is a first-year doctoral student in the school psychology program with interests in applied cognition and development. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development & family studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in spring 2022. Her research interests include the social-emotional impacts of childhood trauma and collaboration between caregivers and personnel in prevention and intervention efforts. In her free time, she likes to cross stitch and watch horror movies!