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Isaac T. Petersen, Ph.D.
Title/Position
Principal Investigator
Dr. Isaac T. Petersen is interested in how children develop individual differences in adjustment, including behavior problems as well as competencies. He is particularly interested in the development of externalizing behavior problems and underlying self-regulation difficulties. Dr. Petersen's primary research interests include how children develop self-regulation as a function of bio-psycho-social processes including brain functioning, genetics, parenting, temperament, language, and sleep, and how self-regulation in turn influences adjustment and school readiness. A special emphasis of his work examines the neural development underlying the development of self-regulation, school readiness, and externalizing problems, with measures of electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs). He is also interested in ways to measure change over lengthy spans of development using different measures over time to account for changes in how constructs manifest with development (i.e., heterotypic continuity).
Graduate Students
Zachary Demko, B.A.
Title/Position
Clinical Science Area
Zachary Demko received his B.A. in Psychology and French from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Upon graduation, he worked as a post-baccalaureate research fellow for Dr. Brenda Curtis at the National Institute on Drugs and Addiction on projects related to psychometrics and biopsychosocial factors underlying disinhibition. His current research is focused on assessing psychopathology across development and elucidating its basic mechanisms.
Megan Schumer, B.S.
Title/Position
Individualized Graduate Training Track
Megan Schumer received a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Iowa. After graduating, she worked in aging and dementia research with Dr. Benjamin Hampstead at the University of Michigan before transitioning to developmental psychopathology research with Dr. Susan Perlman at Washington University. Her current research focuses on the mechanisms and predictors of externalizing and self-regulatory behaviors associated with ADHD (e.g., impulsivity, oppositionality) within the general population.
Lab Staff
Giovanni Longino, B.A.
Title/Position
Lab Coordinator
Gio received his B.A. in Psychological Sciences and B.A. in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine (UCI). At UCI, Gio worked with Dr. Elizabeth Cauffman examining how the justice system impacted young people. Gio is particularly interested in studying the development and course of psychopathic tendencies (e.g., callous-unemotional tendencies) as they relate to externalizing problems (e.g., aggression, delinquency) among children and adolescents. Gio plans to pursue a PhD in either Clinical or Developmental Psychology.
Madeline Metz, B.S., BAEd
Title/Position
Lab Coordinator
Madeline received her B.S. in Psychology and BAEd. in Human Development and Family Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During her undergraduate studies, Madeline worked with Dr. Ann Skinner at Duke University examining parenting, adolescent development, and antecedents of violence in personal relationships. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Madeline is particularly interested in how family and environmental systems contribute to the development of externalizing behaviors and risk-taking in children and adolescents.
Research Assistants
Cole Carper
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Cole Carper is a third-year student at the University of Iowa majoring in Psychology and Exercise Science. After graduation, Cole plans on pursuing his PHD in Counseling Psychology and obtaining his Sport Psychology Certification.
Amelia Cleary
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Amelia Cleary is a third-year student majoring in Psychology and Communication Studies. After graduation, Amelia plans on pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Psychology.
Gabrielle DeLeon
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Gabrielle is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. After graduation, Gabrielle plans to attend a graduate program for further education in an undecided field of psychology.
Charlie Duffy
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Charlie Duffy is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in both Psychology and Theatre Arts. After graduation, Charlie plans on pursuing his PhD in clinical psychology and continuing his career in research.
Reagan Haase
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Reagan is a second-year student double-majoring in Psychology and Education Studies. After graduating, she is planning to pursue an EdS degree in School Psychology.
Emma Hunter
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Emma Hunter is a third-year undergraduate majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in counseling.
Mihika Iyer
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Mihika Iyer is a first-year student majoring in Neuroscience on the Pre-med track. After graduation, Mihika plans to attend medical school with the hopes of becoming a pediatric neurologist.
Maya Kellerman
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Maya is a second-year undergraduate student studying Psychology and International Relations. After college, she plans to attend law school with hopes of practicing law in the field of child welfare and protection.
Emily Kelly
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Emily Kelly is a fourth-year student pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Art. After graduation, Emily plans to obtain her PhD in Cognitive Psychology and continue her career in research.
Tate Kochan
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Tate Kochan is a first-year undergraduate student majoring in Human Physiology, on the pre-med track. After graduating, he plans on attending medical school and hopes to become a Psychiatrist.
Anastacia Laux
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Anastacia is a second-year majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. After graduating, she plans to go to medical school with the hopes of becoming a pediatric psychiatrist.
Emily Sansone
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Emily Sansone is a third-year double-majoring in Psychology and History, with a minor in Human Relations and certificate in Trauma and Resilience. After graduating, she plans to further her education in counseling and social work focused on children and families.
Maya Shelangoski
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Maya is a second-year undergraduate studying Psychology and Counseling and Behavioral Health Services. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling.
Emma So
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Emma is a third-year student pursuing a B.A. in psychology with a minor in Inclusive Recreation. After graduation, Emma plans to pursue a doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
Benjamin Stavar
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Benjamin is a third-year undergraduate student studying Human Physiology and Chemistry. After college, he plans to attend medical school and eventually practice Orthopedic Medicine.
Erica Weeks
Title/Position
Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Erica Weeks is a second year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa pursuing a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to continue her education in an undecided field of psychology.