Dr. Karen Smith, PhD

Email: karen.e.smith@rutgers.edu

CV

Dr. Karen Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Rutgers, Newark and Director of the Stress Psychophysiology and Affective Neuroscience (SPAN) Lab.

Dr. Smith earned both her B.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Chicago. Following her graduate studies, she spent four years conducting research as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This training provided her with the ability to integrate theoretical and methodological perspectives across fields, including psychophysiology, affective neuroscience, developmental psychology, and genetics. Together this allows her to utilize a multi-level multi-disciplinary approach to examine the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying differences in individuals’ responses to stress, especially stress occurring in early childhood. Dr. Smith’s broader goal with this research is to provide insight into the mechanisms through which stress shapes development across the lifespan that can be used to inform more targeted and effective interventions.

Mary Mousa

Email: msm299@newark.rutgers.edu

Mary is a Ph.D student in the Psychology department at Rutgers Newark. She earned her B.A. from Rutgers Newark majoring in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience. Afterwards she accepted a position of a post baccalaureate MBRS “PREP” Fellow in the Delgado lab at Rutgers Newark.

Her research interests include understanding the mechanisms of stress and its relation to various cognitive performance and behavioral outcomes across different stages of development. With her background from the Computational Cognitive Development lab and the Delgado Lab, Mary possesses a wide variety of skills and knowledge relating to different areas of psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

Katie Archer

Email: ka651@psychology.rutgers.edu

Katie holds a MA in Psychology from NYU and a BA in Psychology from Lehman College. Her research interests include the development of episodic memory, how failures of attention impact memory and learning, and how environmental factors such as stress impact learning and memory. She previously worked in the NYC Public schools for 10 years as a paraprofessional, her background in education brings a valuable perspective of the real-world application of the impact of stress in a learning environment.

Yebin Won

Email: yw1322@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Yebin is a Master’s student in the Psychology department at Rutgers Newark. She earned her B.A. from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, double majoring Economics and Italian Language. Her research interests include how socioeconomic factors impact emotional development and decision-making process. With her economic background, Yebin brings a unique perspective to explore complex interaction between economic variables and psychological outcomes.

Arianna Serra

Email: ajs652@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Graduated Spring 2023

Major: Psychology

Minor: Cognitive Neuroscience

Arianna graduated from Rutgers Spring ’23, and has been a research assistant in the lab for a few months. Ever since she took Dr. Smith’s course, “Stress and the Social Brain,” in her final semester, she quickly became interested in stress mechanisms and the variability in the human experience of stressors, as well as coping and resilience. Arianna is currently participating in the Post-Baccalaureate Research Experience Pilot (PREP) program to gain more research experience before applying to PhD programs.

Selsabil Belmokhtar

My name is Selsabil Belmokhtar! I am a double major in Psychology and Neuroscience and Behavior with a minor in the Honors College at Rutgers University–Newark. I joined SPAN with an interest in how different people deal with stress and how it manifests in each of them. I aspire to get a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology or IO Psychology after graduation. Outside of school, I like to read, watch films, go to the gym, and spend quality time with friends.

Maya Cadeau

My name is Maya Cadeau and I am majoring in psychology and minoring in cognitive neuroscience. I have been working with children since the age of 15 and am passionate about understanding how early life experiences, including stress, shape development and mental health. I hope to integrate my hands-on experience with children and my academic background to deepen my understanding of child psychology and stress-related outcomes.

Arya Dahanuwala

I am a rising senior at Rutgers University–Newark, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Pre-Health with an Associate’s degree in Biology (A.S.) from Passaic County Community College. I am passionate about understanding how stress experienced by college students influences cognitive functioning and memory processes. I have been a NERAmed (Northeast Regional Alliance) scholar at New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), where I contributed to the Rutgers-VOICE Program, which promotes community education and violence prevention. I have served as an Organic Chemistry tutor in the STEM Department at PCCC and currently tutor Physics for MAPS at Rutgers. Along with academics, I serve as the Co-Treasurer of the Indian Students Association and Co-Captain of Navrang. I have also received the Excellence in Leadership Award from ISA. Beyond my academic and leadership commitments, I enjoy dancing, singing, creating art, and exploring new places. My long-term goal is to pursue medical school and specialize in endocrinology.

Kaila Hernandez

Hi! I’m Kaila Hernandez, a rising senior at Rutgers University Newark. My major is psychology, and my minor is in fine arts. My research interests include how stress, both chronic and acute stress, can affect both short-term and long-term memory. I also enjoy researching how different aspects of life can contribute to one’s stress and its lasting effects. Once I graduate, I plan on attending graduate school to receive my master’s in psychology and become a counselor. Outside of research and academics, I enjoy writing, reading, including novels and comics, playing video games, going out to different places and hanging out with friends, and attending anime conventions with my friends and family. Throughout my time at Rutgers, I have been a part of the elective board of many clubs, including the social media manager for Rutgers Newark Gaming Club, the secretary and now president of RU-Pride, and committee positions in other clubs. I have also been an orientation leader for SOAR for the past three years, including summer and winter sessions, and have been a senior Orientation Leader within the past two years.

Megan John

Hi my name is Megan John. I am currently in my second year at Rutgers – Newark as a biology major and I hope to attend PA school in the future. My experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds has fueled my passion for helping and connecting with others. I am drawn to the SPAN lab because of my interest in the effects of stress on physical and mental health. This lab is an incredible opportunity for me to combine my interest in clinical science and my love of working with people. I am excited to gain hands on experience that will develop my clinical skills and deepen my understanding of overall health.

Gaby Rivera Martinez

Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

Major: Psychology

Minor: Social Justice (HLLC)

Gaby chose the SPAN Lab due to her experience working with children from diverse communities, which ignited her curiosity about factors influencing stress and the development of stress as children age. Gaby also has an interest in mood disorders in children. Her post-graduation goal is to pursue Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology.