 | Weiwei Zhang, Ph.D. Associate Professor E-mail: weiwei.zhang at ucr.edu Office: #3125, Department of Psychology Lab: #3132, Department of Psychology Tel: (95I) 827 - 5242 (office) | (95I) 827 - 4839 (lab) |
| GRADUATE STUDENTS | |
 | Li Yang As an undergraduate and master student at South China Normal University, I investigated effects of visual similarity on visual working memory. In order to further my knowledge of cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, I took time between my master's and Ph.D. research to work at Colorado State University. Now, I am a Ph.D. student working with Weiwei. My research interests focus on memory precision, and its role in complex cognitive processes. I would like to utilize multiple methodologies, including fMRI and EEG. |
 | Mack (Tianye) Ma I finished my undergraduate study at East China Normal University in 2019, and then spent a year and a half as a visiting student at Colorado State University. Now I’m working with Weiwei as a doctoral candidate at UCR. My primary research domain of interest is the conceptualization of memory resources, namely, how we can understand the resource limits of memory in a theory-based manner. I use psychophysics, Bayesian cognitive modeling as well as model-based neuroimaging methods to tackle this question. |
 | Inik Kim I received my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology from Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) in South Korea. During my Master's study, I explored the effect of perceptual load on the early processing stages of letter identification. Following my Master's study, working at JBNU's emotion lab broadened my knowledge of emotion and multivariate analyses. Currently, my research interests involve memory and its interaction with other cognitive processes, such as attention and emotion. I would like to investigate fundamental research questions, such as the nature and mechanisms of visual working memory, using psychophysics, cognitive modeling, neuroimaging, and translational research. During my free time, I enjoy reading, walking, and spending time with friends. |
 | Sahere Varastegan I have received my master’s degree in cognitive science (cognitive rehabilitation) from University of Tehran, Iran and my bachelor degree in Psychology. Now I’m perusing my Ph.D. at UCR. I have worked on memory (episodic memory in older adults with memory problems) during my master’s. I am interested in investigating the cognitive aging and neural correlates underlying the long term memory working memory using multiple methodologies. One of my main goals is to extend these findings to older adults and elderly subjects with cognitive impairments and memory problems. |
| RESEARCH ASSISTANTS | |
 | Mayowa Ogunmakinwa (Sarah) I am a first year Neuroscience student at UCR. I am interested in cognitive psychology/neuroscience and the connection between psychological behavior and the nervous system. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, I aim to go on to medical school. My goal is to pursue neurosurgery. However, I am open to the many paths of medicine I might encounter. I am a passionate and an ambitious individual, and you can always find me deeply absolved in a book. |
 | Connor Wu My specific interest in the field of Psychology is the relationship between abnormalities in the brain and mental illnesses such as Bipolar Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder. I wish to understand the causes behind such mysterious diseases, whether physiological or psychological, in order to design the most appropriate and effective ways to administer therapy to sufferers of these ailments. After attaining my Bachelors, I plan on attending graduate school for either Clinical Psychology or Cognitive Science and then pursuing a career in the corresponding field. In my free time, I train in various martial arts including boxing, muay thai, and Sanda. |
 | Tiffany Le Currently, I am a second year at the University of California Riverside. After being a research assistant for another lab on campus, I decided to apply to Dr. Zhang's lab in order to broaden my views on the different fields that psychology has to offer. After finishing my undergrad, I plan to apply to graduate school, and hopefully get my masters degree. As of right now, I am not certain of which field of psychology I want to major in, however, I am leaning towards clinical psychology. In the future, if I do choose to pursue research, I hope to be able to work with children and study how they behave, react, and respond in different situations. |
 | Gabriela Macias I am a second year Psychology major at UCR. I am interested in the relations between neurological factors and our behavior especially in memory and cognition. My research interests are in neuroscience and psychology and their relationship when it comes to neurological disorders. I plan on going to graduate school to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology and then continuing my education by obtaining a Postdoc in Clinical Neuropsychology. My goal is to become a practicing clinical neuropsychologist in a hospital to treat patients and conduct research. I am passionate and adventurous, and I enjoy traveling and spending time with friends. |
 | Tammy Dinh Currently, I am a third-year biochemistry major aiming to pursue a career in medicine. My research interests focus on the understanding of the molecular and physiological affects of neurodegenerative diseases and the applications of how the brain functions in health and disease. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan on attending medical school to become a physician. In my free time, I love to travel, go to the beach and music festivals! |
 | Samantha Li I graduated with a major in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley and is currently working towards my goal of becoming a physician one day. I performed research in a reproductive lab during undergrad where I studied reproductive health and the biochemical mechanisms underlying the physiology of mammalian fertilization. Upon graduating and moving back home, I started working in a neurosurgical clinic as a medical scribe along with caring for my grandma who suffered from dementia. These experiences really sparked my interest in learning more about the brain and how memory works. In my free time, I like to play with my dogs, travel and try new foods! |
 | Marriam Anjum I'm a third year neuroscience major at UCR and I'm working towards pursuing a career in medicine. I'm interested in cognitive neuroscience and how the memory forming, storing, and retrieving process works in the brain. As an aspiring physician, I hope to attend medical school after completing my undergraduate degree. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, doing henna art, and baking |
 | Lin Karman I am a second year Neuroscience major at UCR. I am interested in understanding how bilinguals may have different brain activity that may affect their memory's strength compared to monolinguals. In the near future, I aim to enroll in medical school, to become a physician while simultaneously conducting research. Reading, yoga, and running are a few of my hobbies that I like to do whenever I am free. |
 | Saicharitha Kalvakota I’m a second year Biology major at UCR and am aiming to pursue a career within the medical field after graduation. With regards to research, I’m interested in how the brain functions, particularly its relationship with neurological disorders and treatments.I am passionate about the behavioral approach of neurophysiology, which is a pillar of this group’s studies and findings. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling and taking my dog on walks! |
 | Sarah Mughal I am a second-year Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology major at UCR aiming to pursue a career in medicine. I am interested in learning more about neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, specifically Autism and Alzheimers, and hope to pursue research related to cognitive neuroscience to better understand how the brain and memory work as well as the relationship between behavior and the nervous system. In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton, hiking, and photography! |
 | Jasmine Ho I am currently a third-year psychology major at UCR. I am interested in the cognitive neuroscience lab because it researches memory and retention and focuses on how these processes work in our brains. After undergrad, I want to get my Masters in Occupational Therapy in hopes to become an Occupational Therapist, where I can reach out to individuals and help refine their motor skills in a safe environment so that they can reach the ability to do everyday activities. In my free time, I like to read new books, go to the beach, and watch the sunset! |
 | Alisa Gadkari Currently, I am a second-year Neuroscience major focused on pursuing a career in medicine with the hope of becoming a pediatric neurologist. I am interested in learning the roles and effects that specific parts of the brain play in neurodegenerative disorders, memory formation, and treatments. I hope to pursue and start my own research relating to neurological disorders such as Tourette Syndrome to better understand how the brain influences reflex, memory, and impulses. In my free time, I love to workout, play tennis, bake, and try new foods. |
 | Arlyn Ballesteros My name is Arlyn Ballesteros and I am a fourth year at the University of California, Riverside majoring in Neuroscience. I enjoy going to coffee shops, reading books, and hanging out with my family and friends. My research interests include: Neurobiology, Immunology, and Cancer Research. I am interested in pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience or Biomedical Sciences. I am also passionate about helping individuals who struggle with mental health issues. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be an RA for this lab and I’m excited to see what this year brings! |
 | Cindy Lee I am currently a second year Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology major at UCR. I am interested in learning more about the brain and how it retains memory. I am curious how accurate our memories are and if the brain correctly remembers our everyday lives. After undergrad, I plan to pursue a career in the medical field and apply to PA school. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and baking. |
 | Min Htet I am a third-year neuroscience major at UCR. I find many areas of cognition and memory-related research to be fascinating. I have also been involved as a research assistant for over a year in a recognition memory lab. My long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. and become a researcher in the field of psychology or neuroscience. I am particularly interested in studying neurological disorders, hippocampal neurons, and neurorobotics. It seems very promising that we will understand more and potentially cure neurological diseases with advancing science and technology. In my free time, I enjoy playing chess, piano and performing sleight of hand magic tricks to people. |
| ALUMNI | |
 | Bo Yeong Won, Ph.D. (postdoc 2020-2022) Assistant Professor Cal State University, Chico |
 | Ilenia Salsano, Ph.D. (postdoc 2022-2023) |
 | Zane (Weizhen) Xie (Grad student 2013-2018) Assistant Professor University of Maryland |
 | Marcus Cappiello (Grad student 2013-2018) |
 | Hyung-Bum Park (Grad student 2016-2022) Currently a Postdoc scholar at Univ. of Chicago |
 | Lilian Azer (Grad student 2017-2023) Currently a Postdoc scholar at UC Irvine |
lab manager Stephen Campbell Visiting scholars and students Azra Jahanitabesh Jooseok Hyun Xianfeng Ding Zhao Fan Xiaorong Cheng Yujie Zheng Ben Yao Jintao Song Wei Wang Shinhae Ahn Undergraduate research assistants Mary Mansour Aaron Koay Debora Handojo Miriam Rizk Julieanne Ong Hanna Boparai Pa Kou Chang Allyson Brousseau Richard Pham Nhung Nguyen JC Lynne Lu Sing Jennifer Thornton Anisha Dhaliwal Walena Logan Elizabeth Ramos Miranda Arciaga Fabiola Ortiz Sarah Allec Uttara Suresh Edward Hsi Irving Muglia-Arias Jasmine Singh Tiffany Su Jennifer Nesta Kristie Pan Daniel Yim Kristiana Rendon Alexandra Clark Victor Ha Nicole Berg Jessica Tarango Adrian Pardo Jonathan Caplan Ana Martinez-Flores Allan Vazquez Andrea Veron Julia Kim Emily Wu Vanessa Buckley Julia Anderson Karen Nieto Kevin Ferrer Manaar Syed |
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