Affiliates
Jaclyn Gunderson
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Post-Doctoral Associate
Jaclyn Gunderson, PhD, MA, BCBA, earned a master's degree in counseling psychology and applied behavior analysis and is a board-certified behavior analyst. She recently completed a doctorate degree in special education at the University of Minnesota and defended her dissertation on the sensory features of ASD in December of 2021. Jaclyn is interested in researching early sensory behavior biomarkers related to ASD. In the future, she hopes to develop effective caregiver mediated treatments for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. In Jaclyn's free time, she plays with children including her son, nieces, and nephews. One day Jaclyn hopes to provide foster care and continue to grow her family.
Nakita Natala, MD
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Nakita is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has a special interest in cross-cultural psychiatry, global mental health and developmental disorders, particularly Autism. She spent the 2018-2019 academic year living in Ghana as a NIH Fogarty Global Health Research Fellow. Her project was focused on exploring resources for children with developmental disorders and disabilities and investigating how primary health care providers view routine developmental screening in Kumasi, Ghana. Nakita plans to build on this foundational work as a faculty member in the department. Clinically, she work as a psychiatrist in the Voyager Pediatric Specialty Clinic with children with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. She enjoys working collaboratively with families, schools and other health care providers to individualize care for children with complex mental health needs.
Volunteers
Aleeza Amin
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Volunteer
Aleeza is a first year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota studying psychology and sociology of law, criminology, and justice. She hopes to pursue a PhD in either counseling or clinical psychology, and is interested in working with BIPOC communities through research and therapy. Outside of school and the lab, Aleeza enjoy watching TV, painting, and spending time with my bunny!
Camille Baker
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Volunteer
Camille is a third-year student at the University of Minnesota majoring in Psychology with minors in Integrative Neuroscience and Sociology: Law, Criminology, and Justice. She is a volunteer and helps out with the SPARK Study. Camille is interested in psychiatry, specifically in areas of forensics and child and adolescence. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, working out, and playing and watching hockey.
Noor Christava
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Volunteer
Noor is a third year undergrad studying Human Biology and Psychology. She is a volunteer for the SPARK study where she works on both data and recruitment. In highschool, she had previously volunteered in research about ASD that was also based in the CAN lab. She wants to continue her experience and further develop her interest in neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of school and the lab, Noor enjoys traveling, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Christopher Johnson
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Volunteer
Christopher is currently studying Computer Science and Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota. He has studied abroad in Korea and Japan. Because of Japan and Korea, many of his dreams came true. After coming home, Christopher now wants to make others' dreams come true like his did abroad. Aside from his new dream, He likes to hang out with friends and family, meet new people, go hiking, and to spend time with his dog Russel.
Jacey Davis
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Volunteer
Jacey is a third year student at the University of Minnesota majoring in Psychology with a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder. She participates as a volunteer for the SPARK study. Post undergrad, she will be pursuing an Education Specialist Degree to become a school psychologist at school for students with Autism. Outside of the lab, Jacey enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race
Jayne Garthus
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Volunteer
Jayne is a senior who will graduate this spring from the University of Minnesota with a Psychology degree. She is currently seeking admission to a graduate program, and is participating in recruitment for the SPARK research study. Jaynen is interested in Clinical-Counseling, specifically in specializing in the psychology of stress, trauma, and grief with the goal to provide intensive mental health services to incarcerated adolescents into early adulthood. Outside of the lab, Jayne works as a preschool teacher, and enjoys reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending quality time with her dog.
Sammy Murad
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Sammy is a third year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota studying Psychology and Public Health. He is hoping to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology working in research and being part of a integrated team of professionals providing care to patients. Outside of school and lab Sammy enjoys running, spending time with friends, and playing video games!