Research Coordinators
Amy Yang
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Amy is a first-generation Hmong college graduate from the University of Minnesota Rochester with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. In the lab, she is a Research Coordinator for the SPARK autism genetics study and assists with outreach and recruitment strategies. Amy is especially interested in investigating genetic and behavioral traits of children with ASD and other comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders. Her interests outside of the lab include couponing, cooking, nurturing her plant babies, and being a great aunt to her nieces and nephews.
Sarah Hodapp
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sarah graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BS in Genetics and Spanish. She is working in the CAN Lab as a Research Coordinator for the CBIT + TMS study. After graduating, Sarah served in the National Health Corps providing care coordination at a community health center in North Philadelphia. She also spent over 2 years years working as a Behavioral Therapist for young children with ASD throughout the Twin Cities metro area. She is excited to utilize her background in therapy to help study a potential treatment for individuals with tic disorders. In her free time Sarah enjoys music, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Claire Breitenfeldt
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Claire graduated from St. Olaf College with a B.A. in Psychology. She is a Research Coordinator in the CAN Lab, working primarily on the NExT and CBIT+TMS studies. She is interested in using imaging and neuromodulation to learn more about neurodevelopmental disorders and work with individuals and families affected by them. Her long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. In her free time she enjoys reading, going for walks, and baking.
Lizzie Kangas
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Lizzie is a recent graduate from the University of St. Thomas with a major in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies. She is working as a research coordinator in the lab, primarily focusing on the SPARK autism genetics study. In the future, Lizzie is interested in pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology to work in pediatric oncology. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and painting.
IaOom Khang
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
IaOom is a first-generation student of Hmong refugee immigrants. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a B.A. in Biology, Society, and the Environment with a double minor in Public Health and Developmental Psychology. IaOom is working in the CAN Lab as a Research Coordinator, focusing primarily on the TEAL study and assisting with the TReC study. IaOom is interested in combatting stigma regarding mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders amongst underserved BIPOC communities and is interested in learning how to make research more accessible. IaOom's long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Outside of work, her hobbies include traveling, exploring nature, thrifting, and attending music festivals.
Tabitha Mungai
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Tabitha graduated from The University of Chicago with a B.A. in Neuroscience. In the lab, Tabitha is primarily working on the TReC study and assisting with the TEAL and CBIT+TMS studies as needed. She enjoys learning about research and non-surgical interventions for understanding and treating neurodevelopmental disorders. In her free time, Tabitha can be found playing tennis, hiking, or spending time with friends and family.
Research Assistants
Mayella Brinker
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Mayella is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and minoring in public health at the University of Minnesota. She is primarily working on the CBIT+TMS study, but helps with other studies in the lab. Mayella hopes to pursue a health communication career in the public health field. Her hobbies include baking, painting, and spending time with friends and family.
Alison Pryor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Alison is a Research Assistant in the CAN lab working primarily on the Tic Tech study. Her interests are in sex differences in individuals diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome. Alison graduated with a B.S in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and is currently applying to medical school. She work as a psychiatric associate in an inpatient psychiatric unit for M Health Fairview. Alison loves to travel, be outside, and participate in any activity that gets her adrenaline pumping!
Katherine Eggers
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Brooke Bjerke
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Brooke is a senior undergraduate at the University of Minnesota majoring in psychology and minoring in neuroscience. After Brooke receives a B.A. in psychology, she plans on entering a graduate research program focused on behavior genetics, psychophysiology, and psychoneurology. In her free time, Brooke likes to draw, travel, listen to music, and be outdoors.