Meet Our Team
Dr. Amanda S. Haber, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator & Lab Director
Dr. Amanda S. Haber is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Fairfield University. She earned her Ph.D. in Applied Human Development from Boston University. She also earned her Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development from the University of Pennsylvania as well as her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and teaching license in Early Childhood Education from Boston University. Her research interests include caregiver-child conversations and storybook reading interactions, STEM education, language development and learning, and technology and digital media use in early childhood. Her work has been published in a variety of scholarly journals, including Journal of Cognition and Development, Early Childhood Research Quarterly, Mind, Brain, and Education, and Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. Learn more about Dr. Haber here or visit her website here.
Claire Colasuonno
Research Assistant
Kara Bode
Graduate Research Assistant
Kara Bode is a Graduate Assistant who recently graduated from Fairfield University with a B.S. in Psychology. She is currently pursuing her MSW at Fairfield University. Kara has been a member of the Child Development and Learning Lab since Fall 2024 and is excited to continue her work with the lab. Outside the lab, Kara is a dance teacher at the studio where she grew up, working with children ages 2-6.
Claire is a Junior Psychology major with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience. She is interested in child development and clinical psychology. This is Claire’s first experience with research, and she is excited to begin working in the Child Development and Learning Laboratory. Outside of the lab, Claire enjoys working with children, going on walks, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Jane Coppola
Research Assistant
Jane Coppola is a Senior at Fairfield University majoring in Psychology and Communication. She has a strong interest in child psychology, particularly how adverse childhood experiences impact development. She hopes to work in the nonprofit sector, aiding children in need both locally and internationally. Outside the lab, Jane has interned for Save the Children US, an international nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding children worldwide, and has worked with children of various ages at summer camps and, most recently, a daycare. She also enjoys singing as a member of the Fairfield University Glee Club.
This is Jane's first research experience, and she is so excited to join the team and learn more about collecting data and running a research project.
Olivia Palazzo
Research Assistant
Olivia Palazzo is a Junior at Fairfield University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Special Education. Olivia has a strong interest in child and developmental psychology. This is her first experience with research, and she is excited to begin working with the Child Development and Learning Laboratory. Outside of the lab, Olivia enjoys spending time with her friends, walking to the beach, and shopping! In the future, Olivia aspires to be a school psychologist!
Eileen Russell
Research Assistant
Eileen Russell is a Senior at Fairfield University, majoring in Public Health and minoring in Psychology. Eileen has a strong interest in child and adolescent development. This is her first experience with research, and she is excited to begin working with the Child Development and Learning Laboratory. Outside of the lab, Eileen enjoys going to the beach, walking her two dogs, and spending time with friends and family. In the future, Eileen aspires to be a Physician Assistant.
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Andrea Doyle
Research Assistant
Andrea Doyle is a Senior Psychology major with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience and a triple minor in Mathematics, Educational Studies, and Special Ed. As a Resident Assistant in Jogues Hall, she helps oversee the Leadership Through Service LLC floor and the general first-year LLC building. She is interested in child & adolescent development and social psychology. The Child Development and Learning Laboratory is Andrea’s first research experience, and she is excited to have this opportunity. Outside the lab, she loves to hang out with friends, go to the gym, and journal.
Charlotte Flynn
Research Assistant
Charlotte Flynn is a sophomore studying Psychology with a double minor in Educational Studies and Special Education. She is particularly interested in child development and working with children with diverse needs. Charlotte hopes to become a school psychologist in the future. She is new to the lab and excited to gain research experience and learn from others in the lab. Outside of the lab, Charlotte enjoys being with her friends and family and going to the beach.
CDLL Alumni
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Brooke Benz
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Julia Tomcho
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Mia Swenson
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Ellie Ruel
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Katelyn Kramer
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Jane Oshatz
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Grace Allen
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Katie Bagley
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Morgan Zickendrath
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Kayleigh Mezick
