Claire Mitchell
Lab Managerclamitchell@ucdavis.edu
My name is Claire Mitchell and I am a third-year Psychology major with a double minor in history and human rights. As someone who is familiar with the family law system, I am interested in investigating how the current system is failing children and fostering maltreatment. My research interests extend to how maltreatment impacts children’s life outcomes and their perceptions of the legal system. Through my work as a nanny and camp counselor for children from low-income schools, I discovered my love for working with children. The Developmental Research Center has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to explore my research interests and meet bright individuals who are passionate about psychology. After working as a research assistant in the DRC for the past two years, I am excited to be continuing my involvement as lab manager.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Mia Finnigan
My name is Mia Finnigan, and I’m a third-year at UC Davis with a double major in American Studies and Psychology. My main research interests include the development of the processes governing identity and self-concept, the cognitive structures underlying sexuality and gender identity, and the development of episodic memory. Working in the DRC has given me valuable insight into qualitative research methods and the uses of psychology in the justice system; not to mention, it has also given me an incredible community to work with!
Crystal Zambrano
Chiara Perni
Hello, my name is Chiara Perni and I’m a senior at UC Davis. I’m pursuing a B.S. degree in Psychology and a B.A. in Italian, and I’m on the pre-medicine track. My hope is to be attending medical school in the fall of 2026! I aspire to become a pediatrician and travel to third world countries to serve underprivileged communities. I joined the Goodman lab last year in hopes of learning more about the legal system and how children are involved as witnesses, victims, etc. I’ve learned so much in the six months I’ve worked as a research assistant. The on-going projects conducted in the laboratory help me integrate the information I’m learning in the classroom into a real-world setting, and I’m very appreciative of all the valuable experiences I’ve gained.
Remington Ivashkevich
I’m Remington Ivashkevich, and I am a fourth year student at UC Davis pursuing a BA in Psychology. My research interest revolves around LGBTQ+ youth, and how trauma may affect the development of gender and sexual identity, as well as how trauma affects memory recall. In the future, I hope to apply all of the knowledge that I acquired from my research in my practice. I plan to go to graduate school and acquire a MFT so that I can provide talk therapy services to LGBTQ+ youth. 
Ethan Orr
My name is Ethan Orr and I’m a first-year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I work with Elementary School kids as an after school care provider, and enjoy integrating my understanding of psychology into my practices for best responding to situations with students. I have a passion for improving our educational systems, hence my field of interest: learning and memory. I aim to earn a Doctorate in Psychology and eventually teach the subject at a university. What drew me to the Developmental Research Center was the fascinating intersection between psychology and law demonstrated by Dr. Goodman, and the virtuous mission of conducting research with legal applications in maltreatment cases. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball and spending time with my friends and family.
Jinghuan Xiong
My name is Jinghuan Xiong. I’m a third-year undergraduate student double majoring in Psychology and Human Development. Working with children before gave me precious experience getting to know how children are unique and how children of different ages and family backgrounds would have diverse behaviors. I’m currently interested in investigating how children are affected by inevitable events from their microsystems and whether it is possible to provide interventions to reduce the negative effects. I hope to dive into the field of child development and make contributions to research in the future.
Bahar Rabiei
I am a motivated, fun, optimistic, and curious undergraduate student pursuing a Psychology degree. With a passion for exploring the frontiers of knowledge and a strong commitment to academic excellence, I actively seek opportunities to contribute to the world of research and innovation. I consistently seek academic and learning environments, I am happiest when I am acquiring new knowledge and skills! As a research assistant, I am dedicated to expanding my skill set, enhancing my critical thinking abilities, and making meaningful contributions to the advancement of scientific understanding. Psychology is a very fascinating science, that I want to to spend the rest of my life learning and exploring! Psychology can save lives and I am more than willing to be a part of that journey.
Yue Wu
Hello there! I’m Yue, a senior student double majoring in psychology (B.S.) and economics (B.A.). I have a strong interest in child and adolescent counseling, as well as a passion for child development. My volunteer experience at an orphanage in Lhasa has really influenced my career goals. I’ve been accepted into the mental health counseling master’s program at Columbia University, with the aim of becoming a licensed mental health counselor. Ultimately, I hope to work for international organizations and non-profits that focus on providing mental health support and services for children and youth from low-income families around the world. My aim is to have a positive influence on people’s lives in this area.
Jannah Castro
My name is Jannah Castro and I am a fourth-year, undergraduate student at UC Davis, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor degree in Sociology. My experience as a babysitter and teacher’s assistant at a daycare helped to deepen my interest and appreciation for children development, especially from a psychological perspective. My research interests include how external factors influence children development and outcomes. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in developmental psychology, specifically in the field of developmental disorders in children. Working at the lab has been a new and challenging experience, and I am excited to continue my work as an RA at the DRC.