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Meet the Team

The iBAY lab is lucky to have a remarkable group of lab members. If you are interested in joining the iBAY lab or have any questions about our research, please do not hesitate to contact us!

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Dr. Sonya Xinyue Xiao (she/her) 

Ph.D., Lab Director, Assistant Professor at NAU

CV

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I am a developmental scientist studying the development of positive intergroup attitudes, behaviors (particularly prosocial behavior), and relations during childhood and adolescence with a specific focus on gender and race/ethnicity. My goal is to understand and generate solutions to promote kindness and inclusion and to reduce prejudice and discrimination during development. I also have interests in measurement and statistics to answer these research questions more accurately. I was born and raised in China. I was the "new" kid during elementary school, middle school, and high school, and felt like an outsider in Accounting during college, when I became a school teacher after that, and again when I transitioned to Psychology in graduate school in America. These experiences drive my interests in kindness and inclusion among diverse individuals.

 

I earned a M.S. at Syracuse University and a Ph.D. at Arizona State University (ASU). I also completed postdoctoral training at ASU.​

 

In my free time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, creating art, and learning to play piano and tennis.

Our Research Team

Learn more about the dedicated team supporting our research projects.

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Mariah Hughes

    Graduate Research Assistant

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    Hi! My name is Mariah Hughes and I am a Masters student in the NAU Psychological Sciences program. My main research interests are emotion regulation, racial discrimination, and developmental psychology. I am working to attend a Clinical PhD program and hope to learn skills focused on adolescents. My hobbies include working out, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

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    Brianna Christine Roney (She/They)

      Undergraduate Research Assistant

      CV​

      Hello! My name is Brianna Roney, and I am majoring in Psychological Sciences and French at NAU, with a minor in Comparative Cultural Studies of Religion. My goal is to achieve my master's degree and someday my doctorate in Clinical Psychology, specifically working with adolescents and young adults. I have a passion for learning about different religions and cultures, and I would like to one day tie those interests into my psychological research, evaluating how one's cultural and religious backgrounds impact mental and spiritual health and wellness. Currently, I am a part of NAU Elevation A Cappella, NAU Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, and NAU's National Society of Leadership and Success. I have a big passion for working with and getting to know people. In my free time, I love to learn languages, travel, sing, dance, read, paint, and hang out with my friends!

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      Andrew Martinez 

        Undergraduate Research Assistant

        CV​

        Hello! My name is Andrew Martinez, and I am currently a junior at Northern Arizona University majoring in Psychological Sciences with minors in Social Work and Philosophy. I plan to attend graduate school at NAU through the 3+2 Masters of Arts in Psychological Sciences program and later pursue a Ph.D. In Clinical Psychology. I am passionate about supporting the mental health of adolescents and young adults, as this stage of life can bring unique emotional and social challenges that deserve understanding and care. I am especially interested in research focused on prevention, mental health awareness, and the development of positive coping skills for vulnerable populations. Psychology has always been a subject I deeply care about, and my studies in Social Work and Philosophy help me view mental health from both a social and my reflective perspective, which I hope to apply in my future clinical and research work. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing guitar, drawing, and skateboarding.

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        Bryanna Yale

          Undergraduate Research Assistant

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          Hello! My name is Bryanna Yale and I am a senior at NAU. I am majoring in Psychological Sciences and have minors in Social Work and Women and Gender Studies. I am actively applying for doctoral programs in Child Clinical Psychology to pursue a career that integrates research and clinical practice, and focuses on supporting children's well-being. I was raised in a large family with five younger siblings, where I was fortunate enough to watch my sibling's development and this generated my interest within the field of Child Clinical Psychology. I also have other hobbies such as being outdoors, participating in community service, and singing! I am currently a part of Elevation A Capella and Alpha Lambda Delta: Honor's Society at NAU, which allows me to continue to pursue my other interests!

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          Landri Jones

            Undergraduate Research Assistant

            CV​

            Hi, my name is Landri and I am an incoming junior at Northern Arizona University majoring in Psychological Sciences with minors in Biology and Fundamental Chemistry. I am passionate about understanding how the brain's physical processes shape defining traits such as personality. I find developmental psychology especially fascinating, as the brain is highly adaptable and constantly evolving during early life. After graduation, I hope to continue my education and pursue a PhD in Developmental Neuroscience to research brain development and behavior in childhood. During my free time, I love to play piano and guitar. I also love dancing, hiking, and painting.

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            Sarah Green 

              Graduate Research Assistant

              CV​

              Hello, my name is Sarah Green, I am a 3 + 2, honors student in the psychological sciences masters program here at NAU. My research interests are mostly in social & developmental psychology, mental health, and quantitative research methods. I am interested in prosocial behavior, political anxiety, hope, civic engagement, academic engagement, moral development/cognitions, and more. Outside of school I enjoy music, mountain biking, baking, art, hiking, roller skating, video games, and much more. My goal is to eventually get my PhD in social or developmental psychology with an emphasis on quantitative research methods.

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              Alana Plisko

                Undergraduate Research Assistant

                CV

                Hi, my name is Alana Plisko, and I am a senior at NAU studying Psychology. My goal is to attend graduate school and further my education, though I am still exploring which specific field to pursue. I am passionate about research and understanding human behavior, particularly in areas like developmental, social, cognitive, and clinical psychology. I enjoy learning and improving my critical thinking and communication skills. Some of my favorite activities include hiking, playing tennis, and listening to music.

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                Bella Rios

                  Undergraduate Research Assistant

                  CV​

                  Hi! My name is Bella Rios, and I am currently in my second year at NAU pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Criminology. My goal is to attend graduate school to achieve a master's and eventually a PhD in Forensic and/or Behavioral Psychology with an emphasis on trauma and development in children and adolescents. I hope to work with historically marginalized populations to address systemic psychological issues through behavioral analysis, with a focus on how trauma throughout developmental stages impacts self-sabotaging behaviors within legal implications. I am very passionate about learning more about research, real-world experiences, and benefiting the field of psychology through valuable work! In my free time, I enjoy concerts, shopping, photography, painting, and engaging in my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta!

                  Our Collaborators 

                  We would like to thank those who collaborate with us with assistance in research design, ideas, and providing resources.

                  Lab Alumni

                  The PBinJ lab is sad to say goodbye to our wonderful lab alumni. We wish for the best in your future endeavors!

                  * Italics indicate where our alumni are currently studying or working.

                  Contact

                  If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Xiao at xx57@nau.edu

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