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!

Dr. Sonya Xinyue Xiao (she/her)
I am a developmental scientist studying the development of prosocial behavior, positive intergroup attitudes, behaviors, and relations (with a focus on gender and race/ethnicity), with specific focus on childhood and adolescence. My goal is to understand and generate solutions to promote kindness, inclusion, and justice 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 might be what drives 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.

Alexis Niemoller (She/Her)
Lab Manager
Hello, my name is Alexis Niemoller, I am a senior at Northern Arizona University and I am a Psychological Sciences major with a Sociology minor. I am working toward getting my Masters in the future I want to be able to teach in at the college level and do research. I enjoy hiking, puzzles, and playing the guitar! I am excited to work on growing my knowledge within the psychological sciences world and learning real world experiences.

Mariah Hughes
Graduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Mariah Hughes and I am studying Psychology with a minor in Anthropology. My goal is to attend graduate school and in the future become a clinical therapist working with adolescents as well as individuals that struggle with substance abuse. I am very passionate about mental health and I would like to be able to learn and share more insight on the topic. Some of my favorite activities include going to concerts and festivals.
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Lydia D'Ambrosio (She/Her)
Undergraduate Research Assistant
CV​
Hello, my name is Lydia D’Ambrosio and I am a current junior at NAU pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in the Psychological Sciences with a minor in Music. From my prior experience being part of Best Buddies and advocating for disability resources, I have come to enjoy working with younger adolescents and exploring the different ways in which their minds operate and interpret the world around them. This is something I hope to apply in my future goals of working as a Behavioral Technician, and eventually obtaining my PhD in Counseling Psychology. I further intend to use the knowledge I have gained towards assisting others in improving their mental health and lifestyle. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, playing the piano, painting, and being outdoors!

Bryanna Yale
Undergraduate Research Assistant
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. My goal is to apply for a Master's program in either Clinical Psychology or Social Work; in order to pursue a career of working with adolescents through therapy/counseling. 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 Developmental Psychology. I also have other hobbies such as being outdoors, 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.

Alana Plisko
Undergraduate Research Assistant
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.

Brianna Christine Roney (She/They)
Undergraduate Research Assistant
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!
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.