J. Devin McAuley is a Professor in the Department of Psychology, Director of the MSU Cognitive Science Program and a member of the Neuroscience Program. He completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at Indiana University, receiving a B.A. in Mathematics and Computer Science, a M.S. in Computer Science, and a joint Ph.D. in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. He then went on to complete postdoctoral studies in Psychology at the University of Queensland and the Ohio State University where he was a Music Cognition Postdoctoral Fellow. Before joining the MSU faculty in 2009, Devin was a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Bowling Green State University. Dr. McAuley’s research interests include auditory perception, attention, and memory, music cognition, cross-modal processing, timing and temporal control of behavior, and relationships between music and language processing.

Celeste Uhl graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.A. in psychology. During undergrad, she conducted a pilot study observing the relationships between self-compassion and perfectionism in music majors with the Mindful Behavior Therapies and Psychophysiology Lab as well as a research project in theoretical cognitive neuroscience exploring potential cerebellar contributions to creative cognition in jazz musicians. Currently, she is continuing her education as a research assistant in the TAP lab while preparing to get her doctorates. Outside of her schooling, she enjoys the outdoors, reading, and playing pickleball.

Emilee Allwardt is first year master’s student pursuing the field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She joined the TAP Lab because perception, cognitive processes, and individual differences in clinical populations are interesting topics of hers. After graduation, she plans on working as an LLPC, as well as working towards an LPC as a mental health counselor. Emilee hopes to continue finding opportunities to contribute to research benefiting clinical populations. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, making art, crocheting, and playing board games with friends. 

Cameron Storey is a second-year master’s student pursing a degree in music theory. They are currently in the process of applying for their PhD in music theory and analysis (with specific focus in music cognition). After graduating she hopes to teach music theory in a university setting. Cameron joined the TAP lab because of an interest in music cognition research. She is hoping to apply what is in the music analysis coursework and build on experience in a PhD program. In their free time, Cameron likes to do yoga, read, knit, and spend time with their dog Alex.

Rachael Farquharson is a senior in the College of Social Science and the College of Music at Michigan State University. Her majors are a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Music with a focus in vocal performance. After graduation, Rachael plans on pursuing a masters or doctorate in psychology. She plans to use the TAP lab as an opportunity to gain research experience and explore the effect individual differences have on the perception of music. Her hobbies include baking, cooking, and play video games.

Samyuktha Vijayakumar is a senior majoring in Neuroscience major with a Health Promotions minor.  After graduation, Samyuktha hopes to continue her education through professional school or graduate school.  She joined the TAP lab to gain research experience and explore music from a scientific perspective.  In her free time, she enjoys dancing, reading, and shopping.   

Shrinidhi Pola is a senior Lyman Briggs College OMSP student majoring in Neuroscience. She joined the TAP lab due to her interest in cognitive neuroscience and background in classical music.  Over the past 2 years, Shrinidhi had the opportunity to present research at conferences, work with the Transcranial Magnetic Simulation machine, and collaborate with peers from various academic backgrounds. After graduation, Shrinidhi plans to go to medical school in order to become a DO physician. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, learning new languages, and crocheting.

Nessia Brooks is a senior undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in piano performance with a minor in cognitive science. She joined the TAP Lab to pursue her passion for both music and the brain, and to gain research experience at the intersection of these fields. Nessia is particularly interested in the clinical applications of music neuroscience and plans to pursue graduate studies in music therapy, specifically neurologic music therapy (NMT). Outside of classes, Nessia runs her own private piano studio and enjoys baking, running, journaling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Nora Thornber is a sophomore in the college of Natural Sciences at MSU majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. After graduation, Nora plans to go to grad school, getting a PhD with a specialization in neuropsychology. Nora joined TAP Lab because she is passionate about music and psychology, and the TAP Lab provided an opportunity to expose herself to the world of research. Outside of the lab, Nora loves playing the clarinet, hanging out with her dog, and reading.

Michael Salem is a sophomore in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University, pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. He joined the TAP Lab to gain research experience and explore topics in music cognition. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Michael hopes to continue studying the relationship between music and the brain in graduate school. In his free time, he enjoys playing the violin and composing.

Jolina Huchingson is currently a second year student in the college of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University. She is pursuing a major in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Spanish. After graduating, she hopes to attend graduate school to work as a speech pathologist. She joined the TAP lab to expose herself to the world of research, specifically concerning music cognition, a topic of interest for her. In her free time she enjoys playing guitar, singing, and doing yoga.

Josh Petkoff is a sophomore at Michigan State University who plans to pursue a degree in Applied Engineering Sciences with a minor in Spanish. After graduation, Josh plans to work in the field of engineering. He joined the TAP Lab to gain research experience and better understand how music and rhythm influence the brain and behavior. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and spending time with friends.

Leah Steinbrunner is a sophomore majoring in psychology with minors in pharmacology and toxicology. She joined the TAP Lab to gain research experience and develop a deeper understanding of how scientific studies are conducted. She is particularly interested in developing data analysis skills to support her goal of attending medical school and pursuing a career in psychiatry. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, going on walks, spending time with friends, and going on coffee dates with her boyfriend.

Eden Pomp is a junior majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. She joined the TAP lab to gain research experience as she works toward her goal of obtaining a PhD and conducting research on women’s psychology. In addition, she is particularly interested in beat and timing processes, drawing on her seven years of musical experience. Outside of academics, she enjoys making jewelry and film content for her small business as well as going to the gym, spending time outside and around campus, and feeding the campus squirrels.

Jacqueline Bird is a junior majoring in Psychology with minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and Law, Justice, and Public Policy. She joined the lab to gain hands-on research experience and expand her understanding of the scientific process. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in forensics. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, going for walks, and exploring new coffee shops.

Laila Loiselle is a senior in the college of Social Science at Michigan State University. She is pursuing a major in Psychology and minors in Law, Justice, and Public Policy, as well as Youth and Society. After graduating, Laila hopes to go to graduate school for clinical psychology. Laila joined the TAP Lab because she is interested in rhythm and wanted to become more involved in the psychology department, as well as develop more research skills. In her free time, Laila likes to spend time with friends and family, work out, go on walks, watch TV, and read.

Amelia Musgrave is a junior in the college of Social Science at Michigan State University. She is pursuing a major in psychology and a minor in music. After graduating, Amelia hopes to attend graduate school. Amelia joined the TAP Lab because she loves the intersection between psychology and music. She finds the behind-the-scenes brain processes of rhythm and music to be fascinating. In her free time, Amelia likes to knit, crochet, and read.

Emma Adams is a junior at Michigan State University majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology with honors. After graduation, Emma plans on attending medical school, specializing in neuroradiology or anesthetics. Emma joined the TAP Lab due to her interest in psychology, as well as music and rhythms. In her free time, Emma likes to read, be outdoors, and listen to music.

Harper Dodge is a senior Psychology student at MSU minoring in Environmental Social Science & Law, Justice and Public Policy. After graduation, Harper plans on attending a doctoral program to get a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Forensics. Harper joined the TAP Lab in order to attain more lab experience, get more comfortable in a lab, and to be a part of research that helps people. In her free time, Harper enjoys reading, as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Aliana DuBois is a junior Psychology student minoring in Cognitive Science. After graduation, Aliana plans on attending grad school to become a clinical psychologist. Aliana joined the TAP Lab because she wanted to help contribute to research in the field of psychology. The lab has allowed her to apply her love of puzzles and critical thinking to research through the scientific method. In her free time, Aliana enjoys reading, drawing, and enjoying nature.

Olivia Osman is a third-year Psychology student minoring in Human Behavior and Social Services. After graduation, Olivia plans on getting her master’s and PhD. Oliva joined the TAP Lab because of her interest in how rhythm and timing can influence attention and perception. In her free time, Oliva likes to cook, color, workout, and hangout with her friends.

Pravesh Patel is a sophomore student at MSU pursuing a B.S. degree in Psychology. After graduation, Pravesh plans on getting his master’s in clinical psychology. Pravesh joined the TAP Lab because he finds rhythm perception interesting, and he also wants to gain more knowledge on how to conduct research. In his free time, Pravesh likes to play the drums, go on hikes, and spend time with friends.

Anastazja Kozbial is a freshman Psychology student at MSU minoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. After graduation, Anastazja plans on going to medical school, specializing in psychiatry. Anastazja joined the TAP Lab because she wanted to gain hands-on research experience while exploring how music and psychology interact. In her free time, Anastazja enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and trying out new coffee places and restaurants.

Nicky Liddy is a third year Human Biology and Psychology student who minors in Health Promotion. She joined the TAP lab to gain research experience and better understand the mechanisms behind perceptions of music. After graduation she plans on going to medical school. In her free time she enjoys snowboarding, painting and hanging out with her friends.

Isabel Landman is a third-year Psychology student at Michigan State University. Isabel is minoring in Leadership of Organizations and Cognitive Science. Isabel joined the TAP Lab because she wanted to gain research experience and become more connected to campus academics.  In her free time, Isabel likes to collect, read, spend time outside, and try new things with her friends.

Kiran Moore is a freshman majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Biotechnology. He joined the TAP Lab because of his love for music and neuroscience. He plans on attending medical school after graduation and enjoys listening to music as well as playing sports in his free time.