Current Graduate Students
Tyler Waldon-Lee
Tyler is a third-year Ph.D. student in Dr. O’Brien’s lab. He earned his B.S. in psychology from Georgia Gwinnett College. His interests focus on the processes of stereotypes, prejudice, stigma, and discrimination and their impact on the criminal justice system, education, and intergroup relationships. If you would like to more about Tyler, please check out his CV or email him at twaldonlee@tulane.edu.
Maria Musumeci
Maria is a second-year Ph.D. student working with Dr. Laurie O’Brien and Dr. Damian Murray. She earned her B.A. in psychology at Le Moyne College and her M.A. in experimental psychology at the University of Dayton. Her research interests include stereotypes, prejudice, and threat perceptions. If you would like to know more about Maria’s work, please email her at mmusumeci@tulane.edu, or see her CV.
Current Undergraduate Students
Allyson Whyte
Allyson Whyte is a member of Tulane University’s Class of 2026, majoring in Psychology with a minor in SLAM. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in counseling and is passionate about working in schools and providing one-on-one therapy. To learn more about Allyson, you can view her resume, connect with her on LinkedIn (Allyson Whyte), or contact her via email (awhyte@tulane.edu).
Evie Halston
Evie Halston is a senior at Tulane University, set to graduate in May 2025 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Social Work. She is passionate about understanding learned racial perceptions and their impact on children’s development, which drives her research interests. After graduation, Evie plans to pursue a Master of Social Work and aspires to become a Licensed Pediatric Social Worker, focusing on supporting children and families. You can view her resume or connect with her on LinkedIn. You can also reach her at ehalston@tulane.edu or evie.halston@gmail.com.
Alexandra (Lexi) Orenstein
Lexi Orenstein is a senior at Tulane University, graduating in 2025, where she is majoring in Psychology with a minor in SLAM. Her research interests include examining diagnostic disparities in Celiac Disease, ADHD interventions, and the psychology of prejudice and stigma. Lexi is passionate about mental health and child development and aims to work with children and families to support their social, emotional, and academic well-being. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to further her clinical training and become a Licensed Clinician. To learn more about Lexi, you can view her resume, visit her Linkedin or reach out to her at aorenstein@tulane.edu
Grace Taylor
Grace Taylor is a sophomore at Tulane University, graduating in 2027, majoring in Psychology. She is passionate about mental health, social psychology, and education and is interested in how psychology influences learning and social interactions. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in social psychology research or education. You can learn more about Grace Taylor in her resume or reach out via email at gtaylor8@tulane.edu.
Aliana Dellarocco
Aliana Dellarocco is a sophomore at Tulane University, graduating in 2027, pursuing a triple major in Psychology, Public Health, and Cognitive Studies. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of psychology and public health, with a focus on applying psychological research to health equity and child advocacy. After graduation, Aliana plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Feel free to reach out at adellarocco@tulane.edu You can learn more about her through her resume, and connect with her on LinkedIn
Maddie SanMarco
Maddie SanMarco is a member of the 2025 graduating class, completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Studio Art. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on identifying contextual risk factors and early markers of psychopathology and mood disorders. You can reach out to Maddie via her email at msanmarco@tulane.edu or maddie.sanmarco@gmail.com
Current Lab Manager
Yvette Bivins-Sanchez
Yvette graduated with a B.S in Psychology from The College of William and Mary in Spring 2023 and has held the position of Lab manager since August, 2023. Her research interests comprise of Cultural Competence, Racial Prejudice & Confronting Racism, Mental Health Stigmatization & the intersection between Race & Gender Discrimination, and Racism & Mental Health. After fulfilling their role they intend to attain a Ph.D in Social Psychology and pursue a career in psychological research. You can learn more about Yvette Bivins-Sanchez in her resume, Linkedin, or reach out via email at ybivinssanchez@tulane.edu.
