Primary Investigator

Dr. Timothy Ricker

Ph.D. University of Missouri, 2013

My research follows two main directions. The first explores how humans maintain information across time and in the face of interfering tasks. The second examines the parameters and processes involved in creating stable working memory representations. I use behavioral experimentation, Bayesian estimation, and mathematical modeling to examine these questions.

Contact: Timothy.Ricker@usd.edu
Click here to download C.V.

Graduate Students

Kelly Cotton

M.A. City University of New York, 2020
B.S./B.A. University of Rochester, 2015

My interests include working memory, consolidation into long-term memory, and how these functions differ in various populations.  I'm particularly interested in using  neuroimaging and eye-tracking to inform our knowledge of human cognition. I graduated from the University of Rochester in 2015, with a dual B.S./B.A. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences/Linguistics. I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Psychology at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Contact: kcotton@gradcenter.cuny.edu
Click here to download C.V.
Kelly's Personal Website

Megan McCray

B.A. Marshall University, 2019

My interests include the study of cognitive load and multi-tasking and their application to critical environments. I am interested in developing risk mitigation tactics through cognitive research and the application of Human Factors principles. In 2019, I graduated from Marshall University with a B.A. in Psychology. I am currently pursuing an Ph.D. in Human Factors Psychology at the University of South Dakota.

Contact: Megan.McCray@coyotes.usd.edu
​Click here to download C.V.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Katie Roberson

I hope to explore the influence neurodivergence has on memory and cognition. I joined the lab to experience the research process firsthand. I am working towards an undergraduate degree in Medical Biology. After graduation I plan on attending medical school or pursing a graduate degree in Genetics or Neuroscience. 

Anika Gram

I find the physical and psychological components that influence human memory very interesting. I joined the lab to gain experience in scientific research and to learn more about these individual components. I am currently working towards an undergraduate degree in Medical Biology and plan to pursue a graduate degree in a scientific research field or attend dental school.

Garrett Clendening

I'm interested in the human brain and how external stimuli can influence that cognition. I joined the lab to learn more about the interaction between human cognition and attention. I am currently working towards a major in Medical Biology and Cognitive Neuroscience at USD. After I graduate, I plan on going to PA school with a focus on Family Medicine.

Kamila Haliru

My interests include the brain and how memory loss can affect both behavior and quality of life. I am currently completing my undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in neuroscience. After I graduate, I plan to further my education by pursuing a PhD in psychology.

Nate Mungunkhet

I joined the lab to learn while immersing myself in a professional research environment. My plan is to use my experience here to pursue a graduate degree and specialize in industrial-organizational psychology.

Joe Obineche

I am currently completing my undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in neuroscience. I am interested in studying how the brain works to control and dictate behavior, with a focus on memory and cognition. After I graduate, I hope to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. 

Lab Alumni

If your entry could use an update or if you don't see yourself on this list, send an email to Dr. Ricker and get that fixed!

Kristen Quigley
B.S. 2022, University of South Dakota
Neuroscience student (PhD) at the University of Nevada, Reno 

Caryn Darmoni 
B.S. 2020, City University of New York 
Dental surgery student (DDS) at New York University

Alani Harrison
B.S. 2019, City University of New York 
Physical Therapy student (DPT) at the College of Staten Island

Nicholas Cirrone
B.S. 2019, City University of New York
Medical student (MD) at SUNY Downstate Medical Center

William Frickenstein, M.A. 
B.S. 2019, City University of New York
M.A. in School Counseling, Alfred University
High School Counselor in Staten Island, New York 

Priscilla Hutchinson, M.S., OTR/L
B.S. 2018, City University of New York
M.S. in Occupational Therapy, SUNY Downstate.

Mabel Etuknwa, M.Ed., BCBA
B.A. 2017, City University of New York
M.A. in Special Education, Texas A & M University 
Behavior Analyst at BehaviorCare Therapy

Our Lab in Previous Years