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 computational modeling to examine these questions.

Contact: [email protected]
C.V. | Bluesky | Twitter | Scholar | ReseachGate

Graduate Students

Megan McCray

M.A. University of South Dakota, 2023

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: [email protected]
​Download C.V.

Victoria Caswell

M.S. Ruhr University, 2023

My research interest centers around working memory and how it supports task performance. I am particularly interested in cognitive load, multitasking, and how findings from such investigations can be used to inform human centered designs. I hold a B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Cognitive science.

Contact: [email protected]

​Dillon Quiñones

M.S. University of Illinois, 2023

My main interests include visual working and long-term memory, forgetting, and how differing manipulations of probability affect memory outcomes. I also have an interest in real-world application of psychological science (e.g., user experience research). I graduated from Purdue University (2021) with a B.S. in Psychology; minor in Philosophy, and the University of Illinois (2023) with a M.S. in Psychological Science. I am currently a Ph.D. student in the Ricker Memory & Attention Lab within the Psychology-Human Factors & Applied Cognition program at the University of South Dakota.

Contact: [email protected]

Sriya Ravula

M.S. St. Francis College for Women, 2022

My interests include the interplay between working memory and attention, specifically the role of mind wandering. I aim to explore how these cognitive processes interact and affect our daily experiences using eye-tracking. I hold a B.A. and M.S. in Applied Psychology.

Contact: [email protected]

Undergraduate & Postbaccalaureate  Research Assistants

Christina Fanciullo

B.A. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, 2024

I am interested in the connection between cognition and behavior, particularly how memory and attention influence behavior. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a B.A. in Psychology, minor in German, and am hoping to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I am currently focused on developing a deep understanding of the research process while improving my data analysis, experimental design, and scholarship skill sets.

Nate Mungunkhet

I joined this lab to develop skills in analyzing academic articles while exploring my interests in clinical psychology, to equip myself with critical thinking tools and a deeper understanding of psychological research. I am interested in exploring topics related to unconscious influences on behavior as they pertain to the clinical subfield.

Asia Sletten

I'm interested in exploring the relationship between neurological disorders and working memory. I am focused on developing skills in conducting research and psychological data interpretation for application to my future career in neuroscience. In the future I aim to conduct research centered around neuropharmacology and dopaminergic disorders.

Sydney Reeves

​My research interest centers around the connection between working memory, cognition, and task performance. I am in the process of obtaining my undergraduate degree in psychology with the goal of furthering my education with an OTD in occupational therapy. I hope to use evidence-based practice related to cognition to improve performance in activities of daily living during my career.

Erica Bicknase

My research interests include task performance, cognitive control, and rehabilitation psychology. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology and intend to continue my education by earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). Through this path, I aim to apply evidence-based interventions that support cognitive function and enhance quality of life in clinical settings. I am particularly interested in integrating psychological principles into therapeutic practices to improve everyday performance and facilitate recovery.

Lulu Yousef

I am interested in how emotional responses and attentional processes influence rehabilitation outcomes. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cognitive neuroscience and plan to continue my education through a 3+3 accelerated Occupational Therapy (OT) program. I aim to apply research-guided techniques to enhance cognitive and emotional functioning, improve attentional control, and promote independence in daily activities. I am particularly interested in using research insights to develop practical interventions that help individuals live more independently.

Burcu Kilic

I joined the lab to gain hands-on experience in psychological research and to explore how memory processes are affected by neurological and clinical conditions. I am particularly interested in understanding how disruptions in working memory contribute to behavioral and cognitive difficulties, and how studying these patterns can improve our understanding of neurological disorders. I hope to strengthen my research and data analysis skills and build a foundation for a future career in neuroscience.

Lab Alumni

Former Graduate Students

Kelly Cotton, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor in Neurology at Stony Brook University 
Ph.D., City University of New York, 2023

Former Research Assistants

Kamila Haliru, B.S.
Clinical Research Assistant at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
B.S., University of South Dakota, 2025

Joseph Obineche, B.S.
Cognitive Psychology student (PhD) at Montana State University 
B.S., University of South Dakota, 2023

Garrett Clendening, B.S.
Medical Student (MD) at University of Kansas - Wichita 
B.S., University of South Dakota, 2023

Kristen Quigley, M.S.
Neuroscience student (PhD) at the University of Nevada, Reno 
M.S., University of Nevada - Reno, 2025

Caryn Darmoni, D.D.S. 
Doctor of Dentistry in NYC, New York
D.D.S., New York University, 2024 

Alani Harrison, P.T., D.P.T.
Physical Therapist in NYC, New York
D.P.T., New York University, 2023 

Nicholas Cirrone, M.D.
Anesthesiology Resident at Mount Sinai West and Morningside
M.D., SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 2023

William Frickenstein, M.A. 
High School Counselor in Staten Island, New York 
M.A., School Counseling, Alfred University, 2021

Priscilla Hutchinson, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist in Queens, New York
​M.S., Occupational Therapy, SUNY Downstate, 2021

Mabel Etuknwa, M.A., B.C.B.A.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the New York City metro area
M.A., Special Education, Texas A & M University, 2021

Our Lab in Previous Years