THE TEAM

BRANDON WOO 
CV | email | website | Blue Sky | Twitter | OSF

Human beings are one of the most social and cooperative species on Earth. Through studies of infants and young children, our lab's research aims to shed light on humans’ early-emerging knowledge of other people and to characterize the developmental foundations of human learning, cooperation, and social life broadly.

I'll be joining UCSB as an Assistant Professor in July 2024!

I'm committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in science, and to mentoring students from all backgrounds. I'm a first-generation college graduate myself, and I recognize the important roles that my own mentors have had in my education and career. You can learn more about my approach to mentorship here.

For my own self-care, I like to experiment with new recipes and restaurants, exercise with friends, and dabble in the arts.

MIA TAYLOR
email

I'm a student at Harvard College, and I'm conducting research for my honors thesis with Dr. Ashley Thomas and Brandon. I'm interested in how infants and young children understand and perceive their social world. In my free time, I enjoy pet sitting, watching stand-up comedy, and playing with my Netherland Dwarf bunny.

ANDREA VENTURA
email

I’m a research assistant in Dr. Ashley Thomas’s lab, where I work with Brandon. I’m also a student at Boston University, where I study international relations and psychology. My goal is to apply psychology to bring about positive social change. Outside of school, I enjoy weight training, watching basketball, and playing the piano and guitar.

GABRIEL CHISHOLM
email | Twitter

I'm a student at the University of Bath. I've been pursuing a thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Spelke and Brandon. I'm interested in how children come to appreciate the beliefs of others and how their social relationships might guide this understanding. Specifically, in my thesis research, I'll be exploring how children represent the beliefs of individuals who are unfamiliar to them versus their caregivers. I love the multidisciplinary nature of psychology and in the future, I hope to pursue my interests in behavioral economics or artificial intelligence. My hobbies include chess, tennis, and kayaking.