Undergraduate Research Assistants
Asher Algoso (they/them)
Year: Sophomore
Asher Algoso is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin—Madison majoring in Psychology. After obtaining their bachelor’s in science, they intend to go to graduate school for a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with an interest in working with children and adolescents. They’re originally from Arizona, and in their free time, they like to hike, swim, and explore the southwest.
Emily Leys (she/her)
Year: Junior
Emily is a rising junior at UW-Madison majoring in Psychology. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, she is considering pursuing higher education within the field of psychology. Her main mission has been to help others however possible, and she is excited to discover which specific path will allow her to do so in the future. In her spare time, Emily enjoys working/volunteering with kids, reading, traveling, listening to music, thrifting, baking, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.
Amanda Lin (she/Her)
Year: Junior
Amanda is a third-year psychology student with certificates in global health and entrepreneurship. In the future, she plans to pursue a PhD in psychology and start a career as a psychologist. She is especially interested in social and developmental psychology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, going on walks, and exploring the city!
Shayfer Huitt (he/him)
Year: Senior
Shayfer is a psychology major who is planning to earn certificates in art history, folklore, and digital cinema production. After his time at UW Madison ends, he is hoping to go to grad school for his master’s degree. In his free time, Shayfer writes and performs music with local bands, performs improv comedy, and enjoys watching films.
Isabella Brown (she/her)
Year: Senior
Isabella will be a senior in the fall Majoring in Psychology and Legal Studies with Certificates in Criminal Justice and Dance. After Graduating in Fall of 2026, she plans to gain her Master’s degree in clinical psychology or social work, hoping to work with kids impacted by the Criminal Justice system. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, enjoying the summer weather, finding new books, and finding hidden spots on campus.
Lianna Lee (she/her)
Year: Sophomore
Lianna is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, double majoring in Psychology and Neurobiology. She is planning to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with aspirations of becoming a Child Clinical Psychologist. Lianna’s academic and career goals have been shaped by her passion for working with victims of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and her interest in the relationship between neuroplasticity and mental illnesses. In her free time, she loves playing the piano and enjoying scenic views with her friends.
Maria Larson (she/her)
Year: Sophomore
Maria is a sophomore majoring in psychology. Upon getting her Bachelor of Arts, she plans to pursue graduate school for her Master’s degree. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting, writing songs and playing guitar, spending time with friends, and listening to music!
Julia Weber (she/her)
Year: Junior
Julia is a Psychology undergraduate at UW-Madison looking to get certificates in Art History and Art Studio. After graduation in the spring of 2026, she is hoping to gain a Master’s degree as well as continue with psychological research. In her spare time, Julia enjoys rock climbing, drawing, cooking, and cozying up with a good book.
Madison Cesafsky (she/her)
Year: Sophomore
Madison Cesafsky is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and she plans on majoring in Psychology and Legal Studies with a certificate in Criminal Justice. Madison is interested in research involving the development of social biases, particularly how they contribute to socialization and self-image. Madison is still figuring out her goals for the future, but she hopes to someday work in criminal law, particularly working with incarcerated individuals with mental illness and the unjust treatment that occurs within the criminal justice system. Madison enjoys being outdoors and loves working with her community back home as a YMCA camp counselor. You can always catch her with a friendship bracelet or bead buddy!
Kal Shary (she/they)
Year: Freshman
Kara Shary– or Kal to her friends and family is a first-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is double majoring in Psychology and Political Science. They are enthusiastic about research with a sociological impact, and she plans to use her degrees to better society, using both research and activism to understand and improve the influence of social structures on our lives. In their free time, Kal enjoys reading, knitting, playing piano, and hanging out with her friends.