BYU CEC TEAM
Get to Know Us
DR. PETER RESCHKE
Principal Investigator
Peter is an Assistant Professor of Human Development at Brigham Young University in the School of Family Life and is the director of the CEC. He received a Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences from the University of California, Merced. Peter’s work broadly focuses on emotions and how they relate to the development of social cognition.
BRITTAN BARNES
Research Assistant
I am a senior studying Biological Foundations of Human Development. I love learning about what makes us who we are, and I am particularly interested in how our biology and early years influence that! It is my goal to apply what I learn here at BYU by becoming an occupational therapist. I am here at school with my husband and our two-month-old baby girl, who is our little study buddy. I enjoy making music by playing the guitar, the piano, and singing. I am excited to be a part of this research!
JAMON JEX
Research Assistant
I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Psychology, with plans to enroll in a doctoral program in either Clinical or Counseling Psychology by the end of 2024. My experience includes administering ABA therapy to children with autism, which has directed my research interests toward the social and emotional development of children. Other areas of research that interest me are the mind-body connection and masculine socialization. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy trying my hand at new recipes, walking/biking around nature, playing pickleball, and photographing things I find beautiful on my film camera!
MARYN CHURCH
Research Assistant
My name is Maryn Church, I am from Arizona, and a senior here at BYU! I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies/Turkish and a second minor in History. I love studying psychology and am especially interested in childhood development and families. My hobbies include reading and archery!
KYLEE NIELSEN
Research Assistant
My name is Kylee Nielsen and I am from Northern California. I am a senior majoring in the Biological Foundations of Human Development and plan on getting my Master's degree following graduation in April. I have found a passion for this field of study and am excited to see where it takes me. I enjoy doing all things outdoors and have loved my time in Utah.
CAROLINE MCMURRAY
Research Assistant
My name is Caroline McMurray and I'm from Southwest Virginia. I am a senior at BYU and am majoring in Human Development. After graduating in December I plan to get a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. I love to study people's behaviors and try to understand why they tick the way they do. When I have free time I love to go to sports events, play soccer, and try new restaurants and food!
MICHELLE SI
Research Assistant
My name is Michelle Si. I am from China. I am a freshman majoring in Family Life. I love kids and want to be a counselor in the future. I like to do yoga in my free time.
ETHAN STRANG
Research Assistant
Hi, my name is Ethan! I am from San Diego California. I am a freshman studying human development. I picked this major because I love learning about how people work and I think I can help others out through this major. I am still thinking about different career choices but I am leaning toward getting my Ph.D. and becoming a professor. I love the sunshine and playing volleyball.
Alexandra Jorgensen
Research Assistant
I am a junior studying Biostatistics and am interested in helping further our research by understanding trends that we can discover in human development! I have plans to apply for masters programs in hopes of gaining experience and knowledge to work in labs for biotech companies. Research is fascinating to me and I'm excited to work with those who participate in our projects. Along with having a thirst for knowledge, I love reading, biking, and enjoy playing music in various groups, including BYU's mariachi band!
Amberly King
Research Assistant
My name is Amberly King and I’m from Snowflake, Arizona. I am a junior majoring in human development. I plan to get a master's degree in occupational therapy. I enjoy learning, trying new things, being out in nature, and spending time with friends and family.
Anika Grimes
Research Assistant
Hi my name is Anika Grimes! I am a senior studying human development here at BYU. I am from Draper, Utah, and love dancing, the outdoors, and learning about people and cultures. I am currently a dance teacher and hope to use my learning of development to pursue dance therapy in the future.