BYU CEC TEAM
Get to Know Us
DR. PETER RESCHKE
Principal Investigator
I am an Associate Professor of Human Development at Brigham Young University in the School of Family Life and am the director of the CEC. I received a Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences from the University of California, Merced. My work broadly focuses on emotions and how they relate to the development of social cognition in infants and children.
ASHTON ALLEN
Graduate Student
I am from Mesa, Arizona, but I have lived in Utah with my husband for 5 years now. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies from BYU-Idaho in 2021. I am now a first-year graduate student in BYU's Marriage, Family, and Human Development Master's program. My research interests include child development, educational programming, and parenting.
BROOKLYN DAINES
Graduate Student
My name is Brooklyn Coleman, and I am from Southern Indiana. I am currently a master’s student studying Marriage, Family, and Human Development. My areas of interest are child emotion development and how that intersects with parental technology use and infant attachment. I also love watercolor, cooking, and enjoying nature! In the future I hope to be a mother and work helping educate families on how to develop lasting and meaningful relationships.
CAROLINE MCMURRAY
Graduate Student
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!
ABBEY GARDANIER
Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Abbey Gardanier, from Highland, Utah. I am a senior graduating this April in Family Studies. I plan to get my masters in Social Work upon graduation. Outside of school and work, I enjoy being outside, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
ALYSSA CONNELLY
Research Assistant
Hello! I’m from Queen Creek, Arizona, and currently a senior at BYU majoring in Human Development. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors and baking. After I graduate, I plan to work as an Early Childhood Interventionist. I’m passionate about studying human development across the lifespan and look forward to being apart of this research team!
AMBERLY KING
Research Assistant
I am a senior studying Human Development. I am graduating in April and will begin applying to grad school to go into Pediatric Occupational Therapy. I am passionate about child development and have found this research to be helpful for my future career. Outside of school, I love learning new skills, spending time with loved ones, and traveling.
ASH SEAMONS
Research Assistant
I am a junior studying human development. I plan on graduating in April and preparing for the LSAT as my goal is to become a family lawyer. I find the development of humans to be so interesting and am especially excited to participate in this study so that we have more information on the subject! I love learning, being outdoors, traveling and exploring new cultures, and being as spontaneous as a college schedule will allow!
CARRIE NEUFFER
Research Assistant
Coming Soon!
ELISE RICH
Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Elise and I am originally from Lehi, Utah. I am a junior majoring in Family Studies at BYU. After graduating, I plan on pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and doing anything creative! I'm excited to be a research assistant and continue helping others!
EMILY PICKARD
Research Assistant
I am a senior studying Human Development. I am graduating in April and plant to start an Occupational Therapy graduate program in Fall 2025. My goal is to become an occupational therapist specializing in emotional regulation and sensory integration therapy for children with autism. I am from Tucson, Arizona. Outside of school and work I love reading, art, and music!
HAILEY GARDINER-SMITH
Research Assistant
My name is Hailey Gardiner-Smith. I am a senior in Human Development and pursuing a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have a passion for research and absolutely love learning. When not at work or school, I love to do anything outside, reading, baking, and hanging out with my family!
JACELIN CLAYTON
Research Assistant
I am a senior at BYU studying psychology. I am from Orem, Utah and love to be outdoors, run, and be with family and friends! I am currently applying to graduate schools for clinical mental health counseling with the goal of becoming a therapist!
JOSHUA NAMINGHA
Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Joshua Namingha. I am originally from New Mexico, and I am a current junior studying Family Studies and minoring in Gerontology. After graduating, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in social work to become a therapist. Outside of school, I enjoy running, hiking and playing board games.
KJARSTYN DAVIS
Research Assistant
Hi, I’m Kjarstyn Davis. I’m a senior at BYU studying nutritional science and preparing for medical school. I absolutely love learning about development in children, which is why I came to the CEC! Outside of school and work I love to be outdoors on the lake, camping, or by a bonfire. I also love movies and I always have a recommendation if you’re looking for a good film!
Lucy Griffin
Research Assistant
I am a senior student at BYU studying Human Development in the School of Family Life. I aspire to become a marriage and family therapist. I love learning, helping others, and everything to do with family research. I've been working with the CEC lab since Fall 2024. I am originally from Arkansas, so moving to Utah, I was astounded by the beautiful mountains. I have grown to enjoy hiking, sledding, and the soda shops y'all have out here. I'm excited to participate further in the lab's research and use my experiences to enhance my skills as a marriage and family therapist.
McKenna Fleming
Research Assistant
My name is McKenna Fleming and I am from Riverton, Utah! I am a junior studying Human Development with a Biological Emphasis, with hopes to further my career through getting a master's in social work. I am passionate about providing the resources needed to empower individuals and families of vulnerable populations and have a particular interest in behavioral health support. In my free time I love to spend time outside, connect with people, and dance!
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.
MILLIE HOYT
Research Assistant
Coming Soon!
NATHAN VANG
Research Assistant
Coming Soon!
PAOLA JENSEN
Research Assistant
I am originally from Puebla, Mexico. I immigrated with my small family to Utah when I was 15 years old. I am a first-generation student and will be graduating with a degree in Family Studies. I plan on obtaining a master's degree on Social Work and becoming a Family Therapist. I have a deep love and respect for minority marginalized groups and how their development has affected their lives. I hope to become a bridge and a resource to them so that they can reach their full potential as they become a transitional character in their family and community.
QUINN JOHNSON
Research Assistant
My name is Quinn Johnson and I am a junior majoring in psychology with minors in journalism and philosophy! My dream is to become a clinical psychologist with the ability to help others find peace and purpose. I’ve grown up as a ballerina and still love doing all kinds of dance! I also love to bake, read, and ski, as well as spend time with my family and friends.
REAVES FENNEGAN
Research Assistant
Hi, my name is Reaves Fennegan. I'm a Senior at BYU studying Human Development. I love learning about the science of emotional, physical, cognitive and all other areas of development. My goal is to become a Child Life Specialist, and I plan to pursue a master's degree in Human Development after graduation. In my free time I love being outside, trying new things, and spending time with my family and friends.
RUTH BROWN
Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Ruth Brown, and I am a senior majoring in viola performance and minoring in psychology. Music has been a part of my life for a long time I love performing and watching all kinds of live music. After I graduate, I plan to pursue a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, hoping to one day become a licensed therapist. I love all things relationships and helping people work through their challenges. When I am not practicing viola, I love being on the beach, eating good food, playing pickleball, and traveling to new places. I’m excited to be a research assistant and continue helping others!
TRUMAN PUGSLEY
Research Assistant
I am a junior at BYU studying Human development. I plan to attend medical school and become a doctor. Outside of school, I enjoy my job as a technician in the ER, skiing, hiking, and playing pickleball. I grew up in Salt Lake City.
SANIYA STEFLIK
Research Assistant
My name is Saniya Steflik and I'm from Provo, Utah. I am currently a junior at BYU and am majoring in Psychology! I enjoy photography, going to concerts, and spending time with my family and friends. While I am still exploring my career path, I am aiming to go to PA school after I graduate. I love studying the way people think and seeing the connection between mental and physical health. I am also passionate about contributing to research and seeing the meaningful impact it leaves!
SOPHIA ROSS
Research Assistant
Hi!! My name is Sophia Ross. I am a Senior majoring in Psychology, and I am also a member of BYU's ballet team, Theatre Ballet. After graduation, I plan to take a gap year and then go back to school to become a therapist. I love children and I hope to work with them in the future. I am excited to get involved with research this semester.
SOPHIE BEEHLER
Research Assistant
I am a sophomore studying psychology with a minor of global and community impacts. I plan on going to graduate school for a master's in social work and want to work with troubled youth. Outside of school and work I love to be with animals, in nature, and to crochet.