PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Ryan Stevenson
Dr. Stevenson is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Brain & Mind Institute at the University of Western Ontario. His research focuses on sensory perception across the lifespan, specifically how changes in sensory perception influence cognitive processes such as speech perception. This work includes research with neurotypical populations and special populations including individuals with autism spectrum disorders and cochlear implant users. He uses behavioural measures, advanced neuroimaging techniques (fMRI and EEG), and neuropsychological measures to approach this research from multiple perspectives
POSTDOCS and RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
Eun Jung Choi
Dr. Eun Jung Choi completed her PhD in Seoul National University, South Korea and is currently working with Dr. Ryan Stevenson and Emma Duerden as as a research associate. She has investigated brain-behaviour assocations in children and youth encompassing clinical and non-clinical populations. Her recent works included identifying resting-state functional connectivity features relating to sensory phenotypes across children with neurodevelopmental disorders (ASD, ADHD and OCD) and examining children’s behavioural difficulties in associations with their life style changes over time, such as sleep habit and screen use, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kathleen Lyons
Kathleen is a post doctoral fellow working with Drs. Ryan Stevenson and Rob Nicolson. She completed her PhD at Western University with Drs. Adrian Owen and Bobby Stojanoski. Kathleen is interested in how the developing brain supports sensory and naturalistic processing. She is currently investigating structural and functional brain differences associated with sensory processing in autism and ADHD. Outside of the lab, she enjoys yoga, fishing, and improv
PHD STUDENTS
Ala Seif
Ala is a PhD student in the Neuroscience program. She completed her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in biomedical engineering at Rafik Hariri University in Lebanon, where she investigated the use of ECG for personal identification and recognition. Ala is currently studying sensory filtering and sensorimotor gating, and whether they are linked to brainstem development in autism. She is co-supervised by Dr. Ryan Stevenson and Dr. Susanne Schmid. Outside of the lab, Ala enjoys reading fiction and exploring new places
Carolynn Hare
Carolynn is a PhD student in Psychology (Cognitive, Developmental, and Brain Sciences) at Western University. She completed her M.A. in Child and Youth Studies and B.Sc. in Neuroscience (Neuropsychology) at Brock University. She is currently investigating multisensory integration in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Outside the lab, she enjoys painting, board games and long outdoor walks
Kara Hannah
Kara is a PhD student in Psychology (Cognitive, Developmental, and Brain Sciences) at Western University. She completed her M.Sc. in Psychology in 2020 (also in the lab). Her B.A. in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour with a Minor in Linguistics was completed at McMaster University. She is currently investigating how people’s understanding of common events relates to cognitive and behavioural characteristics of autism spectrum disorder — a collaboration with the McRae Lab. Her other interests include trying new artistic hobbies, playing video games, and going on nature walks
Sam Schulz
Sam is a PhD Student in Developmental Psychology. She completed her BSc in Health Studies with a Minor in Psychology at the University of Waterloo. Now, she studies in the Stevenson Lab at the University of Western Ontario. She is currently investigating the effect of hypersensitivity on repetitive behaviours in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Other interests of hers include playing ultimate frisbee, snowboarding, and anything else outdoors!
MASTERS STUDENTS
Kate Turner
Kate is a Master’s student in Psychology (Cognitive, Developmental and Brain Sciences) at Western University. She completed her B.Sc. Honours in Behaviour, Cognition and Neuroscience at the University of Windsor. She is currently investigating neural activity during social interaction in typically developing and autistic individuals. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing music and creating pen & ink drawings
Laura Schneeberger
Laura is an MSc student in Psychology (Cognitive, Developmental, and Brain Sciences) at Western University. She completed her BSc Honours in Psychology at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. She is currently investigating changes in audiovisual processing in aging and age-related neurodegenerative disease. Her other interests include skiing, reading, and film photography
Michelle Luszawski
Michelle is an MSc student in the Clinical Psychology program at Western University. She completed her BSc Honours in Psychology and Major in French Studies at Western University. She is currently investigating sensory processing and multisensory integration in autistic individuals using ecological momentary assessment and EEG. Outside of the lab, Michelle enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time outdoors
HONOURS THESIS STUDENTS
Alex Huang
Alex is an Honours Thesis student in Psychology. He completed his B.Sc. in electrical engineering at University of Waterloo. Currently, he is helping Kara Hannah with her work on the academic achievement of autistic girls, under the supervision of Dr. Stevenson. Outside of the lab, he enjoys hiking, swimming, and everything outdoors
Alyssa Lynn
Alyssa is an Honours Thesis student in Dr. Ryan Stevenson’s lab completing her B.Sc in Psychology. She is currently helping Laura with her research investigating audiovisual integration in aging and age-related neurodegenerative disease. Outside of the lab, Alyssa enjoys swimming, baking and growing veggies in her garden
Beverly Moye
Beverly is a fourth-year Honours Thesis student in the lab, working to complete her Honours Specialization in Psychology (BSc). She is currently helping Carolynn with her research on the strengths, challenges and stigma associated with adult ADHD. Outside of the lab, Beverly enjoys reading, being active, and spending time with her soph team at Western!
Carol Atta
Carol is a fourth-year Honors Thesis student in the lab, working to complete her Honors Specialization in Psychology and music minor at Western University. She is currently helping Carolynn with her research on differences in sensory perception, specifically multisensory integration, in individuals with ADHD compared to typically developing controls. Outside the lab, Carol enjoys playing sports, spending time with her dog, and almost anything beach-related!
Emily Gillissie
Emily is an Honours Thesis student in the lab, working towards completing her Honours Specialization in Psychology at Western University. She is currently investigating sensorimotor gating in individuals with autism spectrum disorder using the prepulse inhibition task. Outside the lab, Emily enjoys playing with her dogs, painting and spending time with friends!
Jordyn Cohen
Jordyn is a fourth-year undergraduate thesis student completing an Honour’s Specialization in Psychology. In the lab, she is investigating auditory temporal processing and rate discrimination in children with autism. Her interests outside the lab include baking, getting involved in student life, and spending time with friends and family!
Stephanie Larmer
Steph is a Fourth Year Honours Thesis student in Dr. Ryan Stevenson’s lab, completing her Honours Specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (BSc). She is currently working with PhD candidate Kara Hannah exploring the effects of sex differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder on reading skills. Outside the lab Steph enjoys running outdoors, reading, and visiting new coffee shops
RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS
Alexandra Elmslie
Alexandra is a first year student studying Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at Western University. She is currently investigating multisensory integration in individuals with ADHD through the use of various neuroimaging techniques. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing piano, baking, and re-reading Jane Austen novels at cafes.
Alistair Dennis-Grantham
Alistair is a B.A candidate in the Honors Psychology program at King’s University College. He is currently volunteering in the investigation of how differing audiovisual information presented in virtual reality impacts gait in adults with ASD or ADHD. Outside of the lab, he enjoys reading novels, playing the piano, and tackling bouldering walls
Anahid Pourtousi
Anahid is a B.M.S.c candidate at Western University. She is currently investigating how sensory difficulties can influence motor function in autistic adults and adults with ADHD. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing the piano, buying Christmas decorations, and walking everyone’s dogs
Asal Hosseini
Asal is a second year student at Western University in Medical Sciences program. She is a new volunteer in the lab looking into the sensory perception and movement using VR. In her free time, she likes to travel, eat different foods, sleep and watch movies.
Bernice Leung
Bernice is a third year BMSc student in Physiology and Pharmacology. She was a USRI student in the summer of 2022, and is now a volunteer at the lab. She investigates multisensory integration in individuals with ADHD and also helps out with the VR Gait study. In her free time, she loves biking, swimming and exploring new restaurants
Cassandra Marceau-Linhares
Cassandra is a Research Assistant in Dr. Ryan Stevenson’s Lab, completing a double major in biological science and an honours specialization in psychology. Currently, she is conducting research on ASD traits and sex differences using factor analysis methods. Also, she is helping Ala’a with her work on the auditory brainstem in autistic children. Outside of the lab, she enjoys hanging out with her fluffy dog, rock climbing, going to concerts, and gaming.
Emily Berlovich
Emily is a third-year student working to complete an Honours Specialization in Psychology B.Sc. She is currently assisting Kate with her research investigating neural activity during social interaction in typical and autistic individuals. Outside of the lab, she enjoys travelling, baking, and putting together puzzles
Glenda Zhai
Glenda is a third year student pursuing her BSc in Neuroscience. She volunteers in the lab, looking into sensory perception using various neuroimaging techniques. In her free time, she likes to sing and eat good food.
Hiruthika Ravi
Hiruthika is a research assistant and lab manager. She completed her BSc in Neuroscience and a Psychology minor at Western University (completing her thesis in the lab), and is currently doing a special year in Psychology. Currently, she is helping Ala investigate the acoustic startle response in ASD and neurotypical children. Outside of the lab, she enjoys taking naps, Starbucks, and yelling at the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Any inquiries into the lab can also be directed to Hiruthika at: hravi@uwo.ca
Jessica Ierullo
Jessica is a third-year student working to complete an Honours Specialization in Psychology. She is currently assisting Michelle with her research investigating neural activity during visual tasks in autistic individuals. Outside of the lab, she enjoys travelling, spending time with friends, and swimming.
Jiya Gangwani
Jiya is a second year BMSc student working with Ala Seif, looking at sensory stimulation and how it is linked to brain stem development in children with autism. Outside of the lab, Jiya loves to read, bake, and spend time with her friends!
Ravneet Grewal
Ravneet is a second year BMSc student at Western University. She is currently helping with investigating how visual and auditory input impacts walking patterns of people with ADHD and autism. During her free time, she enjoys reading, swimming and travelling.
Sara Pergola
Sara is a second year student studying psychology at Western University She is currently volunteering in the investigation of how virtual reality can impact sensory influences (auditory or visual) impact walking patterns, and how it relates to social communication and other behaviours for autistic individuals as well as individuals with ADHD. Outside of the lab, she likes to read, watch movies and hang out with friends.
Sensory Perception Research 