Matthew D. Lerner, PhD
Lab Director
he/him/his
Bio
His work is dedicated to an understanding of the processes of social development and social connection throughout the lifespan. Dr. Lerner explores perception, cognition, behavior, and context to develop new models of social functioning across the range of neurodiverse populations, and develops, implements, and tests novel interventions and supports to facilitate social connection for those who may otherwise struggle to do so. |
Allison Nahmias, MeD, PhD
Assistant Clinical Professor
she/her/hers
Bio
Her research interests include understanding how to best meet the needs of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities in the settings in which they receive services, so that programs are delivered in effective and sustainable ways. She is passionate about improving mental health for children and adolescents, as well as training school and community mental health providers in evidence-based interventions, so that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and achieve their goals. Her work has been recognized by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) for its impact on the field of autism research. |
Jared Richards, BS
PhD Student - Drexel
they/any
Bio
Jared is interested in using multi-method approaches to investigate transdiagnostic social and emotional factors related to health in autism and co-occurring conditions. Jared is also interested in studying community-derived constructs (e.g., autistic burnout) and leveraging the lived experience of community members to improve and personalize mental health interventions for autistic people. In addition to research experience, Jared looks forward to leading training programs to disseminate information about autism to professionals and community members and excited to help incorporate more community and/or participatory methods into SCTL’s work. |
Ava Gurba, MS
Senior Research Associate
she/her/hers
Bio
Her research interests are diverse but include neurodiversity, neurodiversity-affirming interventions and support for autistic individuals, mental health and autism, stigma & prejudice in autism, autistic identity, and autistic and disability advocacy. Ava also seeks to utilize participatory approaches in research that centers and uplifts the perspectives of autistic individuals, their families, and their communities. She collaborates with researchers, professionals, and those with lived experience around the world on various projects. |
Kyleigh Hricak, BA
Research Associate
she/her/hers
Bio
She previously studied in an undergraduate research lab for 3 years, where she began working with autistic and non-autistic children to understand communication styles. During the Pandemic, while living with her autistic, adult twin brother, she became interested in autistic adults and their experiences during COVID-19. Particularly, she dedicated two years conducting qualitative interviews with autistic adults and parents of autistic adults to understand their experiences during the public health crisis. Kyleigh is strongly passionate about conducting qualitative research in the autism research field because she believes that qualitative methods are an essential way to understand and connect with a research group of interest. |
Kilmer Merritt-Gawe, BA
Research Associate
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Bio
Kilmer joins SCTL after working with community mental health Organizations. Previously they built and led programs supporting historically underserved youth families in building resilience and accessing resources. They are interested in health disparities – their manifestation, impact, and moderation. In Kilmer’s spare time, you can find them at a concert. |
Talena Day, MA
PhD Student - Stony Brook
she/her/hers
Bio
She studies neural mechanisms involved in emotion and reward processing. Her research focuses on understanding factors contributing to the high rates of co-occurring internalizing disorders observed in autism. 
Kristin Walker, MA
PhD Student - Stony Brook
she/her/hers
Bio
Her research is grounded in a strengths-based perspective, emphasizing the inherent value of differences in fostering human diversity. She aims to: 1) better understand the experiences of the d/Deaf and hard of hearing, as well as autistic communities, with a special focus and hard of hearing, as well as autistic communities, with a special focus on the intersectionality of these identities, and 2) identify and address disparities experienced by the disability community. |
Jacquelyn Gates, MA
PhD Student - Stony Brook
she/her/hers
Bio
Her research focuses on increasing the effectiveness of social supports and dissemination of research and knowledge to people and professionals research and knowledge to people and professionals people with various mood and internalizing disorders and with various mood and internalizing disorders and interpersonal difficulties using a neurodiversity affirming perspective. 
Ellie Goodwill, BA
Lab Coordinator
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Bio
She graduated from Stony Brook University in May 2022 with a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and Sociology with minors in Health, Medicine & Society and Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies. She is interested in developmental psychopathology and the neural mechanisms associated with ASD and ADHD. Ellie hopes to pursue her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in the future and work with children in underserved communities. |
Morgan McNair, MA
PhD Student - Stony Brook
she/her/hers
Bio
Her research interests center on social interactions and social problem solving in autistic and non-autistic children and adolescents. Clinically, Morgan is interested in assessing and diagnosing neurodevelopmental Morgan is interested in assessing and diagnosing neurodevelopmental youth's strengths and unique challenges they may experience |
