ResearchersCenter for Developmental Science

Lab Members
Kyle E. Chambers Associate Professor of Psychological Science CDS Director Professor Chambers is interested in cognitive development across the lifespan. In particular, he studies the mechanisms that enable children to acquire language and the processes by which adults accommodate and learn from recent linguistic experiences. Learn more about Kyle at his personal website.
Anastasia Rutz Laboratory Coordinator Hey there! I'm Anastasia Rutz, a senior Psychology & French double-major from St. Paul, MN. I'm thrilled to be exploring the role of Lab Coordinator! On campus, I am involved as a Community Coordinator and love working with ResLife. I am the president of the Martial Arts Club and enjoy being a barista at River Rock Coffee. In my free time, I like to drink coffee, nanny, watch movies with friends and conquer jigsaw puzzles. Fun Fact: I studied abroad in southern India during the Fall of 2017. Once I graduate, my goal is to work with a community outreach organization that helps kids from underrepresented communities, and soon earn a graduate degree.
Ellie Anderson Research Assistant Hello everyone! My name is Ellie Anderson and I am from St. Paul, Minnesota. I am a sophomore Psychology and Political Science double major. At Gustavus, I enjoy playing volleyball, working in the Marketing & Communication office, and being a member of the Habitat for Humanity Executive Board. I am very interested in women's mental and physical health, so I hope to either be advocating for or working in the field of women's health after graduation. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside, hanging out with friends, and playing cribbage!
Brooke Copeland Research Assistant Hi everyone! My name is Brooke and I am from a small town called Lindstrom, Minnesota. I am currently going into my second year at Gustavus, and I am a Psychological Science major with a minor in religion. After graduation, I plan to attend a graduate school to become a certified marriage and family therapist. Outside of my psychology major, I am involved in Adopt a Grandparent, Cards for a Cause, Cru, Gustavus Youth Outreach, Prepare, and Proclaim. I also work in the Saint Peter Elementary Schools as a SAC (school age childcare) assistant supervisor, and I work in my hometown at the elementary school as an after-school supervisor. When I have some extra free time, I love to stay active with soccer and volleyball, spend time with my family and friends, walking with my dogs, going hiking, camping, and boating!
Samantha Dixon Research Assistant Hi, my name is Samantha Dixon and I am a Junior Psychological Science major here at Gustavus. I was born in St. Paul but grew up in Mound, Minnesota. I am a member of the Theta Xi Gamma sorority, the Gustavus Dance Team, and I have a job on campus as well. I am still in the process of figuring out exact plans for after graduation but I will be attending grad school with goals of working with individuals with developmental delays or mental disabilities.
Elena Gottlick Research Assistant Hi! My name is Elena Gottlick. I am a senior Psychology/Pre-Speech and Language Pathology double major from Rockford, Illinois. During my free time at Gustavus, I enjoy being an active leader in United Campus Ministries, serving as a Psychological Science department tutor, working in the Chaplain's Office, and of course playing a role in the Center for Developmental Science! Having just gotten back from a semester in Sweden, I am very passionate about all things progressive and am very interested in the Swedish/Scandinavian approach to child care/development as a whole. After graduation, I will (fingers crossed!) be attending a master's program for Speech and Language Pathology with a pediatric focus. Until, then though, I look forward to a fantastic year with you all!
Ava Hanson Research Assistant My name is Ava Hanson and I am from Medina, Minnesota. I am a sophomore and will most likely major in Psychological Science and minor in Spanish. On campus, I work in the Lund Center and I am a part of the women's soccer team. In my free time I like to spend time with friends, watch Netflix, and be active!
Chase Miller Research Assistant Hi! My name is Chase Miller and I am from Brooklyn Park, MN. I am currently a senior at Gustavus and am majoring in psychology and political science. I hope to work someday as a school psychologist in an elementary school or kindergarten center. On campus, I am a part of the women's soccer team, SAAC, and work in print and mail services. In my free time I love biking, reading, watching The Office, and just being outside as much as possible.
Isabel St. Dennis Research Assistant Hi! My name is Isabel St. Dennis, I am a sophomore psychology major, from Edina, Minnesota. At Gustavus I enjoy singing in the Choir of Christ Chapel, serving as a volunteer in Gustie Buddies, working as a scheduler for Gustavus Event Services, and hanging out with my friends! This summer I worked as a mentor for the Gustavus Academy for Faith, Science, and Ethics, where I interacted with biblical scholars, scientists, thologians, farmers, and high school students. In the future, I'd like to become a Speech and Language Pathologist, specializing in child development. In my free time, I love to be outside and active, playing with animals, and going to my cabin.
Sonje Carlson Research Assistant Hi, my name is Sonje Carlson and I grew up in Eagan but I now live in Inver Grove Heights, MN. I am a Junior Psychological Science major here at Gustavus. I am a member of the Big Partner Little Partner program, the Women's Lacrosse Team, Pound Pals and I work at the Swanson Tennis Center. My plan after graduation is to go on to get my Masters in Child Development and Psychology in order to become a Child Life Specialist.