Alejandro Gili
Head Lab Director
Hello! As a Lab Director, I oversee the hard work of other lab directors and assist them in any part of their roles that they may need help with. I answer inquiries regarding the IRB (Institutional Review Board) or IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) processes, or any of the software we use to develop our experiments. I coordinate attendance at conferences in and out of state. I also participate in interviews and ensure mid-semester check-ins with other lab directors. Lastly, serving as a mentor and responding to inquiries and concerns from lab members is a continuous responsibility that I take very seriously.
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In my research, I explore the role of the PMFC in our brain and how it affects self-enhancement and biases certain behaviors. In optogenetics, I explore drosophila m. behavior after conditioning.
Mariana Acosta
Research Assistant
Hi! I am currently a senior in the BA/MA program for Psychological Sciences. In my current studies, I am interning at Kessler Rehab Foundation in the Cognitive and Affective Neuropsychology Lab working with outpatients with TBI
Lauren Rivera
Research Assistant
Psilocybin, Alcohol, and Drosophila
Ashton Morante
Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Ashton Morante and I am a sophomore at Montclair studying Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. A little fun fact about me is that I am also a am an admissions ambassador!
Rebecca Gardner
Research Assistant
Hi and welcome to our lab! I’m a science major interested in the neural mechanisms underlying self-awareness, social cognition, and emotional processing. I’m especially curious about how cognitive and emotional responses are mapped in the brain using physiological and neuro stimulation approaches.
Malak Albedawe
Research Assistant
Gibbons
Elia Zaka
Research Assistant
Gibbons
Natalia Cifuentes
Research Assistant
Hi! I am a fourth-year student at Montclair State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. I am interested in researching the neurobiology of cognition and social behavior, with a particular focus on how these neural mechanisms may differ across underserved and underrepresented populations in the fields of psychology and neuroscience research.
Zoey Horn
Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Zoey Horn. I am interested in researching and learning about the fundamental workings of the brain, the basis of consciousness and the subconscious, and mental health disorders.
Veronica Zanca
Research Assistant
I examine the effects of TMS on the attraction of individuals and how they are perceived by others
Aleyna Uslu
Research Assistant
I have a strong interest in understanding how the brain influences our thoughts, perceptions, and interactions with the world. My interest in neuroscience stems from my goal of becoming an occupational therapist. I am particularly curious about self-perception, cognition, and neuroplasticity, specifically, how the brain adapts and changes over time. Being part of this lab allows me to explore these topics further while gaining valuable research experience!
Nicole Candiotti
Research Assistant
Cogneuroscience
Danielle Dinome
Research Assistant
Animal Research
Our Adventures
Not only do we spend time together researching topics about the self, but we also like to explore and learn more about ourselves!
Good times, and good costumes! CogneuroLab Annual Halloween Party was terrific!
We presented 3 posters at NEPA's 63rd Annual Conference in Worcester, MA
The Lab Skydive! Yes, we all jumped!
We love good food and creating meaningful experiences!
The Cognitive Neuroimaging Lab at Sense to Synapse is a bustling hub of activity and innovation. Here are some of the local high school students that work in the lab, showcasing the lab's commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists. These bright young minds work alongside graduate and undergraduate students, creating a collaborative and dynamic environment that encourages learning and growth for all. The mix of different education levels promotes a culture of mentorship, where the more experienced students can guide and support the younger ones. Together, they engage in cutting-edge research, using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to explore the mysteries of the human brain. The lab is a space where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is shared, and the future of cognitive neuroscience is being shaped.
Numerous alumni hold advanced degrees such as PhDs and MDs, while many others are in the process of completing their academic journey. Some have ventured into clinical roles, academia, or the corporate world. To contact any of our former students, please reach out via email to the lab as, with a network of over a hundred alumni, it is impractical to maintain an up-to-date list of current emails on our website. Our alumni network is vast and diverse, representing a wide array of talents and expertise. They are making significant contributions to their respective fields, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.
