Research and Clinical Assistants

MINT Research and Clinical Assistants

Amanda Abreu

Amanda Abreu , is an undergraduate student at Florida International University majoring in Psychology. In addition to her time as a research assistant, Amanda works as a receptionist at a private practice, guiding patients and prospective patients towards the best care for their needs. She plans to pursue a higher education in the field of Psychology and provide care to working class populations and under-served communities. Amanda’s goal is to provide accessible care with an honest and compassionate approach. Her hobbies include painting, sculpting clay pieces, going to the beach, and trying new food.

Devanshi Gaur

Devanshi Gaur is an undergraduate student in Behavioral Neuroscience and the Honors College at Florida International University. Her research interests center on neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, with particular interests in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, and the biological and behavioral mechanisms underlying these conditions. She plans to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience and is excited to expand her research experience at the MINT Lab, particularly in understanding anxiety and its physiological and behavioral correlates

Evelyn Garcia Capote

Evelyn Garcia Capote is a senior undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Florida International University. Her research interests include child and adolescent mental health, evidence-based interventions, and clinical psychology. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and hopes to integrate research and clinical practice to improve outcomes for children and families.

Janae Rucker, B.S.

Janae Rucker earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience and is passionate about exploring the complex relationship between the brain, behavior, and mental health. She is particularly interested in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions and how neuroscience research can contribute to more effective, accessible, and evidence-based approaches to mental health care. Beyond her academic interests, Janae is deeply committed to serving underserved communities through extensive volunteer involvement with nonprofit organizations supporting children and individuals facing social and economic challenges. Janae plans to pursue a medical doctorate and become a psychiatrist, with the long-term goal of integrating neuroscience, clinical medicine, and research to improve mental health outcomes and expand access to care for underserved populations.

Giuliana Rojas

Giuliana Rojas works as a wellness coordinator at an adolescent wellness facility and has developed a strong passion for supporting children and adolescents, particularly through neuropsychology and psychological testing. She is excited to continue growing in her career and hopes to learn from this lab in ways that she can apply directly to her everyday work to better support the youth she serves.

Lauren Lockhart

Lauren Lockhart is an undergraduate student at Florida International University majoring in Psychology and completing a Certificate in Health Humanities. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Psychology in hopes of eventually establishing a private practice. Lauren envisions to destigmatize mental health conversations and offer effective solutions for mental illness without medication. She is particularly interested in researching the impact of social media, conformity, social isolation, and substance abuse on the developing brain, as well as the behaviors these factors may trigger. In her leisure time, she enjoys working out, listening to music, and savoring good food!

Eleani Padrón

Eleani Padrón , is a recent graduate of Florida International University seeking to address gaps in academic scientific research on the Latinx community through active involvement, conversation, and advocacy. She dreams of providing compassionate, quality, accessible, culturally-competent care to diverse populations in Spanish and English through work as a Counseling/Clinical Psychologist. Her values of collective well-being and empowerment through knowledge translate into her favorite pastimes of movement in all forms, especially salsa and reggaetón dance, singing, and reading.