The Eghbalzad Lab!
I am excited and proud to have officially started my Psychology research lab at Oxford College, The Eghbalzad Lab (chosen by my students)! In addition to my scholarship development goals, my goal is to offer first- and second-year undergraduate students a dynamic and enriching learning environment where they can develop essential research skills, engage in meaningful research activities, receive mentorship and guidance, and prepare for their transition into the last 2 years of college. These technical and interpersonal skills include, but are not limited to, information literacy, research writing, data collection, data analysis (behavioral and neuroimaging), team and group work, and research communication skills.
We are currently conducting an innovative research project examining how children’s early life experiences influence learning, language, and brain development. This study integrates behavioral assessments with noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to better understand the neural and cognitive mechanisms that support learning in childhood. Findings from this work aim to inform educational and clinical practices that promote resilience and equitable developmental outcomes for children from diverse backgrounds. We are currently recruiting children ages 6–12 and their caregivers to participate
Principal Investigator
Leyla Eghbalzad, Ph.D.
Lab Manager
Ebru Pinar, Ph. D.
Ebru is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at Emory Oxford College and joined the lab in Fall 2025 as Lab Manager. Her research examines how parents and children communicate, with a focus on both verbal and nonverbal cues. She is also interested in understanding more about human cognition. Outside of teaching and research, Ebru enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Alec Lin
Alec is an undergraduate student at Emory University majoring in chemistry on a pre–med track. On campus, Alec works as a chemistry tutor and student instructor, while off campus, he works as a volunteer EMT. Alec joined the Eghbalzad Lab in Spring 2024 and is interested in learning more about statistical learning and the cognitive factors that interact with it. In his free time, Alec enjoys playing volleyball, going to the gym, and spending time with friends.
Stephanie Li
Stephanie is an undergraduate student majoring in biology and statistics at Emory Oxford College on the pre-med track. On campus, she is involved in global health clubs and is passionate about health equity. Stephanie joined the Eghbalzad Lab in the Spring of 2024 and is interested in how socioeconomic status impacts child developmental trajectory, including cognition, statistical learning, language, etc. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys playing the violin, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family!
Lilly Ferrell
Lilly is an undergraduate student at Oxford College of Emory University with an interest in both Psychology and Chemistry. On campus, she is involved in Music for Change and the Oxford Soul Collective while working as a Chemistry lab teaching assistant and catalyst. Lilly joined the Eghbalzad Lab in Spring of 2025 and is passionate about the short-term and long-term effects of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on behavioral and cognitive development. In her free time, Lilly enjoys singing with her band, writing, and taking a nature walk.
Avi Miller
Lab Alumni
Undergraduate Research Assistant: Stella Lee