Natasha Duell, PhD
Natasha Duell (she/her) is the director of the ADAPT Lab. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Child Development at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Dr. Duell received her PhD from Temple University and completed NIH-T32 and NSF postdoctoral fellowships at UNC Chapel Hill. Her research examines psychosocial, cultural, and biological factors influencing adolescent decision-making. She developed one of the first conceptual theories of positive risk taking in adolescence and her positive risk taking scale is being administered and validated among samples of youth across the world. To answer her research questions, Natasha uses experimental tasks, ecological momentary assessments, fMRI, and hormone sampling methods. [contact: nduell@calpoly.edu]
Research Assistants
Lainey Cauffman
Lab Manager
Lainey is a fourth-year student at Cal Poly majoring in Psychology (Research Track) and minoring in Child Development and Media Arts, Society and Technology. Her research interests are in adolescent development and personality assessment, though she is still exploring! After graduation from Cal Poly, Lainey hopes to continue her education and pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, rock climbing, hiking, and movie watching.
Débora Vitaliano
Youth Advisory Board Coordinator
Débora is a fifth-year student at Cal Poly from São Paulo, Brazil, completing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Ethnic Studies and Child Development. Her academic interests center on child and adolescent development, with a particular focus on identity exploration among BIPOC and LGBTQIA individuals, as well as the effects of trauma and resilience within these communities. Débora plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Health to help develop community services and strategies that better support these populations. In her free time, she finds joy in the outdoors, often camping, hiking, and exploring nature. She also values time spent with family and friends.
Ana Leon
My name is Ana Leon, and I am a Fourth year majoring in Psychology. I’m originally from Santa Maria. My academic interests primarily focus on working with the Latinx and BIPOC communities, with a particular emphasis on the social and trauma aspects. However, I am always open to exploring new topics and areas of learning. After graduation, I hope to continue gaining experience, either by working alongside a professor and than eventually applying for a Ph.D. or Master’s program, depending on what path feels right. When I’m not in school, you can find me out with friends, exploring new places, or spending quality time with my family and dogs!
Isabella Veran
Research Assistant
Isabella is a fourth year student at Cal Poly from Concord, California pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice and minors in Child Development and Law and Society. Her research interests focus on the impact of interpersonal relationships on development, particularly how mentorship and secure attachment can reduce the likelihood of future deviant behavior. She is also interested in the connection between the mind and body, particularly how trauma and chronic stress manifest physically, and how understanding these responses can inform more holistic approaches to mental health care and healing. After graduation, she plans to attend law school to pursue a career in justice and advocacy. Outside of academics, she plays on the Cal Poly Women’s Lacrosse team and interns at the County of San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Center. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, taking yoga classes, and spending time with friends and family.
Lab Alumni
Jack Nunn
Lab Manager
Jack is a senior from Moraga, California, completing his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. His research interests include adolescent development in multicultural contexts, specifically the impacts of stress hormones on adolescent decision-making and behavior during interracial interactions. After his undergraduate studies, he plans on attaining his graduate degree in Counseling or Developmental psychology. Jack aspires to pursue a career in mental health care working with marginalized communities such as LGBTQ+ youth. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, playing soccer, and watching cartoons.
Rian Ammann
Project Coordinator
Rian Ammann is a fourth-year from Elk Grove, California majoring in Psychology and minoring in Child Development. Her research interests include stress, socioemotional development in children, and the impact that human behavior and habits have on mental and physical health. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, spending time with friends, and hiking around San Luis Obispo.
Sydney Tucknott
Research Assistant
Sydney is a recent graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, originally from Santa Barbara, CA. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development, focusing her research on child and adolescent development, particularly how fostering emotional intelligence can support mental wellness and lead to positive life outcomes.
Currently, Sydney works as a Behavior Technician in Santa Barbara, where she is gaining valuable clinical experience as she prepares to pursue a doctorate in Pediatric Clinical Psychology. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active at the gym, spending time at the beach, and connecting with friends. Fun fact: Sydney was Natasha’s very first research assistant at Cal Poly!!
Sami Greisdorf
Research Assistant
Sami Greisdorf graduated from California Polytechnic State University in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a concentration in Criminal Justice, and a minor in Child Development. Her research interests center on the intersection of psychology and the law, with a particular emphasis on forensic assessment, promoting fair trials for individuals with mental illness, and examining the environmental, psychological, and social factors that shape criminal behavior. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology with the ultimate goal of supporting and advocating for individuals with mental illnesses who are involved in the legal system. Outside of academics, she enjoys camping, spending time with friends, and staying active through CrossFit-style workouts.
Rebecca Stein
Lab Alum
Rebecca graduated from Cal Poly in 2024 with a major in Kinesiology and a concentration in health promotion. Her interests include advocating for women and children in health settings. She aspires to further her education by pursuing a master’s degree in nursing, aiming to deepen her understanding of healthcare and enhance her ability to effect positive change in clinical settings. In her free time, she enjoys San Luis Obispo beaches, reading, spending time with friends and family, and staying active through various forms of exercise.
natashaduell.com 