NATASHA DUELL, PHD
Lab Director
Natasha Duell (she/her) directs the ADAPT Lab. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Child Development at Cal Poly. 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 is especially interested in risky decision-making during adolescence, with a particular emphasis on positive risks.
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
Project Coordinator
Débora is a recent Cal Poly graduate from São Paulo, Brazil. She holds a BS 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.
SKY KRUEGER
Research Assistant
Sky is a second-year student at Cal Poly majoring in Child Development and minoring in theater. Her research interests center around vulnerable populations and are continuing to develop throughout her academic career. She aspires to publish research of her own and pursue a PHD after graduation. Her other interests include competing with the Cal Poly Debate Team, constructing costumes with the theater department, and attempting latte art at her barista job.
ISABELLA VERAN
Research Assistant
Isabella is a recent graduate of Cal Poly with a BA in Sociology (Criminal Justice focus) 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. Outside of academics, she played on the Cal Poly Women’s Lacrosse Team and interned at the County of SLO District Attorney’s Victim Awareness 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, BS Psychology, Cal Poly 2025
Former Lab Manager | Incoming Project Coordinator for the Developmental Social Neuroscience Lab at UNC Chapel Hill (PI: Dr. Eva Telzer)
Rian Ammann, B.S. Psychology, Minor Child Development, Cal Poly 2025
Former Project Coordinator for ID Study | Currently a Behavior Technician in SLO
Sydney Tucknott, B.S. Psychology, Minor Child Development, Cal Poly 2024 | Natasha’s first RA! | Currently a Behavior Technician in Santa Barbara
Sami Greisdorf, B.S. Sociology, Concentration in Criminal Justice, Minor Child Development, Cal Poly 2024 | Former Research Assistant | Incoming PsyD Student at the University of Houston
Ana Leon, B.S. Psychology, Cal Poly 2025
Former Research Assistant and BEACoN Scholar
Incoming Coordinator at Fighting Back Santa Maria
Rebecca Stein, B.S. Kinesiology, Cal Poly 2024
Former Research Assistant | Current nursing student at UC Davis
natashaduell.com 