People in the ADAPT Lab

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]

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 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.

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.