People

Dr. Federica Bulgarelli (she/her)

I am an Assistant Professor in the departments of Psychology and Learning and Instruction at the University at Buffalo. I first became interested in language development and bilingualism when I took a Communication Science and Disorders course in college and was able to put names to the experiences I remembered from learning English after moving to the US in middle school. I received my Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University in 2018, and was a postdoc at Duke University prior to starting at UB.

Marzie Samimifar

I am from Esfahan, Iran. I earned my M.A. in Linguistics, focusing on psycholinguistics and bilingualism. Currently, I’m a Ph.D. student at UB, on the way to learning and enjoying a new chapter of my life. I usually spend my free time painting, listening to music, and walking.

Evia Zhang

I am originally from Rochester, NY but my family moved to San Diego, CA a few years ago. I am majoring in Cognitive Science and my interests include design, playing the guitar, and reading.

Loise Allen C. Pador

I was born in the Philippines and moved to Watertown NY at the age of 5. I am majoring in psychology with a minor in counseling. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, hiking, and going to the beach with my friends. I also love seafood and anything pink! 

Gemma Barberio

I am a Buffalo native in my junior year. My major is speech and hearing sciences, with a minor in psychology. I’m interested in researching how children can develop language and music, and I plan to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Outside of school, I work part-time at a day camp as a camp counselor. In my free time, I like to make jewelry and sing opera!

Rasoa Okioga

I am a junior at UB pursuing a double degree in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology. I am also an international student from Nairobi, Kenya, and am on the pre-med track. I enjoy reading, painting, binge-watching shows, and listening to music. 

Sherry Smith

Hi! I’m from Buffalo, NY. I am in my second-year majoring in Psychology and Italian with a minor in management. In my free time I love traveling, going to Pilates, trying new restaurants, and reading books.

Guillermo Freeburg Rojas

My name is Guillermo and I am a Junior studying psychology. I was born in Concepción, Chile and lived there until I was 12. I’ve lived in Williamsville, New York ever since. In my free time I like riding my bike, reading, and spending time with mi polola. I would eventually like to become a Child Psychologist.