People

Group picture of the lab, Spring 2023

Lab Director

Federica Bulgarelli headshot

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.

Lab Manager

Marina Rabideau (she/her)

I am from the Rochester, NY area and graduated from SUNY Geneseo in May 2023 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Human Development! I enjoy doing anything artsy- especially drawing, painting, and photography. My ultimate goal is to get my PhD in Developmental Psychology!

Graduate Students

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.

Research Assistants

Amanda Rissman picture

Amanda Rissman

I am from Cortlandt Manor, NY (which is about 45 minutes from NYC). I am studying psychology with a minor in sociology. Outside of school, i love traveling, art and I enjoy spending time with friends.

Brianna Siem (she/her)

I am an undergraduate student at the University at Buffalo majoring in Psychology and minoring in French and Criminology. I am originally from Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Buffalo for school. When I’m not in school, I am waitressing, reading, or spending time with friends!

Brianna Siem headshot
Ebony Ngo picture

Ebony Ngo

Originally from San Jose, California but moved to Fort Drum, New York due to the military. My background is Vietnamese Chinese and currently I am a Psychology major who is pre-med track but also has an interest in the arts. You will most likely find me spending time with my pet rabbit Latte and learning new dance covers outside of school. 

Maddie Lehmann (she/her)

I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. I am a junior at UB double majoring in psychology and health and human services, with a concentration in child and family studies and a minor in counseling. In my free time, I paint, read, and enjoy taking my family and friends out to try new foods.

Maddie Lehmann picture
Mariza Khalaf picture

Mariza Khalaf

I am a research assistant and student at University at Buffalo. I am a junior majoring in Psychology and minor in biological sciences on a pre-med track. Outside of school I work in a nursing home as a CNA and I like learning different languages.

Sanai Sudlow

I am from Harlem, New York, which is in upper side Manhattan. I am studying Psychology with a minor in counseling here at UB. In my free time, I like to write and hang out with friends. During the summers, I am a lifeguard at my local pool. 

Sanai Sudlow picture

Riley Godwin

Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, I am currently in my Junior year at University at Buffalo, studying Psychology. Outside of campus, I work as a customer service associate at Tops Markets. When I’m off the clock, you’ll find me reading books, working out, watching Disney movies and spending time with family.