BRAIN Group Lab Members

Principal Investigator

Jennifer C. Britton, Ph.D.

Jennifer Britton

Dr. Jennifer Britton directs the BRAIN Group at the University of Miami. She is an Associate Professor in the Child Division and affiliated member of the Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Division of the Department of Psychology. She completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Michigan in 2005, and has conducted neuroimaging research at Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Dr. Britton's research focuses on understanding the intersection between anxiety, development and treatment.  See the "Research" tab for more information about Dr. Britton's ongoing projects. 

Graduate Students

  Megan McFarland, '28 Megan McFarland

Megan is a graduate student in the Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience program. She received her B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan before spending 2 years as a research assistant at Northwestern University examining psychomotor disturbances among individuals with depression. Her research interests focus on the interaction between cognition and emotion. Specifically, how disruptions in cognitive processes such as attention, inhibition, and working memory contribute to the emotional dysregulation seen in various psychological disorders. Outside of the lab, Megan enjoys cooking, exercising, and spending time with her family, friends and two cats (Charlie and Milo).

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Andrew Dinger - May 2028

Andrew is pursuing a major in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. Passionate about the intersection of science and patient care, Andrew is driven to apply his knowledge of the brain and human biology to help others through medicine. At the University of Miami, he serves on the executive board of the Canes Boxing Club, where he combines leadership with his enthusiasm for athletics. Outside of academics, he enjoys staying active, spending time with friends, and supporting his community.


Logan Hone - May 2028

Logan is a Foote Fellow pursuing a Neuroscience major with a minor in chemistry. After Graduation, he plans on going to medical school. He plans on having a career in psychiatry. Outside of class, he is a large fan of the South Florida sports teams and is a member of AMSA and Lambda Chi Alpha.


 

Maria Rotz

Maria Rotz - May 2028 

Maria Rotz is a Foote Fellow majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Biochemistry. She plans to pursue a medical degree after graduation, with a passion for exploring how the brain connects psychological conditions to their physical manifestations and developmental effects. Fascinated by the mind–body relationship, Maria hopes to apply this understanding to improve patient care and overall well-being. At the University of Miami, Maria is committed to academic excellence and feeding her curiosity in scientific research. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach, staying active in the gym, and discovering new cafés or cooking with friends.


Esther Premazzi

Esther Premazzi - May 2028 

Esther is pursuing a major in Psychology with a double minor in Exercise Physiology and Entrepreneurship. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a Psy.D. or a Clinical Ph.D. in psychology to become a child and adolescent psychologist, particularly interested in trauma and anxiety disorders. At UM, she is a member of The International Honor Society in Psychology and the Club Tennis Competitive Team. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, spending time in nature, and enjoying life with family and friends.


Danica Muroff

Danica Muroff - May 2028

Danica is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Microbiology and Immunology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical psychology, aspiring to become a licensed pediatric clinical psychologist. On campus, Danica is actively involved as a member of the pre-health sorority Kappa Gamma Delta, a Nike Running Ambassador, and is an alumna of the “First Year U” program. In her free time, she enjoys painting, working out, spending time at the beach, and hanging out with her friends!


Madeline BrownMadeline Brown - May 2027 

Madeline is currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a focus on the Neuropsychology track. She is particularly passionate about exploring brain function and its connection to mental illness, especially how neurological differences may contribute to mood disorders and cognitive flexibility. She values a holistic approach to healing and enjoy practicing yoga outside of academics, incorporating principles such as grounding, mindfulness, and balance, all of which she hopes to integrate into my future clinical work. She served as the Mindfulness Coordinator for my sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, where she helped promote mental health awareness and wellness practices within the University of Miami community.


Alexandra Lutcavage

Alexandra Lutcavage - May 2027

Alexandra is pursuing a major in Neuroscience with a minor in Marine Science. In the future, Alexandra plans to continue research with the goal of a Ph.D. She is especially interested in the field of mindfulness-based cognitive neuroscience. In her free time Alexandra enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and cooking with friends.

 


Isabella Swierzawska

Isabella Swierzawska - May 2027

Isabella is a Foote Fellow pursuing a Neuroscience major with a minor in Biochemistry and General Music. After graduation, she plans on continuing her education in medical school. She is particularly interested in affective neuroscience. Outside of school, Isabella is a member of the Phoenyx a capella group, AMSA and Tricanes. She loves to spend time with family, hike and run.


 Will Selby Will Selby - May 2026

Will is pursuing a Psychology and Sociology double major, as well as a double minor in Philosophy and Management. Following undergrad he hopes to earn a Psy.D. in clinical psychology and earn licensure as a therapist. He is particularly interested in the growing field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. On campus, he currently serves as both the risk manager & mental health chair of Beta Theta Pi. Outside of school, he enjoys live music and spending time in nature.


 Erin LuisErin Luis - May 2026

Erin is currently pursuing her BS in Psychology with a Certificate in Law, Ethics and Society at Florida International University. Her interests in psychology reside in cognitive research, specifically in areas of anxiety and anxiety disorders, avoidance, and emotional complexities. Erin aspires to obtain her Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology Post Grad and facilitate cognitive research herself. Her campus involvement includes working at the Student Health Clinic as a Peer Educator and is an Eboard Officer of FIU's Thrift Club. Outside of school and work, Erin enjoys people watching at the beach, exploring new art mediums and spending time with her snake.

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