Current Graduate Students
Mahda Shabani, MS - Mahda (مهدا) is a PhD student in the HuDDL Lab at the University of Iowa. She holds a bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Rehabilitation Sciences in Tehran, Iran, and a master's degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University. Before beginning her doctoral training, she worked as a pediatric occupational therapist with neurodivergent children for three years. Her research focuses on the relationship between motor skills and activities of daily living in autistic children, with the goal of better understanding how motor skills may influence functional independence and participation in everyday activities.
[email protected] | Curriculum Vitae | Google Scholar | LinkedIn
Lab Alumni
Alexis Bourgeois - Alexis is an undergraduate student at LSU pursuing dual degrees in Biological Sciences and Spanish on the pre-med track. She joined the HuDDL Lab in October 2024 and also holds a joint appointment with Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Her interests include pediatric neurodevelopment, motor skills, and healthcare.
Brady Napolitano - Brady is an undergraduate student at LSU majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-med track and is a member of the President’s Alumni Scholars 2029 cohort. He worked with the HuDDL Lab during his freshman year and is currently an undergraduate research assistant at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. He is interested in medicine and gaining research and clinical experience in preparation for medical school.
Alyson Bui - Alyson is an undergraduate student at LSU majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-med track and is a member of the Ogden Honors College. She worked with the HuDDL Lab during her freshman year and is currently an undergraduate research assistant at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Her interests include medicine and childhood development, and she plans to attend medical school after completing her undergraduate degree.
Iresa Lincoln - Iresa graduated in 2026 with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology from LSU. She joined the HuDDL Lab in Fall 2023 because of her interest in working with children and learning more about cognitive development. Iresa is currently attending medical school at the University of Florida College of Medicine.
Emma Vũ - Emma graduated in 2025 with a degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Biological Sciences from LSU. She joined the HuDDL Lab in Spring 2023 and was an active member of the College of Human Sciences and Education Ambassadors. Emma is currently attending medical school at LSU Health New Orleans, with an interest in radiation oncology.
Tiernan Daulte - Tiernan graduated in 2025 with dual degrees in Computer Engineering and Mathematics from LSU. She joined the HuDDL Lab in August 2023 and participated in the President’s Future Leaders in Research program, was recognized as a Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher candidate, and received the 2024 Astronaut Scholarship for her research in kinesiology. Tiernan is currently a Systems Engineer at Textron Systems.
Abigail Colie - Abigail graduated in 2025 with a degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Human Movement Science from LSU. She joined the HuDDL Lab in Fall 2022 and developed an interest in healthcare and working with others through her research experience. Abigail is currently working as a Clinic Manager at Natural Bio Health in College Station, Texas.
Kaci Sullivan - Kaci graduated in 2024 with a degree in Kinesiology from LSU. She joined the HuDDL Lab in Spring 2023 and was an active member of Phi Mu Fraternity while gaining clinical experience as a physical therapy technician. Kaci is currently pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB).
Cailyn Jones - Cailyn graduated in 2024 with a degree in Kinesiology from LSU. She joined the HuDDL Lab in Spring 2023 and was involved in research focused on human development and daily life. Cailyn is currently attending medical school at LSU Health Shreveport, with the goal of becoming a primary care physician serving underserved communities in Louisiana.