Kristen Elmore
Dr. Kristen Elmore is the Director of PRYDE and Associate Director of the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research. She completed her doctoral training in Social Psychology and Social Work at the University of Michigan. Kristen’s research examines the self, identity processes, and motivation in the domains of health and education. Much of her work studies how social contextual factors shape adolescents’ identity development.
Tim Mateer
Timothy Mateer is the Research Coordinator of PRYDE. He received a dual PhD from the Pennsylvania State University in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and the Environment & Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. His research focuses on how recreational and educational experiences in natural environments support the wellbeing of both social and ecological systems. He has a particular interest in youth environmental education programs.
JENNIFER DUQUE
Jennifer Duque serves as the Student Programs Coordinator, supporting the PRYDE Scholars Program, the BCTR Scholars Program, and the College of Human Ecology minor in Translational Research. Her experience spans working in college access, career services, student transition programs, and encouraging student access and exposure to high-impact practices. Jennifer received her Master of Science in Higher Education from Syracuse University.
Alexa Maille
Alexa Maille serves as the NYS 4-H Youth Development Program Leader. Alexa supports 4-H leaders in weaving together the science and practice of positive youth development by creating opportunities for youth and adults to grow their sparks and strengths, to notice how they can contribute to the world through those sparks, and to grow reciprocal relationships and systems that cultivate environments where everyone thrives.
Lynandrea Mejia
Lynandrea Mejia is an Administrative Assistant in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR). She supports the Director of the BCTR, co-leads event planning and execution for the Center, and manages student finance matters in PRYDE. Lynandrea is dedicated to meeting the administrative needs of students, faculty, staff, and partners to allow them to do their meaningful work.
Anthony Burrow
Dr. Anthony Burrow is the Ferris Family Associate Professor of Life Course Studies in the Department of Psychology and Director of the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research. He is also the Associate Dean of Outreach and Extension at Cornell Human Ecology and serves as the Provost’s Fellow for Public Engagement. Dr. Burrow directs the Purpose and Identity Processes Laboratory, which researches the correlation between a sense of purpose and youth development and resilience, and how racial identification influences one’s lens of viewing and adjusting to life experiences. Dr. Burrow served as the inaugural Director of PRYDE until 2025.
Senior PRYDE Scholars: Class of 2027
Samantha Frangione
Samantha Frangione is a senior studying Human Development, with minors in Inequality Studies and Law & Society. As a PRYDE Scholar, she works with Dr. Amanda Purington Drake in ACT for Youth, contributing to the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Center of Excellence, which supports local health departments in improving resources and family engagement for CYSHCN across New York State. Samantha is passionate about creating inclusive environments and supporting the well-being of children and adolescents. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.
Isabela Gonzalez
Isabela Gonzalez is a senior studying Human Development who is interested in developmental psychopathology, particularly how social environments and biological changes in adolescence influence mental health. As a PRYDE Scholar, she works with Dr. Jane Mendle in the Adolescent Transitions Lab, which investigates how puberty and social contexts shape adolescent development and mental health. She aims to translate these insights into real-world applications in schools and community programs. Isabela plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work and counseling to develop interventions that foster mental health, empowerment, and purpose among adolescents. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga and teaching community classes as a certified instructor.
MOLLY HEINZELMAN
Molly Heinzelman is a senior majoring in Human Development with a minor in health policy. As a PRYDE scholar, she works alongside Dr. Gary Evans, researching what children understand about climate change and their emotional reactions to it. She is particularly interested in exploring how various factors influence mental health and in developing strategies to mitigate their impact, enabling individuals to live more fulfilling lives. After graduation she hopes to go to graduate school to pursue a career as a psychologist.
Ashley Huynh
Ashley Huynh is a senior majoring in Human Biology, Health, & Society, with a minor in Human Development. As a PRYDE scholar, she works with Dr. Laura Bellows in the Health Behaviors Lab to develop community-based interventions to promote healthy eating and physical exercise in children, and in turn, mitigate childhood obesity and health inequities. After college, she plans to pursue medicine and health equity, hoping to become a physician who understands how systemic structures shape the health of her patients.
Janier James
Janier James is a senior majoring in Human Development. She works in the Black Girl Visions Collaborative with Dr. Ailsworth. Here, Janier investigates the lived experiences and knowledge of Black girls or femme-identified people through centering their livelihood and experiences in order to craft safe spaces to be their authentic selves. She is interested in exploring the stereotypes that prohibit Black girls from being themselves and getting the support they need to dismantle any stigmas surrounding mental health diagnoses and support in the Black community. After college, she aims to be a practicing Clinical Psychologist.
Thomas Lee
Thomas Lee is a senior majoring in Human Development. He works with Dr. Jane Mendle in the Adolescent Transitions Lab, exploring how childhood events, the pubertal transition, and cultural expectations surrounding puberty influence youth development. Thomas is particularly interested in the role of caregivers in supporting adolescents' adjustment during this period. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in primary care and explore various cultures and natural wonders from around the world.
Joanne Lin
Joanne Lin is a senior majoring in Human Biology, Health, & Society with a minor in Gerontology. She works alongside Dr. Marlen Gonzalez in the Life History Lab to explore the health outcomes and social outcomes influenced by broader developmental factors and contexts. After college, Joanne plans to attend medical school and pursue a specialty in either family medicine, OB/GYN, or pediatrics.
Hyun Lim
Hyun Lim is a senior majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society and minoring in Human Development. As a PRYDE Scholar, Hyun is excited to join the ACT for Youth Center with Dr. Amanda Purington Drake, aiding in research to support youth with special healthcare needs and improve their engagement with education. Hyun is passionate about addressing healthcare disparities in youth academia and supporting the health of adolescents. After graduation, Hyun hopes to pursue a career in medicine built around meeting the needs of communities and improving scientific literature.
Junior PRYDE Scholars: Class of 2028
alexis forbes
Alexis Forbes is a junior majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences with a minor in Gerontology. As a PRYDE Scholar, she works with Dr. Nancy Wells exploring how natural and built environments influence child development and well-being. Growing up in Upstate New York, Alexis is particularly interested in understanding the unique experiences of youth in the region and how research can be translated into meaningful improvements within their communities. After graduation, she plans to pursue both an MPH and MD, with the goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon and incorporating public health into her work as a physician.
jemma hendricks
Jemma Hendricks is a junior majoring in Human Development with minors in Law & Society, Gerontology, and Environment & Sustainability. As a PRYDE Scholar, she works with Dr. Audun Dahl in the Developmental Moral Psychology Lab, which studies moral and social development across the lifespan. Particularly, Jemma is studying how one may interact with people they have different moral and political beliefs from. After graduation, Jemma plans on attending law school, hoping to apply her understanding of how people perceive right and wrong.
enrico hernandez
Enrico Hernandez is a junior majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences, with two minors in Health Policy and Translational Research. As a PRYDE scholar, he works with Dr. Roger Figueroa in the Figueroa Interdisciplinary Group (FIG) Lab to promote nutrition security through community-centered action. After college, Enrico plans to pursue a career in public health program design, implementation, and administration, as well as healthcare management.
adara homer
Adara Homer is a junior majoring in human development with a minor in translational research. As a PRYDE Scholar, she works with Dr. Anthony Burrow in the Purpose and Identity Process Lab, supporting research in adolescent purpose and identity development as well as identifying vulnerabilities and protective factors for mental health. She is particularly interested in the interdisciplinary aspect of psychology and how psychology is embedded in everyday life. After college, Adara plans to continue her education and pursue her PhD in psychology.
madeline lee
Madeline Lee is a junior studying Human Development, with minors in Education and Translational Research. As a PRYDE Scholar, she works with Dr. Marianella Casasola in the Play and Learning Lab, where she explores the development of language acquisition and spatial cognition in children. Madeline is particularly interested in child development, early learning, and creating equitable educational opportunities. After graduation, she hopes to pursue further studies that combine her passions for education and advocacy.
hser paw
Hser Paw is a junior studying Human Development with a minor in Inequality Studies, Health Equity track. As a PRYDE Scholar, she will continue research with Dr. Roger Figueroa in the FIG Lab, which focuses on advancing health equity through community-centered research. Having immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee, Hser developed an interest in health and legal literacy after recognizing gaps in access to medical and legal information. She hopes to pursue a JD/MPH to explore the intersection of health and law and advocate for patients’ rights and equitable access to care.
diya singhal
Diya Singhal is a junior studying Design and Environmental Analysis with a minor in Business. As a PRYDE Scholar in Dr. Gary Evans's lab, she studies how children understand climate change and the emotions they associate with it, contributing to qualitative research across diverse cultural contexts. Her interests lie across human-centered design, environmental psychology, and sustainability, with a focus on translating research into products, experiences, and interventions that improve people's everyday lives. After graduation, she hopes to work in product innovation and explore research-driven approaches to social and environmental challenges.
matthew van
Matthew Van is a junior majoring in Human Biology Health & Society and minoring in Global Health. As a PRYDE scholar, Matthew is excited to work with Dr. Tashara Leak on Advanced Cooking Education (ACE) 4-H After School Club to investigate community involved interventions to improve diet, health, and overall well being of adolescents. He is particularly interested in the intersection of nutrition, medicine, and the social determinants of health in youth populations. After graduation, Matthew hopes to pursue a career in medicine, incorporating community-engaged experiences to champion holistic care.
andrew xiao
Andrew Xiao is a junior majoring in Human Biology, Health & Society. As a PRYDE Scholar, he works with Dr. Odoms-Young in the Nutrition Liberation, Food Sovereignty, and Justice Lab, which examines how social and structural determinants shape dietary behaviors and contribute to diet-related conditions in low-income communities and communities of color. Andrew is particularly interested in how inequities in food systems, neighborhood environments, and policy structures influence health across the lifespan. After college, Andrew plans to pursue a career in medicine with a focus on health equity.
Faculty Mentors
PRYDE is lucky to partner with youth development researchers from across the College of Human Ecology.
Faculty mentors provide PRYDE Scholars with invaluable experiences in translational youth development research, research-practice partnerships, and professional development opportunities.