Summary
Ph.D. student in Cognitive Sciences at Georgia State University’s ADAPT Lab, investigating cognitive flexibility across species and developmental contexts. Experienced in experimental design, behavioral programming (VB.NET, Python, R), and data analysis, with interests spanning comparative cognition, cross-cultural development, and adaptive problem-solving.
Education
Aug 2026 – Present
Ph.D., Cognitive Sciences
Georgia State University · Atlanta, GA
ADAPT Lab. Advisor: Dr. Sarah Pope-Caldwell.
May 2026
B.S., Psychology
Emory University · Atlanta, GA
Relevant coursework: Research Methods, Cognition, Statistics, Computer Science (Java).
May 2024
A.A.
Oxford College of Emory University · Oxford, GA
Research Interests
Cognitive flexibility, memory strategy, learning, comparative cognition.
Research Experience
Aug 2026 – Present
Graduate Researcher
Adaptive Decision-making, Problem-Solving and Thinking (ADAPT) Lab · Georgia State University · Advisor: Dr. Sarah Pope-Caldwell
- Investigate cognitive flexibility across developmental, cultural, and comparative contexts, examining how humans and non-human primates adapt problem-solving strategies to changing task demands.
- Contribute to multi-site experiments spanning Atlanta, Germany, and the Republic of the Congo, analyzing behavioral data using Python.
- Test and train rhesus macaques and tufted capuchin monkeys on touchscreen-based cognitive tasks.
May 2024 – May 2026
Undergraduate Researcher
Laboratory of Comparative Primate Cognition · Emory National Primate Research Center · Advisor: Dr. Robert Hampton
- Designed and independently programmed two behavioral experiments in VB.NET for rhesus macaques, investigating prospective vs. retrospective working memory strategies using match-to-sample (MTS) and many-to-one (MTO) paradigms.
- Developed a concurrent cognitive load manipulation (SNARC task) integrated into the delay period to test whether cognitive load selectively disrupts working memory versus familiarity-based recognition.
- Built comprehensive Python analysis pipelines for training and test data, including custom metrics (strategy cost indices, cognitive disruption indices) and publication-ready visualizations.
- Tested and trained rhesus macaques on touchscreen-based cognitive tasks.
- Managed daily behavioral data collection and experimental software troubleshooting.
- Contributed to lab operations including data analysis support, protocol development, and weekly lab meetings.
Apr 2023 – May 2024
Research Assistant
Environmental Science Department · Oxford College of Emory University
- Conducted environmental field research on soil erosion control for the Oxford Organic Farm; collaborated with faculty on measurement methodology.
Publications & Presentations
- Rebello, A., Henley, T., & Hampton, R. (2026). Do Task Cues Influence Memory Strategy Use in Rhesus Macaques? Poster presented at the Georgia Southern Psychological Society Conference, April 11, 2026. Summary & poster →
- Rebello, A., Cordish, B., Womack, J., & Piramal, N. (2024). An Experiment on Attention: How Break Quality and Length Impact Attentional Restoration. Poster presented at the Psychology Department Research Symposium, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. December 2024.
- Rebello, A., Yu, C., & Black, H. (2024). Evaluating cover crop effects on soil erosion rates at Oxford College Organic Farm. Poster presented at the Oxford College Undergraduate Research Symposium, Oxford, GA. April 2024.
Technical Skills
- Programming & Analysis
- Python, R, VB.NET, Java, SPSS, Excel (Advanced), JupyterLab, Git
- Research Methods
- Cross-species experimental design, behavioral testing, protocol development, statistical analysis, data visualization, scientific writing
- Laboratory
- Primate cognition testing, animal handling, touchscreen task programming, behavioral data collection
- Systems
- Linux, Docker, Nginx, networking
Mentoring & Service
Aug 2024 – May 2025
Mentor, Psi Chi Mentorship Program
Emory University
- Selected based on academic achievement and departmental engagement; mentored underclassmen on coursework, research opportunities, and academic planning in weekly sessions.
Leadership & Involvement
Aug 2024 – May 2026
Upperclassmen Representative, Emory University Running Club
Emory University
- Co-organized events and transportation logistics for on-campus and local races.
- Led outreach and planning for weekly training sessions.
May 2023 – May 2025
President, Outdoor Club
Oxford College of Emory University
- Managed club finances, elections, and activities; served as liaison between faculty advisor and executive board.
May 2023 – May 2024
Resident Assistant
Oxford College of Emory University
- Fostered community among 40+ first- and second-year residents through programming, safety communication, and peer support.
Contact
Get in touch
I’m always happy to discuss comparative cognition, working memory, research methodology, or potential collaborations. Feel free to reach out via email.
Atlanta, GA · PhD Student · Georgia State University