Director Board
This is the internal team dedicated to maintaining and promoting our organization.
Founder
Jacinda Taggett
Research Administrator @ BIDMC
Hey, I'm Jacinda! I am a current M.S. student in Science Communication. I originally worked in cognitive neuroscience research over the past 4 years, even admitted into a PhD program. However, starting fall 2026, I am now a science communicator by training and experience. I honestly created Academic Memories as a way to not only encourage students from various backgrounds to pursue research careers, but also build a community of individuals in the brain sciences! I'm excited to see where Academic Memories leads the next generation of scientists through our services, programs, and volunteer opportunities.
Secretary / Internal Communications
Nita Carter
University of Kansas 2021
Hi, I'm Nita. I graduated from the University of Kansas with my bachelors in Psychology. Shortly after I moved to Seattle to work with children with special needs. My research and professional interest revolve around neurocognitive differences in adolescents. I currently work in Seattle in health tech and patient access. When I am not working my favorite things to do are build couch beds, pull espresso shots, and read!
Outreach & Education
Alexa Kightlinger
University of Georgia 2024
I graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Psychology and an emphasis in Neuroscience. I am responsible for overseeing and guiding the outreach activities surrounding Academic Memories. This includes generating new ideas for how to promote the organization and ensuring we meet our mission and values so that we can meet our short and long-term goals. Within the organization, I aid in keeping up with statistics surrounding volunteer contribution and longevity. I am excited to work with Academic Memories by creating a supportive community that helps future scientists network, provide support, and offer advice. Additionally, this organization has created so many opportunities for providing a strong stepping stool for beginning and advancing one's career that I am excited to be a part of.
Program Coordinator
Katriel Sedrak
University of Arizona 2025
Hi everyone, my name is Katriel, but I go by Kat most of the time. I was a non-traditional and transfer student for my undergraduate career. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science from the University of Arizona.
My research interest is centered around neuropharmacology and neural modulation of a variety of chemicals. As program coordinator, I hope to help make Academic Memories a solid foundation for our next generation of scientists!
Academic Advisors
This is the internal team dedicated to providing guides and resources for students that want to pursue research or academia.
Sara Adelino
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul 2023
Master of Linguistics
Writing and presentation,
Undergraduate researcher,
Obstacles and mental health
Kate Carlson
University of North Carolina Wilmington 2025
M.S. in Psychology
Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies
Masters programs,
First generation,
Ph.D. programs
Stefanie Salyer
Pennsylvania State University 2028
Ph.D. in Special Education
Ph.D. programs,
Disabilities,
First generation
Alessandra Soto
University of Central Florida 2023
Psychology (Clinical Track)
Online Student,
First Generation,
Mental Health in the Central American Student Community
Emma Garlock
University of Ottawa
Research Librarian Health Sciences Medicine and STEM
Data management,
Literature searches,
Data visualization
Deanna Hercules
University of Southern California 2025
Master of Science in Public Relations Innovation, Strategy, and Management
Navigating the Application Process for a Master's Program as a First-Generation Student
Overcoming Academic Challenges as a Foster Child
Building Confidence in STEM as a Nontraditional Student
Pat Fang
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
UIUC Research Assistant
Getting into PhD Programs
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
2025 SciComm Program Board
This is the internal team dedicated to organizing and hosting our summer program in science communication.
Literature Mentor
Arnav Kaushik
UIUC Neuroscience PhD Student
Hello, my name is Arnav Kaushik. I am a Neuroscience PhD student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I work at the Antonson Developmental Neuroimmunology Lab. My research focuses on understanding how influenza infections during pregnancy influence neurodevelopment and behavior of the offspring, using mouse models to study the interplay between immune responses and brain function. As a literature mentor for the 2025 SciComm Program at Academic Memories, I’m excited to help students develop a strong foundation in scientific literature analysis, experimental design, and critical thinking in neuroscience- and psychology-related fields.
Cohort Coordinator
Harriet Caplin
UC Berkeley Lab Manager
Hello! My name is Harriet, and I’m a recent graduate of Duke University, currently serving as a lab manager at UC Berkeley. My research interests lie in comparative psychology and the study of information-seeking behaviors in nonhuman animals. While my primary goal is to pursue a career in research, I’m also deeply passionate about the vital role of science communication. I believe that for science to have a meaningful impact, it must be accessible to all, and effective communication is key to achieving this. I’m thrilled to join the Academic Memories team and help promote the importance of science communication while supporting the development of essential skills in young and future academics!
Writing Mentor
Elizabeth Aliyeva
Carleton University B.A. Psychology
During my academic journey, I often had to navigate challenges without the guidance of a mentor. That experience taught me resilience and resourcefulness, but it also showed me the value of having someone to offer support and perspective. Now, as part of Academic Memories, I’m passionate about being that resource for others. I’m excited to help students explore their interests, build confidence in their research, and feel supported every step of the way. When I’m not doing all of that, I also enjoy playing Minecraft and cuddling my cats!
Writing Mentor
Vasiliki Loukaki
University of Sussex BSc. Biology with Psychology
Hello! My name is Vasiliki, and I’m a recent graduate of the University of Sussex. My research interests stem from a desire to interpret abstract concepts, such as language, memory, and reasoning, through the lens of Cognitive Neuroscience. I initially joined Academic Memories as a writer, excited to share my scientific interests with a diverse audience. As a first-generation student, I am thrilled to have joined the SciComm Program Board, in the hopes of strengthening the writing skills of aspiring Neuroscientists.