OUR TEAM

My research explores the nature and origins of social intelligence, specifically, social-cultural learning. My colleagues and I seek to better understand the psychological features underlying our distinct imitative abilities and characterize their development and evolutionary history.

Anya is a PhD student (’28) in GW Anthropology’s Human Paleobiology program. Upon meeting her first service dog puppy in 2019 she knew canine cognition was for her! Since then, she has studied social learning in human and non-human animals at Duke University, Boston College, and now GW! She is excited to bring 6+ years of dog and child experience to the GW Social Cognition Lab. When she is not studying, you can find her in the woods with her fluffy buddy, Stella. 

Olivia Frankiewicz is a student (’25) at GW. She is interested in psychology, criminal justice, and biology. Olivia joined the team to get a better understanding on how human and dog interactions facilitate socialization. In her free time, Olivia enjoys painting, reading, or dancing ballroom!

My name is Eliane and I’m a second-year student at George Washington University studying Biological Anthropology and Political Science. I wanted to join the team because I’m interested in brain science and social learning. I’m also assisting in research on social cognition in children and I find the comparison between dog cognition and child cognitive development very interesting. My hobbies include fostering cats and hiking!

I’m Josh Steinberg. I’m a current freshman. I am studying Geography and am also interested in biology, culture, language, and anthropology. I want to join the team because I find the research being done to be very interesting, I have passion for animals, and it will help be gain valuable connections with my Professor and with people in the GW community.

Hi, I’m Megan Tibbetts and I am an undergraduate student (’28) at George Washington University! I am currently double majoring in political science and psychology. I wanted to join the Dog Squad to pursue my interest in animal cognition and behavior while also gaining experience working on a research team. In my free time, I love listening to music and exploring different areas of DC.