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!

Amelia Neurath is an undergraduate student studying Neuroscience (’24) at GW. She is studying social imitation in dogs and is very excited to be with the Social Cognition Lab. In her free time, Amelia loves to play soccer, read, and train her dog, Stanley!

Aditi Venkateswaran is a student (’25) at GW. She is interested in public health and cognitive psychology. Aditi joined the team because she is super interested in dog research, especially as it translates to human cognition! Her hobbies are art and listening to music.