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Jamie Jirout, Phd (CV)
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Affiliated Faculty: Ginny Vitiello, PhD, Erik Ruzek, PhD, Angeline Lillard, PhD
Current students and lab members
Research staff
Abby Krissinger, M.Ed.
Abby is a Research Specialist from Ardmore, PA, and she graduated from UVA with her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology- Applied Developmental Science. Before that, she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Cognitive Science with a concentration in Linguistics at UVA. Abby has been with the REAL lab since June 2023. She is most interested in researching how external factors influence children's motivation and curiosity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and hiking.
Abby is a Research Specialist from Ardmore, PA, and she graduated from UVA with her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology- Applied Developmental Science. Before that, she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Cognitive Science with a concentration in Linguistics at UVA. Abby has been with the REAL lab since June 2023. She is most interested in researching how external factors influence children's motivation and curiosity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and hiking.
PhD Graduate students
Natalie Hutchins
Natalie is a Virginia Education Science Training (VEST) pre-doctoral fellow in the Educational Psychology–Applied Developmental Sciences Ph.D. program. Natalie is interested in researching the development of curiosity and motivation in classrooms and, more precisely, the impact of intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivators on children’s learning in STEM fields. Outside research, Natalie loves to hike and play board games.
Natalie is a Virginia Education Science Training (VEST) pre-doctoral fellow in the Educational Psychology–Applied Developmental Sciences Ph.D. program. Natalie is interested in researching the development of curiosity and motivation in classrooms and, more precisely, the impact of intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivators on children’s learning in STEM fields. Outside research, Natalie loves to hike and play board games.
Helena Goldbaum
Helena is a first year PhD student in the Educational Psychology–Applied Developmental Sciences program. She is particularly passionate about understanding how to promote children's learning through persistence and curiosity by focusing on the social aspects of their environment. Outside of research, she loves cooking (especially Brazilian recipes) and playing board games. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat more about research with her! https://helenagoldbaum.com/
Helena is a first year PhD student in the Educational Psychology–Applied Developmental Sciences program. She is particularly passionate about understanding how to promote children's learning through persistence and curiosity by focusing on the social aspects of their environment. Outside of research, she loves cooking (especially Brazilian recipes) and playing board games. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat more about research with her! https://helenagoldbaum.com/
Masters Graduate Students
Grace Duggan
Grace is a master's student in UVA's Educational Psychology - Applied Developmental Science program. Before coming to UVA, she earned her undergraduate degrees at Susquehanna University in early childhood education and psychology, with a minor in teaching English as a second language. Grace is interested in anything related to children's academic learning and cognition, especially in classroom contexts. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, pilates, reading, and playing with her cat.
Grace is a master's student in UVA's Educational Psychology - Applied Developmental Science program. Before coming to UVA, she earned her undergraduate degrees at Susquehanna University in early childhood education and psychology, with a minor in teaching English as a second language. Grace is interested in anything related to children's academic learning and cognition, especially in classroom contexts. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, pilates, reading, and playing with her cat.
Julia Pfeiffer
Julia is a master’s student in the Educational Psychology- Applied Developmental Science program. She recently graduated from UVA earning her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in data science. Julia has been involved in research at the School of Education since August 2024, with a broad interest in cognitive development. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and playing video games.
Julia is a master’s student in the Educational Psychology- Applied Developmental Science program. She recently graduated from UVA earning her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in data science. Julia has been involved in research at the School of Education since August 2024, with a broad interest in cognitive development. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and playing video games.
Gillian Diel
Gillian is a master's student in the Educational Psychology- Applied Developmental Science program. She is interested in social development and how social information impacts the learning process, particularly in adolescents.
Gillian is a master's student in the Educational Psychology- Applied Developmental Science program. She is interested in social development and how social information impacts the learning process, particularly in adolescents.
Research Assistants
Ana Furnari
Ana Furnari is an inquiry-based educator with a local forest school. She has been with the REAL lab since 2024, and is especially interested in how we can use our research to inform best-practices for teachers. When not teaching or researching, Ana enjoys searching for critters outside, cooking, and listening to podcasts!
Ana Furnari is an inquiry-based educator with a local forest school. She has been with the REAL lab since 2024, and is especially interested in how we can use our research to inform best-practices for teachers. When not teaching or researching, Ana enjoys searching for critters outside, cooking, and listening to podcasts!
Lindsay Cannon
Lindsay is a research assistant and data collector from the Philadelphia, PA area. She recently graduated with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Human Ecology, along with certificates in Global Health and Athletic Healthcare. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys reading, traveling, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Lindsay is a research assistant and data collector from the Philadelphia, PA area. She recently graduated with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Human Ecology, along with certificates in Global Health and Athletic Healthcare. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys reading, traveling, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Maddie Rhodes
Maddie Rhodes is a research assistant from South Florida. She recently graduated from Villanova University with a BA in English and minors in Psychology and Peace & Justice. During her undergrad, she gained research experience in two psychology labs: the Scientific Thinking and Representation Lab under Dr. Deena Weisberg and the Adversity and Resilience in Development Lab with Dr. Janette Herbers. In June 2025, Maddie joined the REAL Lab, where she is excited to further explore topics in children’s neurocognitive development, like curiosity. Outside of her research, she enjoys playing guitar, swimming, and traveling.
Maddie Rhodes is a research assistant from South Florida. She recently graduated from Villanova University with a BA in English and minors in Psychology and Peace & Justice. During her undergrad, she gained research experience in two psychology labs: the Scientific Thinking and Representation Lab under Dr. Deena Weisberg and the Adversity and Resilience in Development Lab with Dr. Janette Herbers. In June 2025, Maddie joined the REAL Lab, where she is excited to further explore topics in children’s neurocognitive development, like curiosity. Outside of her research, she enjoys playing guitar, swimming, and traveling.
Ellie Hanson
Ellie Hanson (she/her) is ecstatic to be a part of the Jirout REAL Lab! She recently graduated from Clark University with a B.A. in Combined Languages (French and ASL) and Education, and is still at Clark pursuing her Master's degree in Elementary Education.
Ellie Hanson (she/her) is ecstatic to be a part of the Jirout REAL Lab! She recently graduated from Clark University with a B.A. in Combined Languages (French and ASL) and Education, and is still at Clark pursuing her Master's degree in Elementary Education.
Maddie Mattox
Maddie is an undergraduate student ('27) at UVA this year. She is studying Youth and Social Innovation and Religious Studies and started as an RA in the lab spring of her first year. More recently, Maddie was an intern for the lab as a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow through TYDE (Thriving Youth in a Digital Environment). Maddie is interested in using quality research to inform youth policy and has loved learning more about all stages of the research process through working at the REAL Lab!
Maddie is an undergraduate student ('27) at UVA this year. She is studying Youth and Social Innovation and Religious Studies and started as an RA in the lab spring of her first year. More recently, Maddie was an intern for the lab as a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow through TYDE (Thriving Youth in a Digital Environment). Maddie is interested in using quality research to inform youth policy and has loved learning more about all stages of the research process through working at the REAL Lab!
Maddie Zipper
Maddie is a Youth and Social Innovation ('26) major planning to pursue a Master's in Education after graduating this year. Maddie is interested in understanding how children learn, why children learn differently, and applying this knowledge towards creating curricula for diverse learners. She is also interested in ESL education, having spent three months as an English teaching assistant in Italy.
Maddie is a Youth and Social Innovation ('26) major planning to pursue a Master's in Education after graduating this year. Maddie is interested in understanding how children learn, why children learn differently, and applying this knowledge towards creating curricula for diverse learners. She is also interested in ESL education, having spent three months as an English teaching assistant in Italy.
Abigail Wilson
Abigail is originally from North Carolina and is currently pursuing a B.S.Ed. in Youth and Social Innovation from the School of Education and Human Development, along with a B.A. in Public Policy and Leadership from the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Abigail is deeply passionate about crafting policies that empower children to thrive both academically and personally, with a particular focus on the role of curiosity and science education in this mission.
Abigail is originally from North Carolina and is currently pursuing a B.S.Ed. in Youth and Social Innovation from the School of Education and Human Development, along with a B.A. in Public Policy and Leadership from the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Abigail is deeply passionate about crafting policies that empower children to thrive both academically and personally, with a particular focus on the role of curiosity and science education in this mission.
Alyssa Waddy
Alyssa is a fourth-year undergraduate student ('26) at UVA majoring in Psychology. She is interested in how a child’s personality and environment impacts their learning and growth. Alyssa hopes to apply this understanding to effectively care for childhood development in a healthcare setting. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading and is an active member of Women’s Club Basketball at UVA.
Alyssa is a fourth-year undergraduate student ('26) at UVA majoring in Psychology. She is interested in how a child’s personality and environment impacts their learning and growth. Alyssa hopes to apply this understanding to effectively care for childhood development in a healthcare setting. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading and is an active member of Women’s Club Basketball at UVA.
Ploi Sripoom
Ploi is an undergraduate student ('25) from Thailand, double majoring in Youth and Social Innovation and Sociology. On grounds, she is deeply involved in the Thai Student Organization and Global Greeters. Upon graduation, she hopes to play a part in improving the education system of her home country. In her free time, Ploi enjoys watching sports, playing Badminton, and reading Thai novels!
Ploi is an undergraduate student ('25) from Thailand, double majoring in Youth and Social Innovation and Sociology. On grounds, she is deeply involved in the Thai Student Organization and Global Greeters. Upon graduation, she hopes to play a part in improving the education system of her home country. In her free time, Ploi enjoys watching sports, playing Badminton, and reading Thai novels!
Daphne Abrams
Daphne is an undergraduate student at UVA earning Bachelors in History at UVA and plans to earn her Masters in Elementary Education through the UVA School of Education and Human Development. She is interested in understanding how curiosity and creativity develop in children and excited to eventually apply this knowledge to her teaching.
Daphne is an undergraduate student at UVA earning Bachelors in History at UVA and plans to earn her Masters in Elementary Education through the UVA School of Education and Human Development. She is interested in understanding how curiosity and creativity develop in children and excited to eventually apply this knowledge to her teaching.
Alumni
Past Research Staff:
Natalie Evans, Ph.D. (postdoctoral researcher)
Graduate students:
Ryan Burke, M.Ed., Ph.D.
Sarah Payne, M.Ed.
Shihan Wang, M.Ed.
Sophie Yue, M.Ed.
Shoronda Matthews, Ph.D.
Sierra Eissen, PhD
Jessica Scoville, M.Ed.
Yiwei Li, M.Ed.
Malina Carroll, M.Ed.
Sophie (Huiling) Yan, M.Ed.
Anna (MWatanna) Kalesia Barnett-Jefferson, M.Ed.
Rachel Siefring, M.Ed.
Nadine Rozzel, M.Ed.
Josh Medrano, M.Ed.
Emily Maxfield, M.Ed.
Karime Cameron, M.Ed.
Tessa Boutwell, M.Ed.
Tiffany Leones, M.Ed.
Mckenzie Canard, M.Ed.
Undergraduate lab alumni:
Sydney Klau, Juliette Amorosi, Sarah Mackey, Emma DeMartino, Tiffany Malley, Claire Watson, Jamie Kang, Olivia Little, Cait Hagan, Keara Meyerson, Sabrina Shisbey, Christian Rivera, Marlow McMullan, Meg Ritchie, Caroline Crossman, Jasmeen Dhillon, Holly Battist, Khin Kyaw, Michelle Miller, Tara Srivastava, Kelsi Jensen, Jay Huff, Kaleigh Warburton, Gracie Tillman, Maxime Pierre-Louis
Past lab coordinators:
Jinhee Lee
Mary Grace Britton
Savannah Sunvold
Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) alumni:
Miles Arrington (Current PhD student at Penn State)
Jamila Salim
Juhi Nath (Current M.SW. student at Boston University)
Iris Sanchez
Natalie Evans, Ph.D. (postdoctoral researcher)
Graduate students:
Ryan Burke, M.Ed., Ph.D.
Sarah Payne, M.Ed.
Shihan Wang, M.Ed.
Sophie Yue, M.Ed.
Shoronda Matthews, Ph.D.
Sierra Eissen, PhD
Jessica Scoville, M.Ed.
Yiwei Li, M.Ed.
Malina Carroll, M.Ed.
Sophie (Huiling) Yan, M.Ed.
Anna (MWatanna) Kalesia Barnett-Jefferson, M.Ed.
Rachel Siefring, M.Ed.
Nadine Rozzel, M.Ed.
Josh Medrano, M.Ed.
Emily Maxfield, M.Ed.
Karime Cameron, M.Ed.
Tessa Boutwell, M.Ed.
Tiffany Leones, M.Ed.
Mckenzie Canard, M.Ed.
Undergraduate lab alumni:
Sydney Klau, Juliette Amorosi, Sarah Mackey, Emma DeMartino, Tiffany Malley, Claire Watson, Jamie Kang, Olivia Little, Cait Hagan, Keara Meyerson, Sabrina Shisbey, Christian Rivera, Marlow McMullan, Meg Ritchie, Caroline Crossman, Jasmeen Dhillon, Holly Battist, Khin Kyaw, Michelle Miller, Tara Srivastava, Kelsi Jensen, Jay Huff, Kaleigh Warburton, Gracie Tillman, Maxime Pierre-Louis
Past lab coordinators:
Jinhee Lee
Mary Grace Britton
Savannah Sunvold
Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) alumni:
Miles Arrington (Current PhD student at Penn State)
Jamila Salim
Juhi Nath (Current M.SW. student at Boston University)
Iris Sanchez
