Grow to Learn
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Idaho
Shiyi Chen
Assistant Professor
University of Idaho
Shiyi is an assistant professor at the School of Family and Consumer Science at the University of Idaho. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Florida State University and started her career as a university faculty in 2019. Shiyi specializes in various quantitative (e.g., multilevel modeling, SEM, mediation, and moderation analysis) and qualitative (e.g., grounded theory and case study) data analysis methods.
Shiyi's research is driven by a desire to understand multifaceted variables that explain young children's cognitive and social-emotional development. Shiyi's previous research concerns teacher-child relationship quality and early STEM achievement across cultures. Her current projects focus on the joint effect of children's emergent metacognition and teacher-child interaction on early science teaching and learning.
After living in the Midwest and the South, Shiyi finally moved to the beautiful Northwest. Shiyi loves the great outdoors and is eager to explore her new home with her pup Jaeger.
Ashley Jelliffe
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Idaho
My name is Ashley Jelliffe and I am currently a sophomore at the University of Idaho studying Child Development and Family Relations. My goal is to become a Child Life Specialist or anything that deals with children and medicine. When I am not doing schoolwork, you can find me anywhere outdoors. I love camping, hiking, and fishing.
Abril Correa
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Idaho
My name is Abril Correa, and I am a first-generation third-year student at the University of Idaho studying Psychology and Child Development with a Minor in Spanish. Upon graduating and attaining my bachelor's degree, I want to attend graduate school and pursue a career as a Clinical Child Psychologist and specialize in Developmental Trauma. I am currently concluding my research as McNair Scholar with Dr. Shiyi Chen on “Self-Image of Adult Children of Alcoholics,” which has allowed me to engage in research on parental alcoholism and self-image helping me learn and build new skills. When I am not working on schoolwork, you can find me enjoying time with my friends around the Palouse!
Rebecca Sermeno
Ph.D student
Research Project Coordinator
University of Idaho
My name is Rebecca Sermeno. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Idaho working towards my Ph.D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from Lewis-Clark State College in Early Childhood Education. My goal is to work with and help children and families. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors like hiking and swimming. I also enjoy painting, crocheting and other crafts.
Nikki Hodge
Master Student
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Idaho
My name is Nikki Hodge. I am a master's student studying Child Development at the University of Idaho. I have undergraduate degrees in English, Animal Science, and Psychology. I worked with children as a substitute teacher for eight years. I want to build on that experience by exploring different techniques to assist children with developmental disabilities to better control externalizing behaviors, focus, and learn. Outside of school, I enjoy immersing myself into a good story through reading, writing, and watching movies or television. I also travel, hike, kayak, play video games, and practice yoga.
Sydney Murphy
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Idaho
My name is Sydney Murphy and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Idaho studying Child Development. I graduated high school early and moved to Moscow in 2020. After a year of gaining work and life experience, I began attending the University of Idaho. I have since fallen in love with Idaho's beautiful mountains and rivers, and found a passion for horticulture and art. As I continue my education, I hope to further explore these as an approach to children’s learning.
Eggy
Eggy is Shiyi's colleague in her home office and the official mascot of the lab. He researches anything edible and is passionate about interrupting meetings.