Daniel Garcia-Barnett, Technical Specialist

Daniel is a Technical Specialist on the Rockland Sample 2 Study. Daniel helps to further develop and modify the current technologies used in the Rockland sample. He graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Cognitive Science. He worked as a research assistant with Dr. Jonathan Philips’ lab, aiding in the development of a meta analysis of the infant Theory of Mind subfield, and Dr. Viola Stoermer’s lab, collecting data for visual perception research. He also completed an independent study under the supervision of Dr. Jonathan Philips and Dr. Michael Casey: his study explored the interaction between arousal-induction via music and task performance. This interest is maintained as he plans to pursue a PhD in Psychology, interested in music-intervention-based research and practice.

Alexandra Kohl, Research Assistant

Alexandra is a Research Assistant on the Rockland Sample 2 Study. She graduated from Brown University in 2020 with a B.A. in Religious Studies and later completed a post-baccalaureate program in psychology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. During her post-baccalaureate studies, Alexandra conducted research on value formation in childhood and worked in the Geriatric Department of Kfar Shaul Psychiatric Hospital. She is particularly interested in the intersection of physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the future.

Melissa Kramer, Clinical Evaluator

Melissa Kramer serves as the Clinical Evaluator for the NKI Rockland Sample program. She is a licensed social worker and received her MSW from New York University. Prior to coming to NKI, she worked in the field of child welfare where she received extensive clinical training and experience working with vulnerable children, adolescents, and families. Given her advanced training in diagnostic assessment, Ms. Kramer is also involved in providing feedback to families of child and adolescent participants.