The LEAP Lab is composed of the classiest, sassiest, and most ridiculously good-looking individuals around. Meet our current members and alumni.
LAB MANAGER
DR. DANIEL SIMONET Dan received his BA from Saint John’s University and his MA and PhD from the University of Tulsa. He is an Assistant Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Montclair State University and Director of the Leadership, Emotion, and Personality Lab. The goal of Dan’s research is to better understand the interplay of personality and emotions in shaping our relationships and motivation at work. He also occasionally goes running. Email: [email protected]
GRADUATE STUDENTS
DANIELLE TARANTINO Danielle received her BA in Psychology from Manhattan College in 2016 and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Montclair State University. Throughout the next year, she plans to work on a thesis regarding personality traits and counterproductive work behaviors. Her goal is to eventually receive her PhD, in hopes of becoming a professor one day. Danielle loves movies, reading and hanging out with her pug. Email: [email protected]
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
ALEX JANEIRO Alex is a senior at Montclair State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in Leadership Development and Portuguese Studies. After graduation he hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. He hopes to eventually work for a large corporation facilitating leadership development. Outside of the classroom he can be found working out, going to concerts, and working at the Conference Center.
NIKITA WILLIAMS Nikita is a junior at Montclair State with a major in Psychology and a minor in Leadership Development through Civic Engagement. She plans to go on to graduate school to earn a Master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. In addition to working at the LEAP Lab, she is a non-voting member of the university's Board of Trustees. You can be sure to find her at campus events and activities, especially when there's free food.
SAMANTHA DESANTO Samantha is currently a senior at Montclair State University majoring in psychology with a minor in Business. After graduating, she hopes to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Along with being a research assistant in the LEAP Lab, she is also a service assistant in Stone Hall on campus. Her hobbies include reading, watching shows on Netflix, and sleeping.
CARLOS GRIPPO Carlos is a first-generation university student currently striving to graduate with a BA in Psychology, with an ambition toward achieving a PhD or a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. He hopes to one day be able to assist those in need in a clinical setting, leaning more toward hospital or private care. He wishes to develop his skills to become someone that patients and clients alike can depend on and trust.
AMEN ATTAR Amen plans to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology in order to pursue a teaching career at a university. He is interested in influential psychology, especially the influencing power of movies and media. Some of his hobbies include extreme sports, soccer, and watching movies and TV shows.
CAMILA PENA Camila was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She loves swimming and all aquatic activities, and she sometimes plays the guitar, but she's still learning. Besides working at the LEAP Lab, she also works at the West Bergen for Children and Youth where she dedicates her time to helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
RAQUEL RODRIQUEZ Raquel is a junior at Montclair. Her research interests include abnormal psychology and how social norms and cultural influences impact mental health. After graduating, she plans to earn her PhD in Clinical Psychology in order to work with patients with anxiety/depression, addictions, and phobias. Her hobbies include going to concerts or Broadway shows, painting, and watching movies and TV shows.
EMMA LAVIN Emma is currently a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She hopes to pursue a Master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and she hopes to eventually create her own business! Her hobbies include long distance running, reading, and traveling.
KONSTANTINE THEODOROPOULOS Kosta is currently working on his BA in Psychology at Montclair State University. He hopes to one day get his Master's degree and eventually his PhD in Clinical Psychology. He wishes to work with his community in psychiatric hospitals.
CLARICE BOURLAND Clarice is a junior Psychology major at Montclair where she is also pursuing a certificate in Child Advocacy and Policy. After graduating she plans to pursue her PhD in Clinical Psychology and work with children and adolescents in private practice. She is passionate about mental health and is the Vice President of Active Minds at Montclair. In her free time she enjoys yoga, running, hiking, and taking care of her cat and dog.
ALEXIS GROSS Alexis is currently a sophomore at Montclair State University majoring in business administration with a concentration in business analytics and has earned a certification in entrepreneurship. She plans to go on to get a master's in statistics after she earns her bachelors degree. Besides working at the LEAP lab, she works at the Student Recreation Center on campus. Her hobbies include reading and traveling.
ADRIANNA CRUZ Adrianna is a junior at Montclair State University and is pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Business. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Aside from conducting research, Adrianna can be found working for the Red Hawk for a Day program at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Her hobbies include singing, dancing, and watching Broadway performances.
LAB ALUMNI
Anastasia Angelbeck Thomas Nicoletti MA in I/O Psychology, 2018 I/O Psychology, 2018
Amyn Pelaez BA in Psychology, 2018 Pursuing MA at MSU in Clinical Psychology
Siani Jordan BA in Psychology, 2017 Human Resources Coordinator at TD Bank
Brooke Cracchiolo BA in Psychology, 2017 Pursuing MA in HR Management at Villanova University
Lindsay Buchler MA in I/O Psychology, 2016 Human Capital Business Analyst at Deloitte
Jennifer Bartlett BA in Psychology, 2017 Pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at MSU
Mirela Tzoneva MA in I/O Psychology, 2017 Organizational Effectiveness Consultant at Lockheed Martin
Caitlin O'Neil MA in I/O Psychology, 2016 Adjunct Professor at MSU & Project Manager at Lightspeed Research
Maria Brucato BA in Psychology, 2017 Pursuing a PhD at Temple University
Shiyue Zheng MA in Learning Analytics, 2017 Senior Analyst at Goldman Sachs
Cindy Molina BA in Psychology, 2016 Pursuing a PhD in School Psychology at Fordham University
Laura Morrison BA in Psychology, 2017 Pursuing MA in HR Management at Rutgers
William Sevcik MA in I/O Psychology, 2016 Compensation/Research Analyst at Compensation Resources, Inc.
Svetlana Ivkovic BA in Psychology, 2016 Pursuing MA in I/O Psychology