Lab Director

Dr. Colleen Ganley

Professor
Department of Psychology & Learning Systems Institute
Florida State University

My research centers on the factors that contribute to students’ mathematical learning and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) career interests. I am particularly interested in the early development of math anxiety as well as other math attitudes, spatial skills, working memory, and the role of parents and teachers in children’s math attitudes and learning.
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​Download my CV here.
​Follow me on Google Scholar or ResearchGate.​
See our projects on OSF. 

Postdoctoral Scholar  

Dr. Olivia Cook 


​My research is focused on understanding children’s cognitive development as a function of informal and formal learning environments using a social constructivist approach. Specifically, I am interested in the roles that parents and teachers play in supporting the development of domain-general skills (e.g., self-regulation, metacognition, memory) and domain-specific skills (e.g., STEM learning, mathematics) throughout early childhood (PreK – 3rd Grade).
You can access my CV here.
Follow me on LinkedIn 

Graduate Students

Zahra Sharif

My academic journey revolves around the fascinating field of Developmental Psychology with a special focus on understanding and addressing Math Anxiety among children.  
My work aims to : (1) Reducing math anxiety with Cognitive Behavioral interventions (2) Understanding and addressing math anxiety through Virtual  Reality (3) Unravel the complex relationship between math anxiety, math attitudes, and performance

Nhu Hin 

My research examines how early experiences shape children's academic confidence, particularly in math, and how factors like stereotypes influence learning, performance, and decision-making. I aim to identify predictors of academic success and develop interventions that support students from historically marginalized backgrounds, fostering inclusive and empowering learning environments.

Lab Staff

Christy Allen 
Program Coordinator

​I am a graduate of Florida State University, receiving my BS in Psychology! After spending my undergraduate years as a member of the Math Thinking and Learning Lab, I was given the opportunity to continue gaining research experience through the lab. I currently serve as the program coordinator for this amazing team as we work on our current project, developing a math intervention for math-anxious students. 

Undergraduate Research Students

Lindsay Wagner

Hi! I am a junior here at Florida State, majoring in Psychology with a minor in English. After graduating from FSU, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology. I aspire to make diagnoses and treatment interventions for developmental and learning disabilities more effective and accessible for children. I believe that early diagnoses of developmental and learning disabilities is paramount to a child’s success in education, and every child deserves the accommodations necessary for academic accomplishment. 

Zoe Garcia

I am currently a Junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. After completing my Bachelor’s, I plan on getting my Master’s in Social Work and pursuing a career in Clinical Social Work in the United States Air Force! I am passionate about ensuring those who serve our country, along with their families, receive the best mental health care possible.

Marabelle Coggins 

​Hi! I’m a senior majoring in Neuroscience. I am interested in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying brain function and cognition and how scientific research can be used to improve quality of life and expand our understanding of human behavior. After graduation, I hope to pursue a PhD and a career in research. Outside of academics, I am a local professional ballerina and dance teacher and enjoy working with my students, as well as engaging in art and appreciating nature.