Thao Ha, Ph.D.

Lab Director and Principal Investigator

Dr. Ha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University. Her research investigates the reciprocal processes that link relationship experiences to emotional and behavioral adjustment within adolescence and early adulthood. Using surveys and laboratory studies, Dr. Ha aims to better understand risk and resilience among youth within their social relationships, which will inform prevention strategies to promote healthy relationships and transitions. A variety of methods are combined in Dr. Ha’s research, including observations of adolescent couples’ interactions, high-density array EEG neurocognitive assessments, ecological momentary assessments, and physical and hormonal stress methodologies. Dr. Ha’s work has been funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (equivalent to NIH), and internal grants from Arizona State University. Dr. Ha obtained her PhD in Developmental Psychopathology at Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands in 2013. She completed two masters’ degrees in Developmental Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology (cum laude). Dr. Ha completed postdoctoral and assistant research professor positions in the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, the Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research (IISBR), and Department of Psychology at Arizona State University.

Olivia Maras, M.A.

Graduate student

Olivia is a fourth year Developmental Psychology PhD student at ASU, and is from Nebraska. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2020. After graduating, she worked as a Research Technician at the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In the @Heart Lab, Olivia is interested in studying peer, romantic, and familial relationships, and how these relationships influence healthy development, socio-emotional functioning, and risk-taking behaviors. She is additionally interested in how adolescent relationships influence long term adjustment and future relationship habits, as well as dating violence prevention.

Jennifer (jen) figueroa, M.A.

Graduate student

Jen is a second year developmental psychology PhD student at ASU. She received both her BA and MA in Psychological Science from California State University San Marcos. In the HEART Lab, Jen is interested in examining predictors and consequences of close relationships (familial, peer, and romantic) with a focus on promoting high-quality relationships during adolescence and young adulthood. In addition, she is also interested in how one’s cultural identity, experiences, and values impact the formation and maintenance of close relationships, particularly among Hispanic and Latinx populations.

Natalie Gross

Lab Manager/Project coordinator

Natalie graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2024 from ASU with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a certificate of Law and Human Behavior. She is interested in researching human sexual behavior, specifically how sexual behavior impacts the quality of romantic relationships, as well as the etiology, assessment and treatment of problematic/compulsive sexual behavior. She is applying to Clinical Psychology PhD programs for the Fall 2025 cycle. 

Brooke Gallolgy

RA Coordinator

Brooke joined the HEART Lab to deepen her understanding of relationships and the complex dynamics that arise when technology intersects with human connection. Initially unsure if she would enjoy psychological research, she has since developed a real passion for it and is excited to continue exploring the field. Her research interests cover a range of topics, from family dynamics to the impact of social media on individual health and interpersonal relationships. She is also intrigued by how media and cultural shifts have influenced perspectives on romantic relationships, making the HEART Lab the perfect place for her. Brooke lived in Argentina for half a year and graduated Summa Cum Laude, receiving the Moeur Award and being inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society during her junior year.

Bre`ona Stevens (she/her)

Bre`ona is deeply interested in studying the relationship between symptoms of psychopathological disorders and romantic relationships, particularly in adolescents. This passion led her to join a lab at ASU that aligns with her research goals—it's also the first lab she encountered as an incoming freshman.

Christien Stephen (she/her)

Christien is a master’s student studying Applied Behavior Analysis at ASU. She joined the HEART lab to explore how romantic relationship experiences influence emotional and behavioral adjustment. Her research interests focus on cognitive and developmental psychology, particularly how cognitive biases and decision-making shape resilience. Christien plans to continue her education in a Psychology Phd Program.

Noah Hatton (He/Him)

Noah is a dedicated researcher with a strong passion for improving adolescent relationships, especially those between teens and their parents. His research interests focus on Nonviolent Communication and Marriage and Family Therapy. Driven by his commitment to adolescent well-being, Noah joined the HEART Lab, where he can explore these topics further. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys performing improv with TBA, an ASU improv/comedy team. Noah is also the recipient of the prestigious Butterfield Scholarship for 2024-2025 through the School of Social Sciences and Family Dynamics.

Nour Hassan (She/her)

Nour is deeply interested in the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and their impact on our lives. With the goal of becoming a psychiatrist, Nour's work in the HEART Lab has provided valuable insights into how relationships reflect mental health. Her research interests focus on the intersection of mental and physical health, particularly how interpersonal relationships influence both psychological well-being and physical health. Nour is especially curious about the role of social connections, emotional support, and relationships in mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.

Samuel Green (he/him)

Sam is focused on understanding how adolescents and young adults form and maintain relationships, with the goal of making these relationships healthier and more positive. His research interests center on the impact of psychological disorders on interpersonal relationships.

Taylor Jones (she/her)

Taylor joined the HEART Lab to expand her knowledge of the research side of psychology. After noticing that many people she knew were research assistants and realizing she didn’t know much about research, she decided to explore her options. Upon discovering that the HEART Lab aligned with her research interests, she applied and was thrilled to have the opportunity to become a research assistant. Taylor’s research interests focus on childhood relationships, their influence on criminal involvement in adulthood, and how early relationships impact divorce rates later in life.

Sally Tan (she/her)

Sally is an honors psychology student at ASU. She joined the HEART Lab to develop a deeper understanding of research and investigate the intersection of relationships and technology. She is passionate about researching ways to help people of all ages make healthier decisions online and with technology. Sally is a proud first-generation college student, and is a recipient of the Dorrance scholarship!

Katya Romero (she/her)

Katya joined the HEART Lab because she is passionate about working with adolescents and believes it's crucial to understand the ways they think and feel. She is also interested in how relationships evolve over time and what factors influence adolescent relationships. Katya's research interests include studying the effects of environmental racism on Hispanic adolescents in Phoenix. She has a natural talent for learning languages and is fluent in Spanish, took French for four years in high school, knows elementary Russian, and can read Hangul (Korean alphabet) as well as some Hiragana and Katakana (Japanese).

Echo Lim (They/them)

Echo is a senior studying psychological sciences and Family & Human Development at ASU. They joined the HEART lab to gain research experience working with adolescents populations. Their research interests ERS messaging between parent-child dyads and problematic social media usage in adolescents and young adults. Echo plans on publishing a research paper, graduating with double bachelors, and working at a behavioral health clinic. In their spare time, they enjoy hiking, reading, and exploring community spaces.

Samuel Welch (He/Him)

Sam is passionate about relationships, which is why he joined the HEART Lab. He believes that relationships are the most powerful and important aspects of life, and he wants to help others better understand their impact. Sam is particularly interested in sociolinguistics, focusing on how language and words shape our relationships and perceptions of the world. He is also intrigued by the role of sleep and its effects on our lives. Outside of academics, Sam enjoys throwing boomerangs and owns five of them. He will graduate Summa Cum Laude with his Bachelors of Science in Psychology in Fall 2024.

Maximo Prieto (he/him)

Max is a senior studying Psychology at ASU. He joined the HEART lab to gain research experience and learn more about the youth community, specifically hispanic youth. His research interests include clinical psychology, interpersonal relationships, and supporting young people. Max plans to go to a counseling program and earn his license. He is also interested in Dog training, which he has worked in for over 4 years.

Maggie Auza (she/her)

Maggie is in the HEART Lab because she wanted to be part of a community with shared psychological interests and collaborate on meaningful research. She has a broad range of research interests, including exploring the divorce culture in America, the effects of social media on adolescent relationships, and how parental separation impacts adolescent dating behaviors. Last summer, Maggie lived and backpacked alone in Hawaii! Also, she is a member of the ASU women's club volleyball team and works as a student employee at ASU.