Meet the Team

Elizabeth (Birdie) A. Shirtcliff, Ph.D.

Research Professor

Elizabeth A. (Birdie) Shirtcliff, PhD, is a research professor at the University of Oregon and director of the Stress Physiology in Teens (SPIT) laboratory in the Center for Translational Neuroscience. She received her doctorate in biobehavioral health from Pennsylvania State University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in affective neuroscience. In 2023, Dr. Shirtcliff became the editor-in-chief of the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology and consulting editor for Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology. Dr. Shirtcliff uses a variety of noninvasive tools to investigate the interplay of biological and behavioral factors unfolding across children’s lives, especially in adolescence. Her focus is on hormones because the endocrine system is stress-responsive, often mirroring a child’s social environment. This interdisciplinary research examines both short-term stress responses, as well as biological changes that can consistently or even permanently change an individual’s biology. Dr. Shirtcliff’s interdisciplinary leanings are revealed in this manuscript as it shows collaborative efforts between engineering, neuroscience, and social science by exploring Virtual Reality Stressors.

Wen Wang, Ph.D.

Research Scientist

Wen joined the SPIT lab in the first year of her PhD program in Human Development in 2014 and graduated in 2020. Her research interests focus on exploring the biopsychosocial mechanisms underlying how environmental and social factors influence mental health, particularly during critical developmental periods such as puberty.

Nicholas Russell, B.S.

Nick graduated from Santa Clara University in 2024 with dual degrees in psychology and public health while competing on the university’s track and field team. He started his master’s degree in psychology in 2024 and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology after graduation. His research explores the relationships between physical stress and hormone levels in endurance athletes, reflecting his passion for mental and physical health. While not studying, Nick enjoys reading poetry and fiction, playing guitar, and running on Eugene’s expansive trail system. 

Alex Dunn, B.S.

Alexander Dunn is an M.S. student in Psychology at the University of Oregon, where he also earned his B.S. in Psychology in Spring 2025. In the SPIT Lab, he studies the developmental neurobiology of stress, examining biological markers such as hormone levels and brain maturation during adolescence to understand how life experiences shape mental-health trajectories. His research experience includes biospecimen processing, ELISA immunoassays, and high-resolution MRI analysis. With an interdisciplinary background in neuroscience, developmental psychology, and behavioral endocrinology, he is committed to conducting inclusive and developmentally informed research that advances understanding of stress and resilience across adolescence. Outside of the lab, Alex enjoys playing guitar, hiking, and traveling.

Hope Burr

Hope is an undergraduate at the University of Oregon pursuing a bachelor’s in biological Anthropology. She has worked for the SPIT Laboratory since October 2022 and as a Teller for Rogue Credit Union through the student program in her hometown Ashland, Oregon since July 2021. Hope has always been interested in research and intends to continue working in a lab after graduating with her bachelor’s in Anthropology. Hope’s research interest is learning why the human body reacts to different situations. In her free time, she loves to listen to music, watch documentaries, and do photography which she has done for the past 7 years. 

Violet Hawthorne

Violet is studying to earn her bachelor’s in psychology (BS) with a minor in Biology. She joined the lab in October 2024. She is interested in researching hormones and behavior. After graduating with a bachelor’s, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology, hopefully contributing to further research. Violet enjoys spending time outdoors, as well as making pottery and jewelry. 

Vivian Vazquez

Vivian is an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminology. After her time at the University of Oregon, she plans to gain formal experience and pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. She hopes to work amongst vulnerable adolescent populations involved in the carceral system, as she is passionate about how environmental and biological factors during formative years shape decision-making and behavior. Vivian is very excited to use her experience from the SPIT lab for other research in her future educational ventures. When not focusing on school, Vivian loves to dance ballet, crochet, and find hidden gems in Oregon’s natural landscapes.

Anna Smirnova

Anna is an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon majoring in Human Physiology and minoring in Psychology. Originally from Russia, Anna lived in Oregon for the past eight years. Her research interests focus on how prolonged stress affects adolescent growth and development on a physiological level. After graduating, Anna plans to attend medical school with a focus on pediatrics. Outside of academics, Anna enjoys playing piano, knitting, and reading. Anna has worked at the Knight Library’s Special Collections and University Archives since December 2022, and she joined the SPIT Lab in December 2024. She also serves as an officer for a student club on campus.

Emely Rivera

Emely is an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon pursuing a degree in Multidisciplinary Science and Spanish, with a minor in Chemistry. After graduation, she plans to continue her education by attending dental school. She joined the SPIT Lab in January 2025 and is eager to keep learning more about the research process, as she is particularly interested in research within the field of medicine. Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring new outdoor spots, creating art projects, cooking, playing guitar, and spending quality time with her friends and loved ones.

Brynna Lee

Brynna is an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon majoring in marine biology and interested in pursuing a minor in climate studies.  She aims for a career studying and rehabilitating marine life. Field work and data research is where she wants to be. She is very excited to gain hands-on experience in a lab and apply it to her goals. In her free time, she likes to read, write poetry, hike, and go to the beach. 

Allissa L. Van Steenis, B.S.

Former Lab Manager

Allissa joined the SPIT during her freshman year of undergraduate and fell in love with research and wet lab work. She graduated with honors distinction and magnum cum laude from Iowa State University in 2022 with a bachelor’s in biochemistry and minors in microbiology and psychology. In her free time, she plays the tuba in the Oregon Tuba Ensemble and explores the Pacific Northwest. 

Brandon L. Smith, B.S.

Research Associate

Bran graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in statistics where his research interests were pulled toward the psychosomatic side of the field. In his free time, he likes to read and research bugs.

Kayla Snell, B.S.

Kayla graduated with her bachelor’s in Psychology (BS) and minor in Legal Studies. She works as the Social Media Coordinator for the Affiliate Students of Undergraduate Research and Engagement (ASURE), as a Lab Technician in the SPIT Lab. She intends to pursue dual-degree programs in Clinical Psychology (PhD) and law (JD) and advocate for court-involved persons through policy and legislation.

Rae Foster, B.S.

Rae graduated with their bachelor’s in psychology and anthropology with a minor in criminology. They joined SPIT Lab in the summer of 2022. Rae plans on pursuing a PsyD in Child Clinical Psychology and working with incarcerated adolescents, with research interests in adolescent mental health, alternatives to incarceration for juveniles, and juvenile justice. In their free time, they enjoy crocheting, swimming, reading, and hanging out with their cat, Moose!

Emma Howell, B.S.

Emma graduated with her bachelor’s in human physiology with a minor in sociology. She is planning to go to a physician assistant school next. In her time outside the lab, she works as an athletic training student with Ducks Athletics, has been a CNA  since 2022, and is a CRISP intern in the OHSU emergency department in Portland. She joined SPIT Lab in June 2023 as a lab technician and plans to graduate in the summer of 2024.

Tiana Littlejohn B.S.

Tiana is at the University of Oregon studying Environmental Studies and Psychology and minoring in Global Health. She is a part of the Research More or Worry Less Lab and the University of Oregon Environmental Leadership Program (ELP). Additionally, Tiana interns as an Environmental Educator and a Peer Advisor for the Department of Psychology. Tiana joined the SPIT Lab in the Summer of 2022 as a lab technician. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the future. Tiana’s hobbies include hiking, camping, bouldering, traveling, and reading.

Alexis Neal B.S.

Alexis is an undergraduate student attending the University of Oregon double majoring in Neuroscience and Human Physiology with a minor in chemistry. Post-graduation, she plans to continue her studies by attending medical school focusing on women’s reproductive health. She joined the SPIT Laboratory in the Fall of 2023 as a lab technician and plans to continue learning more about the research process. In her free time, she’s interested in dancing and reading a good book.

Chloe Czarkowski B.S.

Chloe joined the SPIT Lab in December of 2023. She is double majoring in psychology and biological anthropology with minors in biology and criminology. After graduating from UO, she plans to pursue her master’s in clinical mental health counseling with a focus on treating addiction to later become a licensed therapist in Oregon. She was born and raised in Oregon and she loves going to lookouts, the coast, and being outside in general. She currently volunteers as a recovery support coach and encourages emerging adults in the criminal legal system to see through vocational, educational, and substance use recovery goals. Her research interests include trauma, addiction, PTSD, and how all of those impact cognitive processing and functioning.

Laiah Dizaiy B.S.

Laiah grew up in Southern California and Texas and chose to move to Oregon to attend UO. She is an undergraduate student who joined the SPIT lab in the Summer of 2024 and is majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Italian and Chemistry. Laiah loves learning about brain anatomy and how hormones influence various brain functions. She is also interested in restorative dentistry and hopes to attend dental school and further specialize in pediatrics. Post-graduation, she intends to work as an analytical chemist and apply to dental schools. In her free time, she loves to listen to music, dance, rock climb, volunteer, and garden!