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Research Team
Graduate Students
Mikaela Bubna, B.S., M.S.
Mikaela is a 5th year PhD candidate in the Clinical Psychology program at Rowan University and just started her internship at Hamilton Health Sciences. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour at McMaster University in 2018 and her Master of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa in 2021. Mikaela is broadly interested in addictions, brain injury, and using technology-based interventions for health behaviour change. In her free time, Mikaela loves to lift weights, run, curate Spotify playlists, and learn Chopin pieces on the piano.
Matthew Mitnick, B.S., M.A.
Matthew is a 5th year PhD candidate in Rowan University’s Clinical Psychology Program and is currently completing his internship at Rutgers University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Scranton. His research interests include behavioral interventions for substance use and comorbid anxiety disorders. He was a Medical Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves and hopes to incorporate his military experience into his future clinical work.
Emily Lamison, B.A., M.P.S
Emily is a 2nd year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at Rowan University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Elizabethtown College in 2021 and her Master of Professional Studies in Clinical Psychological Science from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2022. Emily is interested in researching community-based substance use treatment, treatment barriers, and continuing care models. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and embroidering. Emily is currently completing her practicum at Malvern Treatment Centers.
Maeve McGowen, B.S.
Maeve is a 1st year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at Rowan University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Lehigh University in 2025. Maeve is interested in studying health behavior change and technology-based interventions. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, going to the beach, and trying new bagel shops.
Master of Arts Research Assistants
Tymir Gunn, B.A.
Tymir is a second-year master’s student in Rowan University’s Applied Behavior Analysis program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rowan University in 2026. As a first-generation African American man, Tymir is passionate about using behavior analysis to increase access to ABA services for individuals in underserved communities. His interests extend beyond autism, with a particular focus on supporting individuals experiencing trauma and other circumstantial behavioral challenges. Outside of academics, Tymir enjoys cooking, music, and attending outdoor concerts.
Joseph Pernham, B.A.
Joe is a second-year Master’s candidate in the Applied Behavior Analysis program at Rowan University, where he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology. His research interests include developing function-based replacement behavior interventions, with a primary focus on supporting neurodiverse populations and individuals navigating substance use disorders and addictions. In his free time, he enjoys going to the movies, cooking, and hanging out with his dogs.
Meaghan Bogart, B.A.
Meaghan is a second-year graduate student in Rowan University’s Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rowan University and is currently employed as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at an early intervention ABA center, where she primarily works with young learners. She has nearly a year of experience as an RBT and is particularly interested in working with young children and supporting their behavioral and developmental needs. Her research interests include childhood trauma and its relationship to behavior and development. Following completion of her master’s degree, Meaghan plans to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and hopes to pursue a PhD to further her education, research, and clinical work in the field.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Lucas Wittenburg
Lucas Wittenburg is a junior undergraduate pursuing a double major in neuroscience and social work, with psychology and advanced pre-health minors. Lucas eventually hopes to become a licensed social worker before attending medical school for psychiatry. He also volunteers as a Staff EMT at Rowan EMS, works as a community assistant, and serves as an officer at Rowan’s NeuroClub. Lucas is especially passionate about addiction medicine and mental healthcare equity. In his free time, he’s self-described as outdoorsy and outgoing, practicing martial arts, socializing with friends, and enjoying all things mutlimedia. Lucas excitedly joined HABIT Lab in Spring 2025 to support their research into behavioral interventions that promote wellbeing.
Luniva Banjara
Luniva is an undergraduate sophomore majoring in Psychology. She has volunteered with the Getfit program and plans to volunteer with Rowan EMS. Luniva enjoys learning about behavioral patterns and is passionate about supporting her community. She is also a member of the Active Minds club. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology. Outside of academics, Luniva enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her brother.
Sampada Tuladhar
Sampada Tuladhar is a sophomore undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Science and planning to minor in New Media. She is an international student from Nepal who developed an interest in psychology after studying it in high school. While she is still exploring different career paths within the field, she is especially interested in child and adolescent development and industrial/organizational psychology. In the HABIT Lab, Sampada works as a research assistant and is excited to be involved in research and expand her understanding of psychology through hands-on experience. Outside of academics, she works as an Admissions Ambassador at Rowan University and manages social media for the Rowan Badminton Club, combining two things she loves, playing badminton and creating content. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, and making vlogs.
Ryan Shintani
Ryan Shintani is a high school student in Ridgewood, New Jersey who is dedicated to understanding and addressing practical topics in psychology. In the HABIT lab, he assists in research about substance abuse and behavioral interventions and applications in mental health care. In addition, Ryan is passionate about the area of sleep psychology, creating an organization dedicated to elevating understanding of this topic. Outside of his academic pursuits, Ryan enjoys traveling, playing basketball, listening to music, and sleeping.
Affiliate Members
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Kimberly Kirby, PhD, BCBA-D
Kimberly C. Kirby, PhD, BCBA-D is currently is an affiliate of Rowan University, a senior scientist with the TRI Cente on Addictions at PHMC and holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Her research focuses on developing practical interventions for substance abuse and addiction. She has been the principal investigator on multiple grants and contracts using principles of behavior economics to improve treatment of opioid and cocaine use disorders. She also has had multiple grants focused on helping families use Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) to deal with the substance use problems of a loved one. She is nationally recognized for her work in addictions, is a past-president of Division 28 (Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse) of the American Psychological Association and is a Fellow of APA Divisions 28 and 50 (Addictions).
