Meet the Team

Dr. Cynthia Frosch, IMH-E®

Principal Investigator
Dr. Cynthia Frosch, IMH-E® is an Associate Professor in the Human Development and Family Science department at Auburn University and an Endorsed Infant Mental Health Mentor (Research/Faculty). Her research focuses on early relational health, parent-child interaction from birth to 5, and early childhood workforce development, including the provision of reflective supervision for infant and early childhood professionals. Her favorite children’s books are Hello, Bugs!, Dear Zoo, and Tiger Can't Sleep!
Jamie Gensbauer

Graduate Research Assistant
Lab Manager
Jamie Gensbauer is a 4th year doctoral student in the Human Development and Family Science department at Auburn University. Her research interests include early literacy, language, and early relational health. Jamie's favorite children's book is Miss Nelson is Missing!
Melike Coskun

Graduate Research Assistant
Melike Coskun is a 5th-year doctoral student in the Human Development and Family Science department at Auburn University. Her research interests include how technology and AI affect family dynamics (e.g., boundaries, limit-setting, and family rules and responsibilities), child development, and parenting practices. Melike’s favorite children’s book is Harry Potter!
Emily Keith

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Emily Keith is a junior majoring in Psychology with minors in Human Development and Family Science and English. Emily plans to pursue a career in clinical mental health counseling, with particular interests in early childhood development, substance abuse counseling, and play therapy. Her favorite children’s book is The Rainbow Fish!
Sara Jacobs

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sara Jacobs is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career working with children in clinical mental health counseling. Her favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
Noelle Okland

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Noelle is a junior majoring in Psychology and Spanish with minors in Human Development and Family Science and Counseling. She is interested in pursuing a master's in clinical mental health counseling to become a licensed counselor. Her favorite children's book is Ferdinand the Bull!
Sofia Contreras-Bilbao

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sofia Contreras-Bilbao is sophomore majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Spanish on the pre-med track, with a minor in Public Health. She plans to become a pediatric surgeon so she can combine her passion for medicine with her love for working with children. Sofia’s favorite children’s book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss!
Ryleigh Butz

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Ryleigh Butz is a junior majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. Her goal is to attend Physician Assistant school after graduation from Auburn and become a PA on a pediatrics or NICU floor. Ryleigh’s favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree!
Presley Carnley

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Presley Carnley is a junior majoring in Psychology and Social Work with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. After Auburn, she plans to pursue an MSW/JD degree with the goal of either becoming a mental health therapist for children or a child advocate attorney. Her favorite children’s book is Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss!
Roger

Lab Mascot
Roger loves playing fetch, counter surfing, making new friends everywhere he goes, and chomping on ice when his humans make coffee in the morning. His favorite books are Hard Working Puppies and Bark, George!