Reppucci Research Group @ Wheaton College (MA)
What We Do | Who We Are | What We Believe | News
Principal Investigator
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Christina Reppucci, PhD
Professor of the Practice I joined the Psychology & Neuroscience Department of Wheaton College in 2021. With help from a team of enthusiastic undergraduate assistants (see below) and funding support from the Wheaton College MA Provost's Office, we are currently investigating the role of neuropeptide signaling in the regulation of juvenile social play behavior by the ventral tegmental area. Outside of the classroom/lab you will often find me snapping photos of flowers, or cuddling with my cat. |
Undergraduate Researchers
Daniela Peña '26
Neuroscience Major
Neuroscience Major
Anya O'Brien '26
Neuroscience Major; Psychology Minor, Business Minor
During the summer of 2025, I worked with Dr. Reppucci in lab and am now continuing my research with her with plans to complete an independent project. My interests center around behavior, specifically: how the structure and function of the brain influence how we live, interact, and experience the world. In addition to my research, I work at a school for adolescents with TBI and behavioral disorders. On campus, I serve as the Vice President of our feminist association and participate in a special project through the LCDI. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Outside of academics, I enjoy knitting, skiing, rowing, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.
Neuroscience Major; Psychology Minor, Business Minor
During the summer of 2025, I worked with Dr. Reppucci in lab and am now continuing my research with her with plans to complete an independent project. My interests center around behavior, specifically: how the structure and function of the brain influence how we live, interact, and experience the world. In addition to my research, I work at a school for adolescents with TBI and behavioral disorders. On campus, I serve as the Vice President of our feminist association and participate in a special project through the LCDI. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Outside of academics, I enjoy knitting, skiing, rowing, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.
Jordan Cook '26
Neuroscience Major
In my first year I started out as a psychology major, as I've always been interested in the brain & mind, but switched to neuroscience my sophomore year as I realized I wanted a more biological perspective. Now, going into my senior year, I picked up a public health science minor, and am on track to apply to genetic counseling masters programs. So far in my three years at Wheaton I've been able to foster lifelong friendships, professional relationships with biology/neuroscience professors who I work very closely with, and my love for STEM.
Emma Zhou '27
Neuroscience Major; Visual Art Major
I am a neuroscience and visual art double major at Wheaton College with a great interest in the intersection between artistic creativity and science. I am also very interested in the biological drivers of human and animal behavior. In my free time I enjoy collecting as many hobbies as humanly possible. Some notable hobbies include sewing, ceramics, and cooking.
Ella Poe '27
Psychology Major, Biology Minor
Former Members
Jimena Chavez - Martell '27
Neuroscience Major; Pre-Med Concentration
Jimena worked in the lab January 2024-October 2025, during which time she completed an independent study.
Bessie Reina Figueroa '26
Neuroscience Major
Bessie completed a summer research internship in 2025.
Claire Deans-Rowe '27
Neuroscience Major; Environmental Studies Minor
Claire worked in the lab from September 2024-May 2025, during which time she completed an independent study.
Alexandria Taylor '25
Biochemistry Major; Psychology Major
Allie worked in lab from September 2024-May 2025, during which time she completed a senior capstone in Behavioral Neuroscience titled: The effect of nicotine on social play and anxiety-like behaviors in juvenile male and female rats.
Michelle Aum '25
Neuroscience Major; Women & Gender Studies Major
Michelle worked in lab from September 2024-May 2025, during which time she completed a senior honors thesis in Neuroscience titled: The effects of early life stress on the expression of myelin density and estrogen receptor-alpha in the amygdala of adolescent male and female rats.
Rachel Cozzens '24
Neuroscience Major
Rachel worked in lab from February 2022-May 2024.
Cassidy Fitzpatrick '24
Psychology Major | Biology Major
Cass worked in the lab from June 2023-May 2024, during which time she was awarded research grants from TriBeta and Psi Chi to support her senior Honors Thesis in Psychology - Behavioral Neuroscience titled: The effects of oxytocin signaling in the ventral tegmental area on the regulation of social and anxiety-like behaviors.
Ben Goho '24
Neuroscience Major
Ben worked in lab from June 2022-May 2024, during which time he was awarded a research grant from TriBeta to support his senior honors thesis in Neuroscience titled: The effect of environmental enrichment on social play, anxiety-like behavior, and plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex.
Sadie Drouin '23
Neuroscience Major, Pubic Health Science Minor, Pre-Med Track
Sadie worked in lab from February 2022-May 2023, during which time she completed a senior honors thesis in Neuroscience titled: The effects of maternal separation and social isolation on memory and myelin in adolescent rats.
Sadie is currently in graduate school.
Nina Lin '23
Psychology Major
Nina worked in the lab during Fall 2022 for her internship for PSY-337: Practicum in Psychological Research, and during Spring 2023 for an Independent Study.
Nina will be attending graduate school in Fall 2023.
Nina Lin '23
Psychology Major
Nina worked in the lab during Fall 2022 for her internship for PSY-337: Practicum in Psychological Research, and during Spring 2023 for an Independent Study.
Nina will be attending graduate school in Fall 2023.
Nyima Bhuti '25
Major Undeclared (thinking about Neuroscience or Biology)
Nyima worked in the lab during Summer 2022 and was supported by a Summer Faculty-Student Research Grant awarded by the Committee on Faculty Scholarship & Promotion, and the Provost's Office at Wheaton College MA.
Nyima Bhuti '25
Major Undeclared (thinking about Neuroscience or Biology)
Nyima worked in the lab during Summer 2022 and was supported by a Summer Faculty-Student Research Grant awarded by the Committee on Faculty Scholarship & Promotion, and the Provost's Office at Wheaton College MA.
