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The Twins Project

The Scientists


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Kathryn Paige Harden, Ph.D


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Dr. Paige Harden received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Virginia in 2009. She completed her internship at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. She joined the Psychology department at the University of Texas at Austin in August 2009. She is the co-director of The Twin Project at The University of Texas.

For more, visit her lab website.

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Elliot M. Tucker-Drob, Ph.D


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Elliot Tucker-Drob is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and a Faculty Research Associate at the Population Research Center and the Center on Aging and Population Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Tucker-Drob received his PhD in Psychology from the University of Virginia, and has held fellowships at Harvard Medical School and the Max Planck Institute for Human Development. He co-founded and co-directs the Texas Twin Project.

For more, visit his lab website.


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Aditi Sabhlock

Graduate Student


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Aditi is a rising 5th year clinical graduate student in the Harden Lab. After graduating from Duke University, she worked as a Clinical Research Associate at the Duke ADHD program, before entering the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at UT. Here she has grown both her research and clinical interests in child and adolescent wellbeing and psychopathology, particularly externalizing and disruptive behaviors, such as ADHD, oppositional defiance, and conduct disorders. Her current program of research, using the Texas Twin cohort, integrates investigation into the relative genetic and environmental contributions to achievement in middle childhood, focusing on how cognitive functioning and social inequalities relate to childhood academic attainment.


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Sofia Semyrenko

Project Manager


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Sofia joined the Lifespan Development Lab in the summer of 2023. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Neuroscience Scholars and a certificate in Forensic Science. Before joining the team, she worked as a research assistant at the Epigenetics, Development and Neuroscience Lab, studying the effects of environmental factors on working memory of the offspring. She wrote an experimental thesis examining the impact of prenatal exposure to a bisphenol mixture on anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Sofia is primarily interested in the epigenetic mechanisms underlying susceptibility and development of mental health disorders as a result of childhood trauma. She would like to continue pursuing her academic interests and apply for a PhD program in the future.


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Liza Vinnik

Data Scientist


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Liza Vinnik graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A.in Psychology with honors, and a minor in Philosophy. Prior to joining the Texas Twin Project, she completed her undergraduate thesis, under the guidance of Dr. Elliot Tucker-Drob, examining genetic and environmental links between different domains of conduct problems and academic achievement. She worked as a project coordinator on the Texas Twin Project from 2019-2021 and subsequently transitioned to a data scientist role.



Megal Alla


Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hi! My name is Megal, and I’m a current senior at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School here in Austin. I got involved with the Texas Twin Project because I wanted to gain research experience and explore the field of psychology. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends, playing with my dog, and listening to music. In the future, I hope to major in psychology on a pre-med track.

Sadia Samin


Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hello! I’m Sadia Samin, a fourth-year student majoring in BSA Chemistry with a minor in Sociology at UT Austin. I’ve had the privilege of being part of The Texas Twin Project since January 2022. The fascinating world of twin studies and its ability to uncover the intricate connections between genetics and behavior led me to join this lab. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, practicing yoga, and weightlifting. As I approach graduation, I’m excited about the prospect of transitioning into the pharmaceutical industry, where I hope to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my academic journey. I’m eager to continue contributing to The Texas Twin Project and further explore the intriguing realm of genetics and behavior.

Audrey Fife


Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hey! My name is Audrey Fife and I’m a second-year Psychology and Rhetoric & Writing double-major. I’ve been working at the Texas Twin Project since arriving at UT and have loved the experience I’ve gained in psychological research, especially focusing on children and families! Outside of the lab, I work as a speech and debate consultant and a Writing Fellow in LAH, and I’m a member of the Texas Student Psychological Association (TSPA) and Students Expanding Austin Literacy (SEAL). I love reading, writing, baking, playing or listening to music, and studying here at UT Austin!

Miloni Patel


Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hi! My name is Miloni Patel, and I am a Psychology and Human Dimensions of Organization double major at UT Austin. I am a sophomore and hope to pursue IO psychology in the future. In my free time I like working out, trying new food, traveling, and hanging out with friends/family. I’m involved with the Texas Twin Project since I love working with kids and am interested in behavioral genetics.

Leyna Nguyen


Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hi! My name is Leyna Nguyen, and I am a second-year majoring in Psychology, pursuing a Bridging Disciplines certificate in Children and Society! I was given the opportunity to work with the Texas Twin Project through the Liberal Arts Honors program here at UT, which has allowed me to learn more about the nuances of academic research and the cognitive development of children. I hope to become a child psychologist specializing in working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. In my free time, I love to try out new places to eat, bake, and watch anime.

Katarina Jakimier


Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hi! I’m Katarina, and I’m a Psychology and Religious Studies double major with a minor in Philosophy. I love working at the Texas Twin Project because it’s the perfect way to start building the tools and mindset needed to work with children in my future career. In addition to TTP, I work at the Meston lab, and am actively involved with Texas Hillel (Jewish Student Center). After graduation, I plan to enter a PhD program in clinical psychology to research chronic childhood dissociation.

Essie Diaz


Undergraduate Research Assistant

I’m Essie Diaz Perdomo and I’m a Psychology Major and Healthcare Reform & Innovation Minor here at UT Austin! Joining the Texas Twin Project has allowed me to engage my interest in the effect of genetics and environment on personality and cognition. The direct experience I have gained working with children has been pivotal to my learning. In addition to researching with the lab, I am a passionate member of the Texas Students Psychological Association, Liberal Arts Council, and Students Expanding Austin Literacy. In my free time, I enjoy cooking for my friends and dragging them around Austin to explore the city!

Mira Bhakta


Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hey! My name is Mira Bhakta, and I am a sophomore Psychology major with a business minor and a pre-health certificate at UT. After graduation, I hope to become a Neuropsychologist and specialize working with children. I joined the Texas Twin Project in January 2024, and I am very excited to be a part of the data collection team and learn more about behavioral genetics and cognitive development. In my free time, I love to try new foods, read, explore Austin, and hang out with my friends!

Brooke Qiao


Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hey! My name is Brooke Qiao, and I’m a freshman at UT pursuing a B.S. in Psychology alongside a certificate in Core Texts and Ideas. I was connected to the lab through the Liberal Arts Honors program, which has enabled me to nurture my love of scientific discovery! Outside of the lab, you can find me exploring coffee shops around Austin, hanging out with friends, editing essays for the Texas Undergraduate Law Journal, and listening to music. I hope to become a family lawyer in the future, and my work in the lab enables me to approach law with a nuanced understanding of the psychological and developmental factors at play.