The SeaSoN Lab at Jasper National Park, Summer 2026
Lab Members
Principal Investigator
Kat Munley, Ph.D.
(she/her)
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology
Member, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute
NIGMS F32 NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California Los Angeles (2022-2025)
Ph.D., Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, Indiana University (2022)
Broadly, Kat is interested in how environmental context, including social and seasonal cues, is integrated via the brain and endocrine system to drive adaptive social behavior. Previously, she received her Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior at Indiana University, where she examined how the hormone melatonin regulates seasonal aggression in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) in the lab of Greg Demas. Then, Kat was a NIGMS F32 NSRA Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California Los Angeles, where she studied the neural and molecular regulation of subordinate social status by androgens in the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni in the lab of Beau Alward. Outside of the lab, Kat enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature, watching college football (Go Canes!), and spending time with her partner Derek and her cat Simba.
Fun Fact: In Summer 2024, Kat received her 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) certification! She practices yoga every day and enjoys sharing her passion for yoga with others through teaching.
Graduate Students
Chandler Carr
(they/them)
M.Sc. Student, Graduate Program in Psychology (Comparative Cognition and Behaviour)
B.A., Biology and Neuroscience, Ohio Wesleyan University (2024)
Broadly, Chandler is interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying individual variation in animal behavior. For their master’s work, Chandler is studying how social behaviors can be defined mathematically by developing an automated scoring workflow for A. burtoni behaviors using animal pose estimation software. Chandler completed their undergraduate degree at Ohio Wesleyan University, where they conducted three independent research projects on: 1) the repeatable nest building preferences of female wrens, 2) the effect of aesthetics on cognitive task performance in humans, and 3) co-expression patterns in response to gravity in plants. Outside of the lab, Chandler likes to watch Hermitcraft, play video games with their friends, and oil paint.
Fun Fact: Chandler’s mom says that she knew Chandler would get into science when they, at the age of two, stuck a metal spoon in an electrical outlet TWICE in the same week to make sure the power going out wasn’t a fluke the first time.
Arpita Ghosh
(she/her)
Ph.D. Student, Graduate Program in Psychology (Comparative Cognition and Behaviour)
M.Sc., Applied Neuropsychology, University of Bristol (2025)
B.Sc., Psychology, Ashoka University (2024)
Broadly, Arpita is interested in studying the neurobiological underpinnings of behaviors that are generally thought to be maladaptive, such as anxiety and depression. Her Ph.D. research focuses on characterizing the neural control of social subordination by serotonin in the African cichlid A. burtoni. Previously, she received her M.Sc. in Applied Neuropsychology at the University of Bristol and her B.Sc. in Psychology at Ashoka University, where she spent three years studying zebrafish behavior. Her senior thesis explored the adaptive significance of depressive-like behavior in wild-type zebrafish using pharmacological and social manipulations. Outside of the lab, Arpita enjoys working out, going for walks, and playing with her dogs.
Fun Fact: Arpita is a devoted dog lover! She has four rescued dogs back home in India — Tootie, Frootie, Nemo, and Daisy — who have been part of her life for over six years.
Undergraduate Students
Arman Ahlawat
(he/him)
Honors Program in Physiology (B.Sc.)
Edmonton Brain Bee Winner (2026)
Arman is a first-year undergraduate student in the Honors Program in Physiology. He was the 2026 winner of the Edmonton Brain Bee competition, and he placed second at the Canadian National Brain Bee competition. Arman is interested in studying how biology at the molecular level, especially hormones and neurotransmitters, can influence something as abstract and complex as social behavior. He recently completed a summer internship in the SeaSoN Lab after graduating from high school, and he is now working with Arpita to investigate the role of the serotonin 1A receptors in controlling social behavior in male A. burtoni. Outside of the lab, Arman enjoys playing soccer, playing the alto saxophone, and working out.
Fun Fact: Arman came in second-to-last place in an 800m track event in junior high school, beating only his twin brother.
Davine Akpede
(she/her)
Undergraduate Program in Psychology (B.Sc.)
Davine is a third-year undergraduate student in psychology in the Faculty of Science. Broadly, she is interested in studying physiological responses to social defeat and its corresponding behaviors. In the SeaSoN Lab, Davine is working with Arpita to study the role of serotonin in regulating social subordination in A. burtoni. Outside of the lab, she enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and watching TV.
Fun Fact: Davine is left-handed, but has learned to use her right hand for almost everything!
Simona Buriac
Honors Program in Psychology (B.Sc.)
Simona is a third-year undergraduate student in the Honors Program in Psychology who is interested in understanding the role hormones play in regulating behavior in Astatotilapia burtoni. In the SeaSoN Lab, Simona is helping Chandler create an automated protocol for scoring A. burtoni social behaviors while learning more about neuroendocrinology and behavior. Outside of the lab, Simona’s interests include watching animal documentaries, reading, and discovering new music.
Fun Fact: Simona is learning how to sew.
Lana Chernakova
(she/her)
Undergraduate Program in Psychology (B.Sc.)
Lana is a fourth(ish)-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology. Broadly, she is interested in understanding the neural correlates of behavior. In the SeaSoN Lab, Lana is working with Chandler to develop an automated scoring workflow for studying male Astatotilapia burtoni social behaviors. Outside of the lab, she does arts and crafts with patients at the Alberta Hospital and teaches simulator flying at the Alberta Aviation Museum.
Fun Fact: When she’s stressed, Lana bakes and gardens. Lana also flew a Cessna plane solo before she drove a car solo.
Evan Cruickshank
(he/him)
Undergraduate Program in Psychology (B.Sc.)
Evan is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology. Broadly, he is interested in studying the biological basis of subordinate behaviour. In the SeaSoN Lab, he is working with Angela to study the role of cholecystokinin b in regulating subordinate-typical behaviours in Astatotilapia burtoni. Evan is looking forward to furthering his understanding of neuroendocrinology and social behaviour, as well as developing his research skills. After his undergraduate studies, Evan aims to pursue a master’s degree in psychology. Outside of the lab, he enjoys climbing, exercise, and journalism.
Fun Fact: Evan is originally from South Africa.
Zack Matthews
(he/him)
Undergraduate Program in Psychology (B.Sc.)
Science Experiential Skills Advantage (SESA) Awardee (2026)
Zack is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology. In the SeaSoN Lab, he is working with Kat to study the androgenic regulation of coloration and circulating hormones in subordinate Astatotilapia burtoni. Zack looks forward to further developing his research skills in the lab and applying them while pursuing a master’s degree in psychology. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing golf, spending time with friends, and playing with his dog.
Fun Fact: When Zack was around 5 years old and played Timbit soccer, he would be happy when the other team scored. Zack told his dad that he was happy because the other team was happy.
Sofya Mishchenko
(she/her)
Undergraduate Programs in Psychology and Biological Sciences (B.Sc.)
Research Certificate in Psychology
Sofya is a fifth-year undergraduate student double-majoring in psychology and biological sciences. Broadly, she is interested in studying the biological bases of behaviour, neuroscience, and molecular genetics. In the SeaSoN Lab, she is investigating the potential links between androgenic and serotonergic signalling in controlling subordination in Astatotilapia burtoni. Sofya is looking forward to pursuing graduate studies after completing her undergraduate degree. Outside of the lab, she enjoys volunteering at the University of Alberta Observatory, swimming, climbing, hiking, coaching, and learning physics and cosmology.
Fun Fact: Sofya previously conducted research on the effects of magnetic fields and specific sound frequencies on Escherichia coli culture growth and replication.
Maki Muthu
(he/they)
Undergraduate Program in Psychology (B.A.)
Research Certificate in Psychology
Maki is a fifth(ish)-year undergraduate student who recently completed their coursework in psychology. Broadly, they are interested in understanding neurological processes that are generally thought to be maladaptive and how these mechanisms may change depending on the social context of an individual. In the SeaSoN Lab, Maki is working with Arpita to study the neural and behavioral correlates of subordination in A. burtoni. Maki is also an active student in the Songbird Neuroethology Lab in the Department of Psychology, where he studies the effects of aging on female perception of dominant and subordinate male songs in black-capped chickadees. He looks forward to further developing his research skills before pursuing a master’s degree in psychology. Outside of the lab, they enjoy karaoke, volunteering at events like Animethon, and making digital art.
Fun Fact: Maki has previously performed in musicals like Cats and the Wizard of Oz in both on stage and orchestral positions.
Angela Xia
(she/her)
Honors Program in Psychology (B.Sc.)
Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) Stipend Awardee (2026)
Angela is a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Honors Program in Psychology. In the SeaSoN Lab, she is investigating the role of the peptide hormone cholecystokinin b in controlling subordinate behaviors in Astatotilapia burtoni. Angela is also an active volunteer in the Intercultural Communication Lab in the Department of Psychology, where she studies language retention and family acculturation in humans. She looks forward to delving deeper into these topics before pursuing a master’s degree in psychology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys travelling, baking, and crocheting.
Fun Fact: Angela has been figure skating since she was 8 years old and now teaches learn-to-skate to a variety of ages. She especially enjoys working with kids — they say the silliest things, such as (incorrectly) guessing that Angela is 65 years old.
Honorary Lab Members
Simba
Lab Mascot
Prince of Purrs, Count of Catnip, and Nobleman of Naptime
Simba is a 13-year-old orange tabby cat. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Simba was adopted in August 2013 when he was just a few weeks old, right after Kat started her first semester of graduate school at Louisiana State University. Simba has been by Kat’s side for most of her scientific journey and has traveled with her across North America, including Bloomington (Indiana), Houston, Los Angeles, and Edmonton. He enjoys making biscuits on his favorite blanket, getting brushes, being a smell and taste tester for Kat and her partner Derek’s food, napping, and playing with his hair ties and toy fish.
Mocha
King of Fluff and Spymaster
Mocha (Mo) is a two-and-a-half-year-old domestic medium-hair cat. Born in Sunnyvale, California and raised in Alberta, Canada, he was adopted by Maki in May 2024, while they were a volunteer at the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority. Starting as a malnourished and anxious little kitten, he has now grown to be a gentle giant that has been a massive form of support for Maki through both great and rough times. Mocha adores spring toys, tearing up journal articles, jumping to unreachable heights, and being carried around like a baby. Mo is also working to master the art of being a living security camera – jumping onto the highest windows to survey both the birds outside and his human servant at all times.
Sylvie
Yapper Supreme and Babiest Baby
Sylvie is a two and a half-year-old black short-hair cat. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, Chandler and their partner adopted her in August 2025. She has a crooked jaw as a result of an animal attack when she was young, but it hasn’t affected her ability to nip your hand while playing! She is Chandler and their partner’s first cat child as a couple. Sylvie loves butt pats, scritches, catnip, and batting at anything that dangles. She is also a sassy yapper and will demand attention by yelling at you until you pet her. Sylvie is also mastering the art of manipulation – meowing pitifully when told not to climb on the TV.
Tootie, Frootie, Nemo, and Daisy
Bark-tistic Directors and Cuteness Crusaders
Tootie, Frootie, Nemo, and Daisy are 7-year-old dogs born on the streets of Kolkata, India. They were rescued and adopted in 2017, when they were less than a month old and Arpita was in 11th grade. Abandoned at a young age, they quickly became the heart of her world and have been by her side through every high and low, from school days to her current Ph.D. journey. They miss Arpita a lot when she’s away and eagerly await her holiday, counting down the days until they can cuddle with her again. They love belly rubs, cuddles, chicken treats, long naps, and chasing each other around. Their special talent? Expertly dismantling toys and turning the remains into creative “art installations” across their room.
Willow
Chief of Chew Toys
Willow is a 6-year-old Whoodle. She was born on July 25, 2019 in rural Alberta, Canada and was adopted in November 2019 while Zack was in high school. Zack had been through some rough times dealing with a major injury, and Willow was a bright ball of joy, always by his side to keep him company and provide many smiles. Willow loves to play with squeaky balls, go on long walks at the Buena Vista Dog Park, and swim in the river when it’s hot.