Lab Members

Screenshot 2023-06-21 at 1.44.19 PM New Amy headshot

Dr. Amy Needham, Principal Investigator

Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

I am the Director of the Hands-On Play Lab and Professor of Psychology and Human Development, which is in the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University. I am fascinated by how infants learn to use their hands to accomplish their goals and by what they learn when they use their hands to play with and explore objects. I earned my PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I came to Vanderbilt in 2009 after working at Duke University for 16 years. When I’m not working, I enjoy taking walks with my husband and dogs and finding new ways to cook vegetables.

Email : amy.needham@vanderbilt.edu Telephone: (615) 322-8380

April Booten

Lab Advisor

Hi! I am April Booten from Murfreesboro, TN. I am the Outreach Manager for the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT). I have been involved with DSAMT since my son was born in 2013 serving in many different capacities. I also have a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy and practiced 17 years in the hospital setting prior to joining the staff at DSAMT. I have always had a passion for helping others! I enjoy spending time traveling with my family and sharing new experiences with our son.

Caroline Danforth

PhD Candidate

My name is Caroline Danforth. I am a 4th-year PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology and Human Development at Vanderbilt. My academic background is in psychology and biology, and I have worked closely with children with developmental disabilities for several years. My research interests range from how neurodevelopmental differences influence early childhood development to how fun, exciting interventions can improve neural and behavioral outcomes for children with all different ability levels. I am currently pursuing lines of research that promote effective, considerate early intervention techniques.

Abby Blum

PhD Candidate

My name is Abby Blum, and I am a 4th-year PhD student in the Clinical Science program within the Department of Psychology and Human Development. I graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in psychology and creative writing, and my current research interests include exploring different attachment styles between caregivers and babies, as well as examining the ways in which differences in early caregiving can affect infant mental health, particularly with children with developmental disabilities. Outside of the lab, I enjoy travelling to new cities, going on hikes with my two puppies, and snuggling up with a good book.

Sunny Zhao

Master’s Student

My name is Sunny Zhao, and I graduated from Beijing Normal University. I am now a first-year student in the Cognitive Psychology in Context program. I am interested in how fine motor development in newborns can both predict and shape cognitive growth, as well as how targeted early interventions can support brain function in infants with neurological disorders. I am excited to explore these questions in depth and to translate scientific findings into practical strategies that make a real difference in children’s lives.

Alison Rubin

Lab Manager

My name is Alison Rubin. I graduated from William & Mary with a B.S in Neuroscience and a minor in Hispanic Studies. I am excited for the opportunity to research how children learn through play in the HOP Lab. I am passionate about child development research and combining it with my neuroscience background. I hope to one day pursue a PhD in developmental neuroscience. In my free time, I love to go on walks, explore thrift stores, and spend time with my pets.