Lab Personnel
We are the PLEA Lab!
Melissa A. Baker, Ph.D.
Lab Director
My name is Mel Baker. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Coastal Carolina University. My research interests include several lines of inquiry that apply both social and cognitive theory to legal contexts. I teach Research Methods, Social Psychology, and Psychology and the Law.
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Office: Smith 217A
Phone: 843-349-2539
Email: mbaker4@coastal.edu
Ywomie Mota
Research Assistant
Hello! I am a third-year psychology major with a forensics concentration. My research interests range broadly from wrongful convictions, false confessions, eyewitness testimonies, interrogation techniques, jury decision-making, and systematic bias. I am specifically intrigued by the practices used today and their practicality in producing effective legal decisions. I plan to pursue my graduate studies in forensic psychology or related fields such as criminology and legal psychology.
Morgan Stum
Research Assistant
I am a Senior from Harrisonburg, Virginia. I study Psychology with a concentration in Forensics, and I have a double major in Language and Intercultural Studies with a minor in French. I also have 2 dogs whom I absolutely adore! I enjoy exploring the outdoors and studying anything forensic science and crime.
Kayla Janssen
Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Kayla Janssen. I am a second year Psychology major with a concentration in Forensics. I also have my seal of biliteracy in Spanish. My research interests include criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, and substance abuse. I plan to continue my studies in graduate school in Forensic Psychology to become a criminal analyst or criminal profiler.
Hannah Saluga
Research Assistant
​Hi, I’m Hannah! I am an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Forensics. My academic and research interests center on the intersection of psychology and the legal system, particularly in areas such as criminal profiling and investigative practices. After undergrad, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and Ph.D. in related psychology or criminology fields.
Za'Mya Thompson
Research Assistant
​Hello! My name is Za'Mya Thompson, I am a senior and will be graduating with my Bachelor's in Psychology with a concentration in Forensics. I have always had a passion for understanding the why? In every situation, I like to think that I walk around with tiny microscopes around my eyes the way I am always observing. I plan to go to graduate school for clinical psychology, so I can become a forensic psychologist. Then, after about ten years of hands-on experience, I would like to go back to school to get a Ph.D. in forensic psychology.
Frankie Cullen
Research Assistant
Hi there! My name is Frankie Cullen, and I’m a freshman at CCU majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Forensics. I’m passionate about understanding human behavior, particularly the psychological factors that influence criminal actions. This year, I’m excited to learn as much as possible under the guidance of Dr. Baker and collaborate with fellow researchers to gain hands-on experience in the field.
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My ultimate career goal is to work for the FBI, where I hope to apply psychological principles to criminal investigations and contribute to behavioral analysis efforts. A fun fact about me is that I am a musical theatre lover, and I have participated in live theater since I was twelve years old.
Norah Sullivan
Research Assistant
I am a senior undergraduate student from a small town in New Hampshire, pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Sociology with a medical concentration. Currently, I am working alongside Dr. Baker on research focused on eyewitness testimony, which has provided me with valuable hands-on experience in the field of psychological research. My academic and research interests center on child development, with a particular focus on the impacts of substance use and the role of family support systems. I am passionate about advancing understanding in these areas to better support children and families in clinical settings. Following graduation, I plan to pursue graduate studies and become a licensed clinician with a specialization in child-focused mental health care. Outside of academics, I prioritize mental wellness through yoga and spending time at the beach—practices that help me stay grounded and balanced.
Lauren Leatherman
Research Assistant
Hello, I’m Lauren Leatherman from Northern Virginia! I am an undergraduate psychology student with a concentration in mental health and a minor in language and intercultural studies. The various complexities of the legal system is what really drew me to this research lab, where we get to experience conducting these experiments and coding the data. After I graduate in the spring from CCU, I plan to pursue a masters and PsyD in the clinical psychology/neuroscience field; planning to become a clinical psychologist with a focus on neurodevelopment. I am also currently working as a research assistant in a comparative cognition lab and as a Registered Behavior Technician: providing 1:1 ABA therapy to clients by implementing behavior intervention plans created by BCBA.
Gianna Esposito
Research Assistant
Avery Blinco
Research Assistant
Digby
Lab Mascot
Digby is the PLEA Lab's mascot. Digby's role in the lab is to lick and provide support for all lab personnel. In his free time, Digby likes to play fetch, take long walks on the beach, and listen to classical music.
Alumni
Coastal Carolina University
2022-present
Samantha "Sammo" Oliver (2025)
Kali Goldman (2024)
Samantha "Sammi" Leo (2024)
Kylie Bruccoleri (2024)
Makayla West (2023)
Noah Pruett (2023)
Tracey Butler (2023)
Alex Fusee (2023)
Megan Smith (2022)
Western Kentucky University
2019-2022
Chandler Flynt (2022)
Nicholas "Ralphy" Gardner (2022)
Kayce Ebenkamp (2022)
Monica Hines (2022)
Miranda Reed (2022)
Victoria Bratcher (2022)
Dawson Young (2022)
Alaina Caswell (2022)
Adeline Hornsby (2022)
Marguerite "Maggie" Reisch (2022)
Abigail "Abi" Kemper (2022)
Morgan Todd (2022)
Skylar Bixby (2022)
Meygan Oliver (2022)
Grace Ray (2022)
Gabbrielle "Gabbie" Gilbert (2022)
Loren Pedroli (2022)
Madeline DeJesus (2022)
Bruce Kane (2022)
Sydney Garrison (2021)
Piper Scanell (2021)
Kathleen "Katie" Gorsky (2021)
Braiden Abbott (2021)
Rachel Greis (2021)
Kristen Starr (2020)
Tori Hampton (2020)
Sarah Price (2020)
Eliza Geis (2020)
Chloe Banaszak (2020)
Austin Smith (2020)
Carlecia "Carli" Gambrell (2020)
Austin McClain (2020)
Alexandria "Alley" McDaniel (2020)
Sydnie Young (2020)
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