Justin Riddle, PhD

Principal Investigator

Justin is passionate to make discoveries on the nature of the human mind. He has a fascination for how the prefrontal cortex represents abstract information and controls our thoughts to seek higher-order goals. His research utilizes complementary tools with high temporal precision (EEG) and high spatial precision (fMRI). In order to move beyond correlation-based science, Justin uses magnetic and electric stimulation (TMS & tACS) to investigate the causal role of neural oscillations in higher-order cognition. Justin is committed to effective mentorship and maintaining a supportive lab environment. In his spare time, Justin maintains a YouTube channel that explores theories of consciousness and has proposed the Nested Observer Windows (NOW) Model for hierarchical consciousness.

Timothy McDermott, PhD

Postdoctoral Scholar

Tim received his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Tulsa and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at McLean Hospital on the PTSD Track, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Grady Trauma Project/Emory University. He is a licensed psychologist specializing in psychotherapy for adults with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. His research uses neuroscience methods to guide novel approaches to treatment, including brain stimulation as an augmentation strategy. He is currently interested in studying novel treatments for anhedonia. He has prior experience with M/EEG, fMRI, rtfMRI-nf, tDCS, and temporal interference.

Madeline Carlson

Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Student

Maddie is a first year PhD student in the Psychology program at Florida State University. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Neuroscience. Prior to graduate school, Maddie contributed to research on inhibitory control and worked on longitudinal studies examining risk factors for alcohol use and abuse. Currently, she is interested in researching the intersection of reward processing and hierarchical control and how processing of rewards impacts these hierarchical processes in both typical and atypical populations. Maddie is interested in using EEG to investigate underlying oscillatory dynamics and leveraging noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), to probe and potentially modulate these systems, with the long-term goal of informing viable treatments for cognitive and affective dysfunction.

Dylan (Wu) Li

Neuroscience Graduate Student

Dylan is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Neuroscience program at Florida State University. She graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a double major in Neuroscience and Media & Journalism. Her current research focuses on how neural oscillations support hierarchical cognitive control, using non‑invasive brain stimulation to probe causal mechanisms. Broadly, she aims to understand the neural bases of psychiatric disorders and develop novel oscillation‑based interventions. Dylan is passionate about exploring brain function through oscillatory dynamics and translating these insights into innovative therapeutic strategies. 

Brooke Schwartzman

Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Student

Brooke is a first-year year PhD student in Cognitive Neuroscience. She received her BS in Psychological and Brain Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara. While at UCSB, she worked in Drs. Jonathan Schooler’s and Regina Lapate’s labs. For her post-bacc, she assisted Dr. Amishi Jha at University of Miami to examine how mindfulness meditation improves attentional performance. In the Riddle Lab, Brooke will investigate how mind wandering dynamics contribute to attentional lapses and their neural basis using EEG and brain stimulation. 

Jake Tear

Neuroscience Graduate Student

Jake is a first year PhD student in Neuroscience in the Riddle lab. He is interested in improving the utility of brain activity measures for precision psychiatry, which includes: understanding inter- and intra-individual variability in electrophysiological data, multi-modal approaches, dynamical systems approaches, and other neural data science tools (e.g. graph theory). He also hosts large concerts/events and is often found on a skate-, surf-, or snow-board. 

Zhaohan Wu

Clinical Psychology Graduate Student

Zhaohan is a clinical psychology PhD student at FSU. He is interested in the role neural oscillations play in psychopathologies, especially anxiety-related disorders. He is also interested in how to modulate neural oscillations with new techniques (e.g. tACS, TMS) and thus alleviate patients’ symptoms.    

Zoe Steelman

Lab Manager

Zoe graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. She completed her undergraduate thesis on social judgment in subdimensions of Social Anxiety Disorder. Zoe is interested in researching novel treatment mechanisms for affective disorders. She aims to pursue graduate education in the neuroscience field.   

Maria E. Fini

Research Faculty

Maria has earned her bachelor’s degree and PhD in biomedical engineering. Prior to pursuing her doctorate, Maria worked clinically in neurosurgery as an electrophysiologist. She left the operating room with a deep curiosity for consciousness. Her research experience includes electrical (tDCS/ tACS/ MEP/ CCEP) and ultrasonic (tFUS) brain stimulation, EEG, EcOG, as well as various physiological measures such as skin conductance, heart rate, temperature, and behavioral paradigms. Maria is particularly interested in the interaction between mind and matter. She has studied meditation and mindfulness extensively, both professionally and through personal practice. Her work is driven by a passion to explore beyond our current knowledge of the mind, wellbeing, and the human capacity to heal and regenerate.

Shyam Dhulashia

Research Affiliate

Shyam graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Psychology. His work in the Riddle Lab investigates the neural mechanisms of altered states of consciousness during advanced meditation retreats. Shyam volunteers with non-profit organizations to apply spiritual practices, such as meditation and psychedelics, into standard models of healthcare. He is now pursuing a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida, aspiring to open a private counseling practice.

Riddle Lab Undergraduate Researchers

  • Max Boyington

    Max is a Senior majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Psychology and is from Miami, Florida. He is especially interested in learning about how meditation can improve mood and assist mental health, as well as understanding the relationship between different regions of the brain and conscious experience. 

  • Morgan Brown

    Morgan is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Computer Science, originally from Boca Raton, Florida. Her research interests center on uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on major depressive disorder. She is especially passionate about the therapeutic potential of non-invasive brain stimulation in treating mental health conditions. Additionally, as an Honors in the Major student in Dr. Sarah Brown’s ASPIRE Lab, Morgan is currently investigating the role of negative urgency in high-risk suicide populations using EEG. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuroscience. 

  • Brileyann Eldridge

    Brileyann (Brie) is a fourth-year Behavioral Neuroscience major and Chemistry minor from Inverness, FL on a pre-medical track. She is interested in how brain structure and neural networks/activity influence cognitive conditions and psychiatric disorders, especially ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder.  

  • Hunter Kilbourn

    Hunter is a 4th year Psychology major and Biology minor from Sopchoppy, FL. His research interests center on understanding how functional connectivity and neural network dynamics influence intellectual disabilities. He intends to earn a PhD in Neuroscience and build a career in research. 

  • NG Njok

    Nigel-Ginola (NG) is a sophomore Behavioral Neuroscience major from Palm Coast, Florida. He is interested in the underlying biological mechanisms for mental and psychological disorders. Additionally, he is curious about how to develop specific, tailored mental health treatments for individuals. Following undergrad, he hopes to continue expanding his knowledge within psychological health through pursuing a PhD program in clinical psychology or an M.D. program for psychiatry. 

  • Anthony Ramos

    Anthony is a fourth year at FSU majoring in psychology. He has an interest in the prevention and intervention of mental disorders, specifically depression and anxiety. He has a focus on individualized therapeutic techniques and applying research-based practices that are grounded in neurological knowledge. His goal is to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology to become a licensed psychologist. 

  • Hannah Swota

    Hannah is a third-year student at Florida State University majoring in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, with minors in Philosophy and Chemistry. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, she aspires to attend medical school and has a special interest in surgery, neonatology, and bioethics. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, making coffee, spending time at the beach, playing soccer, and volunteering with Champs Chance and the Alzheimer’s clinic. 

  • Jessie Tucker

    Jessie is a Behavioral Neuroscience major in the Honors Program at FSU. She is interested in studying and treating neurological disorders, particularly in children. When she graduates, she plans to continue exploring the medical applications of neuroscience research by pursuing an M.D.

  • Adriana Villalobos

    Adriana is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Education, from the Republic of Panama. She is interested in understanding brain dysfunctions related to neuropsychological disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Additionally, she is interested in studying how isolation and social stigmas can affect individuals with these disorders. After earning her undergraduate degree, Adriana plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology, with the goal of becoming a neuropsychologist in the future. 

  • Sydney Walsh

    Sydney is a second-year Behavioral Neuroscience major. She is interested in studying abnormal psychology, specifically causes of mood and personality disorders. She plans to pursue a PhD and work in either lab research or behavioral analysis. 

Lab Alumni

Lauren Jackson (Lab Manager 2023-2025)