Past Sensory Development Lab Members
Bridget Nelson (Summer 2024 – Fall 2024)
OTD Resident
Bridget is a third-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy student here at the University of Florida. She graduated from UF with a BS in Health Sciences, a BS in Psychology, and a minor in Disabilities in Society. She completed a Level 2 fieldwork rotation at UF’s Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, where she gained clinical experience in sensory processing, feeding, social skills, and emotional regulation. Bridget has served as a teaching assistant in UF Occupational Therapy’s Neuroscience course and is completing her capstone at this site in Fall 2024. She is grateful to work alongside such knowledgeable professionals, and is excited to gain research experience. In her free time, Bridget enjoys the outdoors, being with friends and family, and working out.
Eliana Lazzari (Summer 2024)
Volunteer
Ellie is a UF graduate certificate student studying Public Health (Public Health Foundations) and is on the pre-occupational therapy track. She graduated from UF with a BS in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis. She is also a member of the University of Florida gymnastics team. During her senior year, she was a research assistant at UF’s Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, where she recorded play therapy sessions and coded videos for her mentor specializing in the feeding disorders program. Her spark of interest in the field of occupational therapy and working in pediatrics and/or neuro rehabilitation began during her time at UF CAN. She is excited to work in the Sensory Development lab so she can enhance her understanding of sensory processing and its influence on behavior, specifically in children with neurodeveopmental disorders. In her free time, she enjoys expanding her plant collection, scoping out vintage markets and antique stores in Gainesville, listening to indie/alternative music, and prioritizing self-care and recovery.
Devin Valdes (Summer 2022 – Summer 2024)
Graduate Research Assistant
Devin is a second-year Master of Public Health (epidemiology) student at the University of Florida on the pre-medical track. He is interested in exploring the multifaceted perspective of health while learning how to best support and advocate for patient populations and underrepresented communities. He is extremely grateful to be part of Dr. Bodison’s Sensory Development Lab as he is ambitious to learn more about the linkages of sensory processing in those with neurodevelopmental disorders, while also learning how to improve this component through more accessible and holistic approaches. During his free time, Devin enjoys teaching group fitness classes, swimming on a sunny day, cooking/baking for his friends, and exploring Gainesville’s hidden gems and local food places.
Elizabeth Barbour (Spring 2022 – Fall 2023)
Lab Manager
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Florida in 2021 with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Disabilities in Society. She is interested in clinical child psychology with an emphasis on autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She has worked as a lab manager in three labs at the University of Florida and enjoys working in research that has real-life applications for families and individuals. In her free time, she enjoys cooking new foods, playing with her cat, and hiking.
Lauren Goboff (Summer 2022 – Spring 2023)
Graduate Research Assistant
Lauren graduated from Carleton College in 2019 with a BA in Biology. She is a current graduate student in the University of Florida’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. She plans to work in pediatrics and early intervention settings following graduation. She is very excited to join Dr. Bodison’s Sensory Development Lab, and she can’t wait to learn more about sensory integration therapy and how it affects the brain! In her free time she enjoys baking, walking her dog, Gemma, and practicing her roller derby moves with the Gainesville Roller Rebels.
Sabrina Glover (Summer 2022 – Fall 2022)
OTD Resident
Sabrina is a third-year student in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at the University of Florida. She is completing her doctoral capstone in neuroscience curriculum design under the mentorship of Dr. Stefanie Bodison and has professional goals of working in upper extremity rehabilitation and/or neurorehabilitation following graduation. Sabrina also loves teaching and mentoring students and hopes to someday work in academia. She currently assists in two research labs at the University of Florida and has undertaken teaching assistant roles for three courses of the OTD program, including Neuroscience, Musculoskeletal Anatomy, and Clinical Skills I. In her free time, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, doing yoga, and playing with her puppy, Oakley.