People

Principal Investigator

Sarah Haigh

Graduate Students

Wendy Alfonso Torrens

My research focuses on contributing to the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the sensory experience of individuals with schizophrenia and autism. I also strive to improve neurophysiological methods (e.g., electroencephalography) by developing more racially inclusive materials.

Publications

Conference Presentations

Carson Smith

My research interests include exploring the mechanisms behind our sensory systems that permit complex perception of the world around us. By examining the limits of our visual and auditory systems, we can begin to paint a clearer picture of how various stimuli shape our environmental perception.

Specifically, my current project investigates how sensory sensitivity changes over the migraine cycle with the aim to identify biomarkers that signal approaching migraine-onset. While there is a lot of variability across migraineurs, a common symptom is sensitivity to light (photophobia) and/or sound (phonophobia). Using electroencephalography (EEG), electroretinography (ERG), and auditory brainstem response (ABR), my research contrasts the effects of sensory stimuli on migraineurs and headache free individuals from the retina and brainstem to the visual and auditory cortices.

Conference Presentations

Carson C Smith, Matthew Cummings, Laura I Van Key & Sarah M Haigh (May 2023). Localizing Visual Allodynia in Migraine. Poster presented at the Vision Sciences Society, St Petersburg, FL, USA. Journal of Vision 23(9), 5474. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.23.9.5474. VSS travel award to Carson Smith.

Undergraduate and Volunteer Research Assistants

Neville Roy

I am a sophomore studying Neuroscience at UNR. I have always been fascinated with the brain and I'm glad Dr.Haigh gave me this opportunity. My research interests are everything Migraine because I have so many friends and family that have the condition. After graduating, I plan to join an MD program and become a psychiatrist.


Yasmin Perry

Hi! I'm Yasmin and I am a senior at the University of Nevada, Reno studying Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology. I am passionate about exploring neurodegenerative diseases and their implications in neurological health. Working closely in research, particularly related to migraines and vection, I hope to gain more knowledge about how sensory processing affects individuals differently. By using tools like EEG and ECG to analyze brain and heart activity and from my experience in the lab, I hope to learn research skills and insights that will help prepare me for graduate school if I choose to pursue a PHD.


Mia Price

Hey! I am a junior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology, minoring in Black Studies and Social Justice. Although I do not have very much neuroscience experience through this lab I'm hoping to get more exposure to everything neuroscience! I have not yet decided if I want to go down a clinical or research career path however, I am sure I want to help communities of color and more specifically the Black community with whatever work I do.


Angelina Solorzano-Zamora

Hi! I am in my final semester at the University of Nevada, Reno studying Psychology with a minor in Information Systems. Although I do not have much background in neuropsychology, I am excited to explore the field. Specifically in the aspect of sensory experience within different types of individuals. After gaining my B.S., I plan to further pursue my interests within a clinical psychology Ph.D. program.


Alayna McGuire

Hello! My name is Alayna McGuire and I am a Junior pursuing a Neuroscience B.S. I love to travel, cook/bake, and try new things, and despite my broad interest in the Neuroscience field, I have a particular regard for cognitive neuroscience. As for my research interests, I want to study more on sensory processing, specifically deficits for people with neurological disorders. I have found a passion in studying neuroscience through the research I have done in the past, and what I am doing now. My goal is to explore and learn what I can through my research, and potentially pursue an MD/PhD program or a PhD in Neuroscience working at a company's research lab. I hope to make a valuable contribution to the Neuroscience community, and help people with these issues through my discoveries.


Sidney Hulsey

Hi! I am a junior at the University of Nevada, Reno studying Neuroscience with a minor/certificate in Gerontology. Previously, I worked in Dr. Piantadosi’s Computation and Language Lab for a summer studying psychophysical modeling techniques for approximate number tasks. My research interests are in sensory processing and neurodevelopmental disorders. I love working with students on campus with IDDs and other disabilities with the P2I and TAPDINTO-STEM programs. After graduating, I plan to apply to an M.D.-Ph.D. program where I can further pursue my interests.


Kensil Coudriet

Hi! I am currently a senior studying neuroscience at UNR. I am passionate about this field of research and excited by the opportunity to explore perception and sensory sensitivity in the Haigh Lab. I am particularly interested in research that examines sensory processing in ASD. I am also fascinated by the application of brain imaging techniques like EEG to investigate such topics. I plan on continuing to graduate school to earn a neuroscience PhD.


Kate Pellegrino

I am a sophomore at the University of Nevada, Reno studying Neuroscience. I am excited to learn about different laboratory techniques that can help us have a better understanding of the brain like EEG, ERG, and ABR. Additionally interested in how a lab runs and works as a whole.




Amber Thaxton

IHi! I am currently a junior studying neuroscience at UNR and have started working as a research assistant in Dr. Haigh and Carson Smith’s lab. While my research interests are still broad, I love exploring the clinical aspect of neuroscience namely neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, and developmental psychology. After graduating, I plan to apply to a clinical psychology PhD program where I can further pursue these interests and work towards a profession as a clinical psychologist. In the meantime, I’m super excited to get the opportunity to build my proficiency with different neuroscience techniques and explore sensory processing in the auditory and visual systems!

Isabella Durda

I am currently a junior at UNR majoring in Psychology and doing a minor/certificate program in gerontology. While I’ve helped in a lab before coming to UNR, working with Dr. Haigh is the first official lab experience I have had. I am excited to have the opportunity to learn new things and grow throughout this journey. As of right now, I want to become an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics because I am passionate about helping people live their lives to the fullest and love working with kids!


Former Graduate Students

Stephanie Otto

Publications

Simon Whitton, Jung Min Kim, Alexandra N. Scurry, Stephanie Otto, Xiaowei Zhuang, Dietman Cordes, & Fang Jiang. (2021). Multisensory temporal processing in early deaf. Neuropsychologia, 163, 108069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.108069.

Conference Presentations

Marena Manierka

Publications

Marena S Manierka, Rachel Rezaei, Samantha Palacios, Sarah M Haigh, Jeffrey J Hutsler (2021). In the mood to be social: affective state influences facial emotion recognition in healthy adults. Emotion. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000999.

Lisa Lindquist

Publications

Lisa C Lindquist, Gregory R McIntire & Sarah M Haigh (2021). The effects of visual discomfort and chromaticity separation on neural processing during a visual task. Vision Research. 182, 27-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2021.01.007.

Conference Presentations

Gregory McIntire

Publications

Lisa C Lindquist, Gregory R McIntire & Sarah M Haigh (2021). The effects of visual discomfort and chromaticity separation on neural processing during a visual task. Vision Research. 182, 27-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2021.01.007.

Conference Presentations

Former Lab Managers

Caitlin Laycox

Publications

Caitlin A Laycox, Rory Thompson, Jasmine A Haggerty, Arnold J Wilkins & Sarah M Haigh (2024). Flicker Slows Reading Speed: Effects on Individuals with Visually Sensitivity. Perception. https://doi.org/10.1177/03010066241252066. Early access here.

Conference Presentations

Sarah M Haigh, Caitlin A Laycox, Rory Thompson, Jasmine A Haggerty & Arnold J Wilkins (May 2023). Flicker Impairs Reading Speed: Impacts on the Visually Sensitive. Poster presented at the Vision Sciences Society, St Petersburg, FL, USA. Journal of Vision 23(9), 4782. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.23.9.4782.

Mackenzie Montero

Publications

Sarah M Haigh, Anna M Haugland, Lourdes M Mendoza, & Mackenzie Montero (2023). Auditory discomfort in visually sensitive individuals. Frontiers in Psychology: Perception Science. 14, 1126481. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1126481.

Conference Presentations

Sarah M Haigh, Lourdes R Mendoza & Mackenzie Montero (Nov 2021). Auditory discomfort in migraine and the visually-sensitive. Poster presented at the virtual Society for Neuroscience conference.

Alexandrea Kilgore-Gomez

Publications

Sarah M Haigh†, Marian E Berryhill†, Alexandrea Kilgore-Gomez, & Michael Dodd (2023). Working memory and sensory memory in schizotypy: an avenue for understanding schizophrenia? (†Joint first authors). European Journal of Neuroscience, 57, 1577-1596. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.15961.

Former Research Assistants

Michelle Ruiz

BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)

Conference Presentations

Hailey Snook


Jackie Vallo

BS Microbiology & Immunology - University of Nevada, Reno (2023)


Rasia Yankaway

BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)

Conference Presentations

Shane Trivitt

BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)


Lindsey Bevilacqua

BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)


Savanna Blanchette

BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2023)


Matthew Cummings

BS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2023)

Conference Presentations

Carson C Smith, Matthew Cummings, Laura I Van Key & Sarah M Haigh (May 2023). Localizing Visual Allodynia in Migraine. Poster presented at the Vision Sciences Society, St Petersburg, FL, USA. Journal of Vision 23(9), 5474. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.23.9.5474.

Mariah Meagher

BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2023)


Jasmine Haggerty

BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2022)

Currently a medical student at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio (class 2028)

Publications

Caitlin A Laycox, Rory Thompson, Jasmine A Haggerty, Arnold J Wilkins & Sarah M Haigh (2024). Flicker Slows Reading Speed: Effects on Individuals with Visually Sensitivity. Perception. https://doi.org/10.1177/03010066241252066. Early access here.

Conference Presentations

Sarah M Haigh, Caitlin A Laycox, Rory Thompson, Jasmine A Haggerty & Arnold J Wilkins (May 2023). Flicker Impairs Reading Speed: Impacts on the Visually Sensitive. Poster presented at the Vision Sciences Society, St Petersburg, FL, USA. Journal of Vision 23(9), 4782. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.23.9.4782.

Lena Kemmelmeier

Studying BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno


Karina Kneeland

Studying BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno


Wesley Chen

BS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2022)


Kevin Soto



Anna Haugland

BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2022)

Publications

Sarah M Haigh, Anna M Haugland, Lourdes M Mendoza, & Mackenzie Montero (2023). Auditory discomfort in visually sensitive individuals. Frontiers in Psychology: Perception Science. 14, 1126481. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1126481.

Janea Santiago

BS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2022)

Conference Presentations

Sarah M Haigh, Melissa M Cortez, Lauren M Thompson, Anastasia Chevychalova, Janea Santiago & KC Brennan (Nov 2022). Sensory sensitivity across the migraine cycle. Poster presented at the Society of Neuroscience conference. San Diego, CA, USA.

Laura Van Key

BS Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Nursing - University of Nevada, Reno (2023)

Publications

Sarah M Haigh, Laura Van Key, Pat Brosseau, Shaun M Eack, David I Leitman, Dean F Salisbury & Marlene Behrmann (2023). Assessing Trial-to-Trial Variability in Auditory ERPs in Autism and Schizophrenia. S.I.: Developmental Approach and Targeted Treatment of Sensory Alterations. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 53(12), 4856-4871. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05771-0.

Conference Presentations

Carson C Smith, Matthew Cummings, Laura I Van Key & Sarah M Haigh (May 2023). Localizing Visual Allodynia in Migraine. Poster presented at the Vision Sciences Society, St Petersburg, FL, USA. Journal of Vision 23(9), 5474. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.23.9.5474.

Anastasiya Chevychalova

BS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2022)

Conference Presentations

Sarah M Haigh, Melissa M Cortez, Lauren M Thompson, Anastasia Chevychalova, Janea Santiago & KC Brennan (Nov 2022). Sensory sensitivity across the migraine cycle. Poster presented at the Society of Neuroscience conference. San Diego, CA, USA.

Tabatha Walford

BA Psychology - Honors College, University of Nevada, Reno (2021)

Received a Nevada Undergraduate Research Award (2021)

Publications

Sarah M Haigh, Tabatha P Walford, & Patricia Brosseau (2021). Heart rate variability in schizophrenia and autism. Frontiers in Psychiatry: Schizophrenia. 12, 2129. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.760396.

Lourdes Mendoza

BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2021)

Currently a Masters student in Music Therapy at Texas Women's University

Publications

Sarah M Haigh, Anna M Haugland, Lourdes M Mendoza, & Mackenzie Montero (2023). Auditory discomfort in visually sensitive individuals. Frontiers in Psychology: Perception Science. 14, 1126481. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1126481.

Xortia Ross

BS Behavioral Analysis - University of Nevada, Reno (2021)

Publications

Olivier Penacchio, Sarah M Haigh, Xortia Ross, Rebecca Ferguson, & Arnold J Wilkins (2021). Visual discomfort and variations in chromaticity in art and nature. Frontiers in Neuroscience: Perception Science. 15, 1706. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.711064

Conference Presentations

Rebecca Ferguson

BS Behavioral Analysis - University of Nevada, Reno (2021)

Publications

Olivier Penacchio, Sarah M Haigh, Xortia Ross, Rebecca Ferguson, & Arnold J Wilkins (2021). Visual discomfort and variations in chromaticity in art and nature. Frontiers in Neuroscience: Perception Science. 15, 1706. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.711064.

Conference Presentations

Rory Thompson

BA Psychology - Vassar College (2021)

Publications

Caitlin A Laycox, Rory Thompson, Jasmine A Haggerty, Arnold J Wilkins & Sarah M Haigh (2024). Flicker Slows Reading Speed: Effects on Individuals with Visually Sensitivity. Perception. https://doi.org/10.1177/03010066241252066. Early access here.

Conference Presentations

Sarah M Haigh, Melissa M Cortez, Lauren M Thompson, Anastasia Chevychalova, Janea Santiago & KC Brennan (Nov 2022). Sensory sensitivity across the migraine cycle. Poster presented at the Society of Neuroscience conference. San Diego, CA, USA.

Sarah M Haigh, Caitlin A Laycox, Rory Thompson, Jasmine A Haggerty & Arnold J Wilkins (May 2023). Flicker Impairs Reading Speed: Impacts on the Visually Sensitive. Poster presented at the Vision Sciences Society, St Petersburg, FL, USA. Journal of Vision 23(9), 4782. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.23.9.4782.

Zoe Slaughter

BA Psychology - Honors College, University of Nevada, Reno (2020)


Pat Brosseau

BS Psychology - Carnegie Mellon University (2020)

Publications

Conference Presentations