People
Principal Investigator
Sarah Haigh
- BS (hons) Psychology - University of Bristol, UK (2009)
- PhD Vision Science - University of Essex, UK (2012)
- Post-doctoral Researcher - Carnegie Mellon University (2013)
- Post-doctoral Associate - University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2014)
- Research Scientist - Carnegie Mellon University (2017)
- Assistant Professor - University of Nevada, Reno (2018)
- Associate Professor - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)
Graduate Students
Sebastian Lopez
- BS Cognitive Science, Neuroscience Emphasis - University of California, Davis
- Currently a PhD student in Cognitive and Brain Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno
My research investigates the implementation and limitations of dynamic systems of attention to explain the human sensory experience. Using neurophysiological tools like electroencephalography (EEG), I study how the brain accesses, communicates, and models sensory information. I strive to ground traditionally abstract topics, such as consciousness, awareness, and agency, within a physically plausible framework.
Sebastian comes to us from Steve Luck's lab at UC Davis and has already presented at international conferences!
Wendy Alfonso Torrens
- BA Psychology with a minor in Spanish - Colorado State University-Pueblo
- MS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno
- Currently a PhD student in Neuroscience at the University of Nevada, Reno
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.
Wendy was awarded a GRFP from the NSF to examine (and design) hair clips for EEG to make electroencepahlography accessible for ALL hair types. This work is already preregistered https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AXU2C and will be updated with tools and information as the project progresses.
Publications
- Wendy A Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Marian E Berryhill, & Sarah M Haigh (2025). Perturbed sensory memory associated with schizotypy symptom load. Schizophrenia Research, 287, 129-137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2025.12.001).
- Jenna N Pablo, Jorja Shires, Wendy A Torrens, Lena L Kemmelmeier, Sarah M Haigh, & Marian E Berryhill (2025). Identifying Overlapping and Distinctive Traits in Subclinical Autism and Schizophrenia Using Machine Learning Classification. Cognitive Neuropsychiatry. 30(2), 69-91. https://doi.org/10.1080/13546805.2025.2464728
- Wendy Torrens (2024). Pattern Glare Sensitivity: Illusions and Sensations. figshare. Figure. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.26852950.v1.
- Wendy A Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Marian E Berryhill, & Sarah M Haigh (2024). Pattern glare sensitivity distinguishes subclinical autism and schizotypy. Cognitive Neuropsychiatry. 29(3), 155-175. https://doi.org/10.1080/13546805.2024.2335103.
- Wendy A Torrens†, Jenna N Pablo†, Jorja Shires, Sarah M Haigh & Marian E Berryhill (2022). People with High Schizotypy Experience More Illusions in the Pattern Glare Test: Consistent with the Hyperexcitability Hypothesis († co-first authors). European Journal of Neuroscience, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.15886.
Conference Presentations
- Wendy A Torrens, Skylor Olshefsky, Rasia Yankaway, Michelle Ruiz, Kensal Coudriet, Mia K Price & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Testing the Universal Electroencephalography Clip to correct racial bias in electroencephalography. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Marian E Berryhill, Jenna N Pablo, Lena L Kemmelmeier, Wendy A Torrens & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Barking up the wrong tree: Visual, not auditory, sensitivity differences in high schizotypy. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Wendy A Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Michelle Ruiz, Rasia Yankaway, Marian E Berryhill & Sarah M Haigh (June 2024). Anomalous multisensory cortical excitability in Schizotypy. Poster presented at the International Multisensory Research Forum, Reno, NV, USA.
- Wendy A Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Michelle Ruiz, Rasia Yankaway, Marian E. Berryhill, & Sarah M. Haigh (May 2024). Evidence for abnormal cortical excitability across sensory modalities in high schizotypy. Poster presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry conference, Austin, TX, USA. SOBP travel award to Wendy Alfonso.
- Lena L Kemmelmeier, Jenna N Pablo, Jorja Shires, Hector Arciniega, Wendy A Torrens, Sarah M Haigh, Marian E Berryhill (April 2024). Reduced mismatch negativity in college students with a history of mTBI. Presentation at the Cognitive Neurosciences Society conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Jenna N Pablo, Wendy A Torrens, Jorja Shires, Sarah M Haigh, & Marian E Berryhill (April 2024). Working memory deficit in high schizotypy: ERP but no power differences. Presentation at the Cognitive Neurosciences Society conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Wendy A Torrens, Rasia Yankaway, Michelle Ruiz, Sarah M Haigh (November 2023). The effect of hair type on Electroencephalography: Testing a new clip. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, Washington DC, USA. TPDA award to Wendy Torrens.
- Wendy A. Torrens, Jenna N. Pablo, Jorja Shires, Marian E. Berryhill & Sarah M. Haigh (April 2023). Auditory deviance detection in Schizotypy. Poster presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry conference. San Diego, CA, USA. Biological Psychiatry 93(9), S227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.02.570.
- Jenna N. Pablo, Wendy A. Torrens, Jorja Shires, Sarah M. Haigh, & Marian E. Berryhill (April 2023). Pursuit of a reliable working memory biomarker characterizing the high-schizotypy population. Poster presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry conference. San Diego, CA, USA. Biological Psychiatry 93(9), S187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.02.472.
- Jorja Shires, Jenna N. Pablo, Wendy A. Torrens, Lena L. Kemmelmeier, Sarah M. Haigh, Marian E. Berryhill (April 2023). Classifying Schizotypy Trait Load Using Autism-Spectrum Quotient Scores. Poster presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry conference. San Diego, CA, USA.
- Marian E. Berryhill, Jenna N. Pablo, Jorja Shires, Wendy A. Torrens & Sarah M. Haigh (March 2023). High Schizotypy Participants Exhibit A Reduced Working Memory Induced P300. Poster presented at the Cognitive Neurosciences Society conference. San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Wendy Alfonso Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Marian E Berryhill & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2022). Behavioral measures of cortical hyper-excitability in subclinical autism (ASD) and schizotypy. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference. San Diego, CA, USA.
Carson Smith
- BS Psychology and Neuroscience - Northeastern University, MA
- Currently a PhD student in Neuroscience at the University of Nevada, Reno
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.
Publications
- Carson C Smith, Shane F H Trivitt, Matthew J Cummings, Amber M Thaxton, Laura Van Key, Caitlin Laycox, Michael Crognale, & Sarah M Haigh (accepted). Electroretinography and Pupillary Response in Migraine. Headache.
Conference Presentations
- Carson C Smith, Kate Pellegrino, Ruby Snyder & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Auditory-induced vection and motion sickness. Poster presented at the Auditory Perception, Cognition and Action Meeting, Denver, CO, USA.
- Sarah M Haigh & Carson C Smith (Nov 2025). Auditory sensitivity in migraine – what is causing it? Poster presented at the Auditory Perception, Cognition and Action Meeting, Denver, CO, USA.
- Carson C Smith, Shane Trivitt, Matthew Cummings, Amber Thaxton & Sarah M Haigh (June 2024). Localizing Visual Allodynia in Migraine. Poster presented at the International Multisensory Research Forum, Reno, NV, USA.
- 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
Cooper Chavez
Hi! I’m a freshman at UNR studying Microbiology & Immunology with additional interests in Neuroscience and Psychology. I’m especially fascinated by cognitive variability and the ways individuals differ in how they perceive and respond to their environment. I’m grateful to be involved in undergraduate research through the PREP program, where I’m learning how to ask scientific questions and develop the skills to answer them under mentorship. My long term goal is to practice medicine while contributing to research that benefits vulnerable and underserved populations. Outside of academics, I love to rock climb, ski, and spend time with my family.
Danielle Nochera
Hi! I am a sophomore studying Psychological Science with a minor in Philosophy at UNR. I am most interested in cognitive psychology and am excited to be in the lab learning new things, especially how to go through the data collection process. I love to travel, cook, and express my creativity through journaling, jewelry making and glassblowing! I am passionate about understanding cognitive processing and plan to one day go into medicinal assisted studies!
Marcos Moreno Cervantes
Hey, my name is Marcos Moreno Cervantes. I am a Freshman at the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in neuroscience. I love learning about the mind and finding ways to use that information to optimize my life. Along with this, I enjoy weightlifting, cinematography, and mixing music during my free time. I have no background in research but recently got accepted into PREP with Dr. Haigh as my mentor. I aspire to become a psychiatrist, where I will gain a better understanding of the mind and body to not only help those with psychiatric disorders but also neurotypical individuals.
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.
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.
Mia was funded by a Nevada Undergraduate Research Award
Conference Presentations
Wendy A Torrens, Skylor Olshefsky, Rasia Yankaway, Michelle Ruiz, Kensal Coudriet, Mia K Price & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Testing the Universal Electroencephalography Clip to correct racial bias in electroencephalography. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, San Diego, CA, USA.
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.
Alayna is currently funded by the ENDURE program
Conference Presentations Sidney Hulsey, Alayna McGuire & Sarah M Haigh (May 2025). Visual sensitivity: Flicker and its effect on reading speed and cognition. Poster presented at the Undergraduate Just-In-Time session at the Vision Sciences Society conference, St Pete Beach, FL, USA.
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.
Sid is currently funded by the ENDURE program
Conference Presentations- Sidney Hulsey, Alayna McGuire & Sarah M Haigh (May 2025). Visual sensitivity: Flicker and its effect on reading speed and cognition. Poster presented at the Undergraduate Just-In-Time session at the Vision Sciences Society conference, St Pete Beach, FL, USA.
- Sidney K Hulsey & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Detection of sounds and auditory discomfort. Poster presented at the Auditory Perception, Cognition and Action Meeting, Denver, CO, USA.
Former Graduate Students
Stephanie Otto
- BA Psychology - University of Hawaii, West Oahu (2015)
- MS Cognitive Brain Science - University of Nevada, Reno (2020)
- PhD Cognitive Brain Science - University of Nevada, Reno (2022)
- Currently a post-doctoral researcher at the Naval Medical Research Unit, Dayton, OH
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- Stephanie R Otto, Yueran Yang, Lawrence Ray, Jolie Travers, Jeffrey Hutsler & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2022). Evidence of wide-spread white matter compromise in autism spectrum disorder: a large-scale diffusion imaging study using repository data. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference. San Diego, CA, USA.
- Stephanie R Otto, Lawrence M Ray, Jolie A Travers, Isabella Bruketta, Mackenzie L Montero, Jeffrey J Hutsler & Sarah M Haigh (May 2020). Abnormal measures of white matter diffusion are associated with behavioral symptom severity in children and adults with autism. Poster online at the Society of Biological Psychiatry conference. New York, NY, USA. Biological Psychiatry 87(9), S246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.02.636.
- Stephanie R Otto, Lawrence M Ray, Jolie A Travers, Isabella Bruketta, Mackenzie L Montero, Jeffrey J. Hutsler & Sarah M Haigh (October 2019). Evidence of wide spread white matter compromise in children and adults with autism: a large-scale diffusion imaging study using the ABIDE II repository. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience. Chicago, IL, USA.
Marena Manierka
- BS (hons) Neuroscience & Psychology - University of Toronto, Canada (2013)
- PhD Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2021)
- Currently a medical writer for BOLDSCIENCE
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
- BS Speech and Hearing Science - Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA
- MS Speech-Language Pathology - Rush University, Chicago, IL
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- Lisa C Lindquist, Gregory R McIntire & Sarah M Haigh (May 2020). The effect of chromaticity separation on neural processing during a visual task. Poster presented at virtual Vision Sciences Society (vVSS). Journal of Vision 20(11), 828-828. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.20.11.828.
- Lisa Lindquist, Gregory R McIntire Jr & Sarah M Haigh (September 2019). The impact of chromaticity separation on information processing. Poster presented at the Bay Area Vision Research Day. Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Gregory R McIntire Jr, Lisa Lindquist & Sarah M Haigh (September 2019). The impact of uncomfortable visual stimuli on face processing. Poster presented at the Bay Area Vision Research Day. Berkeley, CA, USA.
Gregory McIntire
- BA Psychology & Biology - University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2018)
- MS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno
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- Lisa C Lindquist, Gregory R McIntire & Sarah M Haigh (May 2020). The effect of chromaticity separation on neural processing during a visual task. Poster presented at virtual Vision Sciences Society (vVSS). Journal of Vision 20(11), 828-828. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.20.11.828.
- Lisa Lindquist, Gregory R McIntire Jr & Sarah M Haigh (September 2019). The impact of chromaticity separation on information processing. Poster presented at the Bay Area Vision Research Day. Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Gregory R McIntire Jr, Lisa Lindquist & Sarah M Haigh (September 2019). The impact of uncomfortable visual stimuli on face processing. Poster presented at the Bay Area Vision Research Day. Berkeley, CA, USA.
Former Lab Managers
Caitlin Laycox
- BS Psychology - Griffith University Australia (2018)
- Honour's from Southern Cross University (2019)
- Currently a PhD student in Psychology at Southern Cross University (started 2020)
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. 53(8), 512-528. https://doi.org/10.1177/03010066241252066. 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
- BS-MD Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2021)
- Currently a medical student at the University of Nevada, Reno
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 PresentationsSarah 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
- BS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2020)
- NIH IRTA postbaccalaureate in Dr. Sheerena Rahman's lab
- Currently a medical student at the University of Nevada, Reno
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
Isabella Durda
BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2025)
Izzy was funded by the PREP program and a Nevada Undergraduate Research Award
Conference Presentations Sarah M Haigh & Isabella M Durda (May 2025). Slower reading speed in migraine: effects of discomfort? Poster presented at the Vision Sciences Society conference, St Pete Beach, FL, USA.
Kate Pellegrino
Conference Presentations Carson C Smith, Kate Pellegrino, Ruby Snyder & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Auditory-induced vection and motion sickness. Poster presented at the Auditory Perception, Cognition and Action Meeting, Denver, CO, USA.
Cheyenne McCormick
Ruby Snyder
Conference Presentations Carson C Smith, Kate Pellegrino, Ruby Snyder & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Auditory-induced vection and motion sickness. Poster presented at the Auditory Perception, Cognition and Action Meeting, Denver, CO, USA.
Kensal Coudriet
BS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2025)
Kensal was funded by the ENDURE program
Conference Presentations Wendy A Torrens, Skylor Olshefsky, Rasia Yankaway, Michelle Ruiz, Kensal Coudriet, Mia K Price & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Testing the Universal Electroencephalography Clip to correct racial bias in electroencephalography. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, San Diego, CA, USA.
Yasmin Perry
BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2025)
Amber Thaxton
BS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)
Angelina Solorzano-Zamora
BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)
Michelle Ruiz
BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)
Michelle was funded by the ENDURE program
Conference Presentations- Wendy A Torrens, Skylor Olshefsky, Rasia Yankaway, Michelle Ruiz, Kensal Coudriet, Mia K Price & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Testing the Universal Electroencephalography Clip to correct racial bias in electroencephalography. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Wendy A Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Michelle Ruiz, Rasia Yankaway, Marian E Berryhill & Sarah M Haigh (June 2024). Anomalous multisensory cortical excitability in Schizotypy. Poster presented at the International Multisensory Research Forum, Reno, NV, USA.
- Wendy A Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Michelle Ruiz, Rasia Yankaway, Marian E. Berryhill, & Sarah M. Haigh (May 2024). Evidence for abnormal cortical excitability across sensory modalities in high schizotypy. Poster presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry conference, Austin, TX, USA.
- Wendy A Torrens, Rasia Yankaway, Michelle Ruiz, Sarah M Haigh (November 2023). The effect of hair type on Electroencephalography: Testing a new clip. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, Washington DC, USA.
Hailey Snook
BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)
Jackie Vallo
BS Microbiology & Immunology - University of Nevada, Reno (2023)
Rasia Yankaway
BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)
Conference Presentations- Wendy A Torrens, Skylor Olshefsky, Rasia Yankaway, Michelle Ruiz, Kensal Coudriet, Mia K Price & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Testing the Universal Electroencephalography Clip to correct racial bias in electroencephalography. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Wendy A Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Michelle Ruiz, Rasia Yankaway, Marian E Berryhill & Sarah M Haigh (June 2024). Anomalous multisensory cortical excitability in Schizotypy. Poster presented at the International Multisensory Research Forum, Reno, NV, USA.
- Wendy A Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Michelle Ruiz, Rasia Yankaway, Marian E. Berryhill, & Sarah M. Haigh (May 2024). Evidence for abnormal cortical excitability across sensory modalities in high schizotypy. Poster presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry conference, Austin, TX, USA.
- Wendy A Torrens, Rasia Yankaway, Michelle Ruiz, Sarah M Haigh (November 2023). The effect of hair type on Electroencephalography: Testing a new clip. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, Washington DC, USA.
Shane Trivitt
BS Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)
Conference PresentationsCarson C Smith, Shane Trivitt, Matthew Cummings, Amber Thaxton & Sarah M Haigh (June 2024). Localizing Visual Allodynia in Migraine. Poster presented at the International Multisensory Research Forum, Reno, NV, USA.
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 PresentationsCarson 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- Sarah M Haigh, Jasmine A Haggerty & Aimee Delgado (2025). Auditory Discomfort and Visual Sensitivity. *Vision Research: Special Issue on Sensory Discomfort. 234*, 108655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2025.108655.
- 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. 53(8), 512-528. https://doi.org/10.1177/03010066241252066.
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
BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2025)
Currently a graduate student at UC San Diego
Lena was funded by our R15 AREA grant from NIMH
PublicationsJenna N Pablo, Jorja Shires, Wendy A Torrens, Lena L Kemmelmeier, Sarah M Haigh, & Marian E Berryhill (2025). Identifying Overlapping and Distinctive Traits in Subclinical Autism and Schizophrenia Using Machine Learning Classification. Cognitive Neuropsychiatry. 30(2), 69-91. https://doi.org/10.1080/13546805.2025.2464728
Conference Presentations- Marian E Berryhill, Jenna N Pablo, Lena L Kemmelmeier, Wendy A Torrens & Sarah M Haigh (Nov 2025). Barking up the wrong tree: Visual, not auditory, sensitivity differences in high schizotypy. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Lena L Kemmelmeier, Jenna N Pablo, Jorja Shires, Hector Arciniega, Wendy A Torrens, Sarah M Haigh, Marian E Berryhill (April 2024). Reduced mismatch negativity in college students with a history of mTBI. Poster presented at the Cognitive Neurosciences Society conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Jorja Shires, Jenna N. Pablo, Wendy A. Torrens, Lena L. Kemmelmeier, Sarah M. Haigh, Marian E. Berryhill (April 2023). Classifying Schizotypy Trait Load Using Autism-Spectrum Quotient Scores. Poster presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry conference. San Diego, CA, USA.
Karina Kneeland
BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2024)
Karina was funded by our R15 AREA grant from NIMH
Wesley Chen
BS Neuroscience - University of Nevada, Reno (2022)
Kevin Soto
Anna Haugland
BA Psychology - University of Nevada, Reno (2022)
PublicationsSarah 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 PresentationsSarah 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)
PublicationsSarah 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 PresentationsCarson 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 PresentationsSarah 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)
Tabatha was funded by a Nevada Undergraduate Research Award
PublicationsSarah 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
PublicationsSarah 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)
PublicationsOlivier 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- Sarah M Haigh & Xortia Ross (May 2022). Sensitivity to chromaticity separation – Is it helpful? Poster presented at the Vision Sciences Society conference. St Petersburg, FL, USA. Journal of Vision 22(14), 3778-3778. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.22.14.3778.
- Olivier Penacchio, Sarah Haigh, Xortia Ross, Rebecca Ferguson & Arnold Wilkins (August, 2021). Visual discomfort and the chromatic content of natural scenes. Talk presented virtually at the European Conference on Visual Perception. Perception, 50(Suppl), 53.
- Xortia Ross, Sarah M Haigh, Arnold J Wilkins & Olivier Penacchio (May 2021). Discomfort form Contemporary Art. Poster presented at the Virtual Vision Sciences Society (V-VSS) conference – undergraduate poster session. Journal of Vision 21(9), 2959-2959. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.21.9.2959.
- Olivier Penacchio, Sarah Haigh, Xortia Ross, Rebecca Ferguson & Arnold Wilkins (December, 2020). Predicting visual discomfort from images. Talk presented virtually at the Applied Vision Association conference, London, UK. Perception, 50(6), 580-580.
Rebecca Ferguson
BS Behavioral Analysis - University of Nevada, Reno (2021)
PublicationsOlivier 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- Sarah M Haigh & Xortia Ross (May 2022). Sensitivity to chromaticity separation – Is it helpful? Poster presented at the Vision Sciences Society conference. St Petersburg, FL, USA. Journal of Vision 22(14), 3778-3778. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.22.14.3778.
- Olivier Penacchio, Sarah Haigh, Xortia Ross, Rebecca Ferguson & Arnold Wilkins (August, 2021). Visual discomfort and the chromatic content of natural scenes. Talk presented virtually at the European Conference on Visual Perception. Perception, 50(Suppl), 53.
- Olivier Penacchio, Sarah Haigh, Xortia Ross, Rebecca Ferguson & Arnold Wilkins (December, 2020). Predicting visual discomfort from images. Talk presented virtually at the Applied Vision Association conference, London, UK. Perception, 50(6), 580-580.
Rory Thompson
BA Psychology - Vassar College (2021)
PublicationsCaitlin 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. 53(8), 512-528. https://doi.org/10.1177/03010066241252066. 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)
Funded by our NARSAD award
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.
- Sarah M Haigh, Pat Brosseau, Shaun M Eack, David I Leitman, Dean F Salisbury, & Marlene Behrmann (2022). Hyper-sensitivity to pitch and poorer prosody processing in adults with autism: an ERP study. Frontiers in Psychiatry: Autism. 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.844830.
- 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.
- Sarah M Haigh, Patricia Brosseau, Shaun M Eack, Chinmaya Lele, David I Leitman, Dean F Salisbury, Marlene Behrmann (May 2020). Hyper- and hypo-sensitivity to pitch is related to poorer prosody processing: a study in autism and schizophrenia. Poster online at the Society of Biological Psychiatry conference. New York, NY, USA. Biological Psychiatry 87(9), S183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.02.481.
- Sarah M Haigh, Patricia Brosseau, Shaun M Eack, Chinmaya Lele, David I Leitman, Dean F Salisbury & Marlene Behrmann (October 2019). Hyper-sensitivity to pitch is related to poorer prosody processing in adults with autism. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience. Chicago, IL, USA.