Meet the Team
Graduate Research Assistants
Grace Cacini
Graduate Research Assistant
Grace Cacini is a master’s student in USC’s speech-language pathology program. She is from right outside Chicago, IL and went to the University of Iowa for her undergraduate degree. Grace is interested in research with language processing and recognizing written language development, specifically in individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Outside of the lab, Grace enjoying going for runs and watching TV shows.
Rachel Kelly
Graduate Research Assistant
Rachel is from New York and completed her undergraduate degree in Communication Science & Disorders, Public Health, and Spanish at Moravian University in Pennsylvania. During this time, she worked as a Behavioral Health Technician with children. Rachel moved to Columbia with her husky mix, Nakita. She is a graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders at USC.
Ryleigh Weber
Graduate Research Assistant
Ryleigh is a graduate student in USC’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. She is from Southern Maryland and went to Loyola University Maryland for her undergraduate degree where she studied Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and Psychology. Ryleigh aims to work with adults who have neurogenic communication disorders in a rehabilitation setting.
Undergraduate Assistants
Haya Kidwai
Undergraduate Assistant
Haya Kidwai is a junior undergraduate student in the Honors College. She is a part of the 7-year accelerated MD program with a specific interest in public health and developmental disorders. This year, she is working on her honors thesis and plans to attend medical school after graduation.
Gabrielle Tworek
Undergraduate Assistant
Gabrielle Tworek is a sophomore from Williamstown, NJ. She is majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Neuroscience. She loves to read, spend time with her friends and two dogs, shop, and go to the beach. She is excited to gain experience in the CLOuD lab and work as a Supervisor with UofSC Campus Recreation!
Lakin Gruver
Undergraduate Assistant
Barrister (Lakin) Gruver is a freshman from Pompano Beach, Florida. He is majoring in psychology on the pre-med track. He enjoys scuba diving and listening to music. One fun fact about him is that he can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 35 seconds. He is looking forward to meeting new people especially in the psychology field so he can further his network of people.