The RAAIN Lab is a small, close-knit group at the University of Vermont with close collaborators at Colorado State University (Dr. LoTemplio's previous academic home until January of 2026).
Sara studies the restorative effects of natural environments on attention and mood, using behavioral and psychophysiological measures — including ECG and EEG — to understand the relationship between emotion and cognition. She is also passionate about science communication and making nature-and-health research accessible and useful outside the lab.
Kaiya joined the lab as a postdoctoral scholar, building on her work studying nature and health practitioner needs and organizational capacity for science-informed practice. She recently graduated with her PhD from the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department at Colorado State University studying with Dr. Sarah Walker. She aims to use applied methodologies and a lens of environmental justice to increase equitable nature access and mindful nature interaction throughout her work. She previously received her M.S. from CSU studying the social-psychological drivers of native plant gardening and her BA from Eckerd College.
Now pursuing his PhD in Experimental Psychology at the University of Vermont under the mentorship of Dr. Sara LoTemplio, Jaren graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.A. in Psychology. At USF, he collaborated with the REACH lab on research investigating mindfulness cultivation, metacognition, executive functions, and cognition in natural environments. His research is driven by an interest in how the environments we experience influence our ability to direct attention, regulate our thoughts and emotions, and recover from cognitive demands. In the RAAIN lab, he anticipates investigating the relationship between attention restoration and self-regulation using basic and applied approaches. Outside of research, Jaren enjoys backpacking, spending time outdoors, and creating American Traditional inspired art.
Miriam will be joining the lab as a PhD student, contributing to the lab’s work on nature, cognition, and health.
Annabel is completing an undergraduate honors thesis with the lab.
Sophia is an undergraduate studying environmental science with a minor in neuroscience. She has always been interested in how nature and neuroscience intersect, especially related to mental health. In her free time, she loves to dance, paint, play guitar, and spend time outdoors!
Lilly is a Psychology B.S. graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan University, now pursuing her PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience at CSU. She worked in the RAAIN lab before Dr. LoTemplio moved to UVM and is now a close project collaborator! She hopes to understand how complementary medicine — music, nature, and movement — can help preserve the lives of those with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. In her free time, Lilly loves to sing, go birding, and pet her plump rescue cat, Winifred.
Carrie worked in the RAAIN lab as a project manager before Dr. LoTemplio moved to UVM and is now a close collaborator! She is conducting an honors thesis at CSU this year with Dr. Amy McDonnell, building on her past success as project manager for the nature, aging, and virtual reality project. She’s fascinated by how thinking is shaped by natural and social environments.
Now a PhD student in Psychology at Brandeis University, focusing on cognitive aging.
Now a PhD student in Herpetology at the University of New Mexico.
Now a PhD student in Psychology at CSU under Dr. Emily Merz.
Studied Psychology (Clinical & Counseling) at CSU; originally from Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico.
International Baccalaureate student at Poudre High School, headed toward a psychology/neuroscience degree.
Studied Biology at Colby College.
Studied Psychology (Neuroscience concentration) with an Environmental Studies minor at Colby College.
Studied Neuroscience (Cognitive & Behavioral concentration) at CSU.
Studied Conservation Biology in CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources.
Studied Conservation Biology with minors in History, Anthropology, and Diversity/Inclusion in Natural Resources.
Studied Environmental Policy and English (Literature & Environment) at Colby College.
Studied Neuroscience (Cognitive & Behavior concentration) at CSU.
Studied Psychology (clinical counseling) with a Spanish minor at CSU; from Indiana.
Studied Psychology (clinical counseling concentration) with a Philosophy minor at CSU.
Studied Wildlife Biology at CSU.
Studied Wildlife Biology at CSU, with a focus on avian behavior and conservation.
University of Utah
Colorado State University
University of Utah
Colby College
Colorado State University
Collective for Nature Immersion Science and Practice
