THE P.I.
Jewel Crasta, PhD, OTR/L (She/her)
Dr. Crasta is an assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Division at The Ohio State University. Dr. Crasta is a rehabilitation scientist with training in clinical neuroscience who studies brain-behavior relationships in children with neurodevelopmental differences. Dr. Crasta’s primary research focuses on examining the relationship between attention and sensory processing in autism using neuroimaging tools such as electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
She is passionate about bridging basic neuroscience research and everyday clinical occupational therapy practice.
LAB MANAGER:
Spencer Mandel
Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Master’s of Clinical Research
Previous Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Indiana University, Bloomington
Professional Goals: My interests surround attentional processing and executive functioning, particularly how executive function mediates academic performance and social interaction. I am also passionate about exploring interventions that aim to improve executive functioning. After completing of my master’s program, I will be pursuing a doctorate in clinical developmental psychology. I am very excited to be a part of Dr. Jewel Crasta’s lab and look forward to see what amazing discoveries our research will uncover!
GRADUATE STUDENTS:
Amy Watson-Grace
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctorate in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Previous Education: Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy – Chatham University
Master of Occupational Therapy – Chatham University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Capital University
Professional Goals: I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the culture of scientific discovery at OSU’s nationally ranked OT program and to be mentored by Dr. Jewel Crasta, and other HRS interdisciplinary research faculty, toward the development of pedagogical and investigational skills. My overarching goal upon completing the OSU HRS PhD program is to apply what I have learned as an experienced practitioner toward advancing the science of occupational therapy through conducting original research and disseminating discoveries and knowledge to students, professionals, and other stakeholders via publications, professional presentations, and a role in academia.
Katarina Garibian 
Hometown: Maineville, OH
Dual Degree Program: Clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD); Doctorate in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences; The Ohio State University
Previous Education: Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with a Medical Laboratory Science Concentration – Oakland University
Professional Goals: I am excited to be a part of this wonderful team as I study to become an occupational therapist specializing in pediatric, neurodevelopmental conditions. Within the HRS PhD program, I intend to conduct clinical research in evidence-based OT practices for autism spectrum conditions and review how they can be best implemented to ensure overall quality of life.
Madison Rader
Hometown: Powell, Ohio
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
Professional Goals: I am a third-year graduate student earning my degree in occupational therapy, with hopes eventually to obtain a specialization in neurology. In the future, I have an interest in working with children with neurodevelopmental differences, and I am thrilled to be a part of the NeuRO Lab and continue my development as a student, researcher, and future occupational therapist.
Elise Coneglio (She/her)
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
Professional Goals:
Claire Horan
Hometown: Greensburg, IN
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
Professional Goals: I am currently a second-year graduate student in the OTD program. My career goals include graduating with a doctorate in Occupational Therapy and obtaining a pediatric specialization.
Emily Turk (she/her)
Hometown: Parma, OH
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program
Professional Goals: I am a first-year graduate student with hopes of working in a pediatric, mental health, or women’s health occupational therapy setting. I would love to explore research centered around disability studies and make a meaningful contribution to the field of occupational therapy.
Alex Cram
Hometown: Minford, Ohio
Degree Program: Shawnee State University: Bachelor’s, The Ohio State University (current): Master’s in Applied Neuroscience Program
Professional Goals: I’m currently wrapping up my master’s degree and looking forward to pursuing a PhD, with a particular interest in how attention shapes cognitive processes. I’m excited to be a part of such a fantastic team as I continue growing my research skills and exploring new ideas!
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS:
Riya Sahu
Hometown: Dublin, OH
Professional Goals: I plan to attend med school and pursue Psychiatry.
Tiyasa Chakraborty
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Degree Program: Major in Systems/Behavioral Neuroscience with a Pharmaceutical Sciences Minor
Professional Goals: After graduation I plan to attend medical school, pursuing a career in pediatrics or psychiatry.
Cheyanne DeLong
Hometown: Amesville, Ohio
Degree Program: Major in Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience
Professional Goals: I am an undergraduate second year and following graduation, I plan to attend medical school. I would like to pursue a career in pediatric neurology or oncology.
Amisha Kejriwal
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Degree Program: Systems/Behavioral Neuroscience major with a minor in Global Public Health
Professional Goals: After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career in pediatric neurology.
Anika Yadati
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Degree Program: Systems/Behavioral Neuroscience Major
Professional Goals: Following graduation, I hope to attend medical school and pursue Neurosurgery.
Natalie Rock
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, NY
Degree Program: Systems/Behavioral Neuroscience Major and Psychology
Professional Goals: After graduation, I hope to attend occupational therapy school and pursue a career in pediatrics.
Previous Assistants
Lindsey Astrom Emily Hamilton Ariana Sanabria
Meredith Kromalic Eve Ambrosio Sudiksha Pelluru
Jojo Martis Grace Gawrych Gabriella Feisel
Natalie Huryn Fatima Yusuf
Addie Colclasure Ashley Martincic