The “Happy Tech” Team
CURRENT MEMBERS
KIBUM MOON
Kibum Moon is a Ph.D. student at Georgetown University working with Dr. Kostadin Kushlev. He is interested in investigating the effects of digital technology on well-being and developing interventions to improve digital well-being. He has a double major in Psychology and Science Technology Studies (STS) for his bachelor's degree, and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Korea University. He also has experience as a data scientist working on projects to promote college students' well-being through machine learning and deep learning algorithms. He aims to integrate data science techniques into psychological research to enhance capabilities.
Alejandro jaco
Alejandro joined the lab in January 2024 as the Research Project Manager for a National Institute of Mental Health grant studying the causal effects of exposure to social media on adolescent mental health. Alejandro holds a B.S. in Cognitive Science from Yale University, where he worked with several psychology and neuroscience labs, including the Chang Lab. His research interests focus on understanding the correlates of social variables on cognition, decision-making, and development.
Tessa van der Willigen
Tessa is a visiting researcher who joined the lab in late 2021. Following a career in international economics, she studied positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and is currently developing a theoretical model of autonomy intended to bridge the literatures on self-determination, self-control, and well-being. This work is intended to lay the basis for analyzing the varied ways in which technology impacts personal autonomy and thereby well-being.
Alexandra Lailer
Alex is a senior from Wisconsin majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Spanish and Cognitive Science at Georgetown University. She joined Dr. Kushlev’s Happy Tech Lab as a research assistant in Spring 2024 and is interested in studying the effects social media on adolescent development and mental well-being. Outside of the lab, Alex spends her time dancing, running, and with her family and friends.
Maya taylor
Maya is a junior from Pennsylvania double majoring computer science and psychology at Georgetown University. She joined the Happy Tech lab in September 2024 as a research assistant, and is interested in exploring why individuals commit cybercrimes and how this can inform better prevention strategies. Outside of the lab, she volunteers with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, rock climbs, and explores DC with her friends and dog.
Grace Falgoust
Grace is a Ph.D. student at Georgetown University. Her research is driven by a desire to understand what factors encourage people to use technology in ways that positively impact their well-being. She also explores how these insights can shape laws and regulations around digital use, with a particular interest in the intersection of educational policies and technology to enhance adolescent well-being. Before joining Georgetown, Falgoust honed her research skills as a research assistant at the RAND Corporation. She also spent a year with the nonprofit Impact America and managed the DIGITAL Laboratory at Clemson University, which investigates team dynamics in high-stress situations.
Justin kahn
Justin is the Lab Manager and joined the team in August 2025. He earned his B.S. in Psychology and Philosophy from Tufts University and developed his research skills at Massachusetts General Hospital in a lab focused on mindfulness meditation. Before coming to Georgetown, Justin also gained experience working in the legal field. He is interested in how modern technology influences mental health and can be used to either support or detract from well-being.
marina torres
Marina joined the lab in the Summer of 2025 after receiving her Master's in Counseling Psychology from Boston University. Her previous research experience is in education equity and health psychology, and she is interested in understanding the potential impacts of using digital media on future health outcomes.
Mimi Lee
Mimi is a junior at Georgetown studying Psychology and Technology, Ethics, and Society (TES). She is fascinated by the influence of digital technology on our happiness and overall wellbeing and feels these topics are especially relevant in our hyper-digital age. Mimi joined the Happy Tech lab in Summer 2024 as a research assistant and is thrilled to advance their meaningful work.
Zara niazi
Zara is a junior who grew up in Oman and is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Spanish at Georgetown University. She joined the Happy Tech Lab in the Spring of 2025 as a research assistant. She is very interested in the effect of social media on our health and happiness, especially in today’s world where it is so accessible and prevalent. In her free time, Zara enjoys hiking with friends and baking cookies.
Austin forrester
Austin is a junior from Boston, Massachusetts majoring in economics and minoring in psychology and business studies. She joined the Happy Tech Lab in the Spring of 2025 as a research assistant. She is interested in the impact of social media on mental health, and of artificial intelligence on creativity. Outside of school, Austin likes bike riding, baking, and trying new restaurants.
Bella deleo
Bella is a senior from Sarasota, Florida, double majoring in Economics and Psychology, with a minor in Art. She joined the Happy Tech Lab as a research assistant in March 2025 and is interested in exploring how technology affects well-being, and how law and policy can shape or mitigate these impacts. In her free time, Bella enjoys painting, reading, and creative writing.
Kace Boland
Kace Boland is a senior from Washington, D.C., studying psychology with a minor in medical humanities. She joined the Happy Tech Lab as a research assistant in February of 2025. Kace is particularly excited to contribute to the lab’s R01 grant study on the causal effects of social media exposure on adolescent mental health. Outside of the lab, she enjoys coaching volleyball and playing the guitar.
Emma spencer
Emma is a senior from Pelham, New York, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. She joined the Happy Tech Lab as a research assistant in April 2025 and is interested in the intersection of mental health and science policy—particularly how digital platforms impact well-being and how policy can help shape healthier lifestyles. Outside of the lab, Emma enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and scuba diving.