The Breit Lab Team
Current Members
Principle Investigator
Dr. Kristen Breit
I started this lab because I wanted to continue my independent research program examining the effects of prenatal drug exposures on brain and behavioral development. I am particularly interested in the effects of poly-drug consumption during pregnancy, particularly with the use of electronic cigarettes. I worked at Disneyland in the character department during college, and I still love all Disney history. I also paint, cross-stitch, and listen to podcasts in my spare time.
Graduate Research Assistants
Brielle Turano
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
I joined the Breit lab because of my interest in the relationship between the biological processes of the brain and mental health disorders. My undergraduate neuroscience degree and my experience working in an alcohol and drug recovery center through my master’s program is what led me to want to know more about this relationship. I am specifically interested in how substances affect the brain and the symptoms that present as a result of this. My future goals are to become a certified neuropsychologist where I can use neuropsychological measures to gain and understanding of a person’s cognitive functioning following long-term substance abuse, TBIs or concussions. In my free time I am either working out at the gym with my fiancé or cuddling with my dog watching The Real Housewives.
Shannon O'Loughlin M.S. Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
I am a current doctoral student in WCU's Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. program and working as a Graduate Assistant in the Breit Lab. My past research experience has been examining cognition post-recovery from a concussion in human participants. I am currently interested in how drugs interact with cell function (voltage, metabolism, inflammation, and synaptic communication) in individuals with mental health symptoms. A fun fact about me is I have a black cat named Splat!
Jesse Van Tassel
M.S. Psychology
While getting my B.S. in Psychology, I joined the Breit Lab in spring of 2025 to get hands-on lab experiences. My research interests include biopsychology, neuropsychology and microbiome studies as well as trauma and addition research. I am grateful to keep working in the Breit lab as I am continuing my education at West Chester University, doing my Masters in Psychology with a Thesis-track. After completing my Master’s in 2028, I plan to get my PhD and follow the career path of behavioral neuroscience. A fun fact about me is that I am a horse-back riding trainer!
Jillian Evans
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
I am a clinical psychology doctoral student in the Psy.D. program at West Chester University. My undergraduate research experience at the University of Delaware spanned neural markers of impression formation, pediatric anxiety and depression, and functional outcomes for children with cerebral palsy following surgical interventions. I joined the Breit Lab to explore my interest in how early-life substance exposure affects the neurological mechanisms underlying human development. My future goal is to specialize in pediatric neuropsychology. A fun fact about me is that I have two beagles!
Quinn Torossian
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
I'm a student in the Psy.D clinical psychology program here at West Chester. I came to Dr. Breit's lab hoping to investigate the interplay between prenatal and adolescent alcohol exposure on social behaviors and alcohol seeking behaviors. A fun fact about me is that I can cook 90 second rice in 73 seconds
Sarah Lippman
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
I’m a doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at West Chester University, and working as a Graduate Assistant in the Breit Lab. Before joining the team, I spent time working with adults who were experiencing neurocognitive decline. I joined Dr. Breit’s lab because I knew it would provide me with the space to further investigate my curiosity towards neuropsychology. My current research interest is focused around the impact that long-term substance use has on mental health symptoms​. A fun fact about me is that I have lived in five states!
Margo Kessler
Pre-Med Post-Baccalaureate
Laura Boznango
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
I'm a doctoral student in the clinical psychology program, and I'm interested in examining the interactions between recreational drugs and psychotropic drugs and how those interactions affect behavior. Currently, I am investigating how cannabinoids and anxiolytic drugs interact, and how their co-use influences anxiety-related behavior and motor functioning in a preclinical model. A fun fact about me is that I love to make homemade espresso and matcha drinks!
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Luke Eynon
B.S. in Psychology
After I heard about the Breit Lab at a campus event, I was lucky enough to join in the fall of 2026. This lab really aligns with my interests in biopsychology, animal research, and developmental disorders, and Dr. Breit's lab model has allowed me to explore these interests in so many new and interesting ways! After graduating in 2028, I hope to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and eventually become an assessment clinician. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy bird watching!
Carly Gutmann
B.S. in Psychology
I have always been interested in all areas of research so I had emailed multiple professors about joining their projects! Dr. Breit’s work with rodent models and behavior sparked my interest the most! This lab aligns with my research interests of biopsychology, neurodevelopment, behavior, and substance use disorders. After graduating in 2027, I plan to pursue a P.h.D in Clinical Psychology with heavy research focus. A fun fact about me is I own a horse named Staggs!
Natalie Craig
B.S. in Psychology
I am a third-year psychology major with a strong interest in neuroscience and substance-related research. My research interests focus on understanding how prenatal exposure to substances such as nicotine and alcohol influences neurodevelopment and subsequent behavioral outcomes in offspring, with particular interest in the long-term effects of early-life exposure on cognition, reward-related behaviors, and vulnerability to substance use. Fun fact: I can do a backflip!
I’m a post-baccalaureate pre-med student, with research interests in the developmental and epigenetic effects of pre-natal and adolescent exposure to substances. I joined the Breit Lab to gain research experience and to be in a space that allows me to explore my curiosity for learning in a more hands-on way. After graduating in 2027, I hope to attend medical school with plans to pursue surgery and continuing research. Fun fact about me, I love Halloween and have a black cat!
B.S. in Psychology
Zoe Phillips
I am a senior psych major and I joined this lab because my research interests are in the effects of substance use on behavioral neuroscience and memory cognition. A fun fact about me is that I have 2 cats!
B.S. in Psychology
Iris O'Daniels
I’d heard about the Breit Lab through Dr Breit’s Drugs, Behavior, and the Brain course. It had peaked my interested, so I reached out to one of the former members of the lab Gianna Parrish who convinced me to join! The lab focuses on a lot of research topics I find interesting, such as how drugs impact developmental milestones, cognition, and overall behavior. After graduating in 2027, I plan on pursuing a P.h.D in child and adolescent developmental psychology. A fun fact about me is that I have double jointed elbows!