Justin Riddle, PhD

Principal Investigator

Justin is passionate to make discoveries on the nature of the human mind. He has a fascination for how the prefrontal cortex represents abstract information and controls our thoughts to seek higher-order goals. His research utilizes complementary tools with high temporal precision (EEG) and high spatial precision (fMRI). In order to move beyond correlation-based science, Justin uses magnetic and electric stimulation (TMS & tACS) to investigate the causal role of neural oscillations in higher-order cognition. Justin is committed to effective mentorship and maintaining a supportive lab environment. In his spare time, Justin maintains a YouTube channel that explores theories of consciousness and has proposed the “Nested Observer Windows (NOW) Model” for hierarchical consciousness.

Dylan (Wu) Li

Neuroscience Graduate Student

Dylan is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Neuroscience program at Florida State University. She graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a double major in Neuroscience and Media & Journalism. Her current research focuses on how neural oscillations support hierarchical cognitive control, using non‑invasive brain stimulation to probe causal mechanisms. Broadly, she aims to understand the neural bases of psychiatric disorders and develop novel oscillation‑based interventions. Dylan is passionate about exploring brain function through oscillatory dynamics and translating these insights into innovative therapeutic strategies. 

Zhaohan Wu

Clinical Psychology Graduate Student

Zhaohan is a clinical psychology PhD student at FSU. He is interested in the role neural oscillations play in psychopathologies, especially anxiety-related disorders. He is also interested in how to modulate neural oscillations with new techniques (e.g. tACS, TMS) and thus alleviate patients’ symptoms.    

Lauren Jackson

Lab Manager

Lauren graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University, where she completed her thesis on neural mechanisms of savoring. During her time in the Riddle Lab, Lauren researched perception and social behavior in social anxiety disorder. In August 2025, she begins her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Texas A&M University within the Cognitive Neuroscience of Goals & Actions lab under the supervision of Dr. Joseph Orr and Dr. Brian Albanese.     

Shyam Dhulashia

Postbaccalaureate Researcher

Shyam earned his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida, where he studied the impact of peak experiences on prosocial behavior. At the Riddle Lab, he investigates the neural mechanisms underlying altered states of consciousness during advanced meditation retreats. Outside the lab, Shyam collaborates with nonprofit organizations to advance the scientific understanding and clinical applications of these states. In August 2025, he will begin his M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida, aspiring to provide a therapeutic model that integrates neuroscience, mindfulness, and community-based support.  

Zoe Steelman

Postbaccalaureate Researcher

Zoe graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. She completed her undergraduate thesis on social judgment in subdimensions of Social Anxiety Disorder. Zoe is interested in researching novel treatment mechanisms for affective disorders. She aims to pursue graduate education in the neuroscience field.   

Riddle Lab Undergraduate Researchers

  • Max Boyington

    Max is a Senior majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Psychology and is from Miami, Florida. He is especially interested in learning about how meditation can improve mood and assist mental health, as well as understanding the relationship between different regions of the brain and conscious experience. 

  • Morgan Brown

    Morgan is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Computer Science, originally from Boca Raton, Florida. Her research interests center on uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on major depressive disorder. She is especially passionate about the therapeutic potential of non-invasive brain stimulation in treating mental health conditions. Additionally, as an Honors in the Major student in Dr. Sarah Brown’s ASPIRE Lab, Morgan is currently investigating the role of negative urgency in high-risk suicide populations using EEG. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuroscience. 

  • Brileyann Eldridge

    Brileyann (Brie) is a fourth-year Behavioral Neuroscience major and Chemistry minor from Inverness, FL on a pre-medical track. She is interested in how brain structure and neural networks/activity influence cognitive conditions and psychiatric disorders, especially ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder.  

  • Hunter Kilbourn

    Hunter is a 4th year Psychology major and Biology minor from Sopchoppy, FL. His research interests center on understanding how functional connectivity and neural network dynamics influence intellectual disabilities. He intends to earn a PhD in Neuroscience and build a career in research. 

  • NG Njok

    Nigel-Ginola (NG) is a sophomore Behavioral Neuroscience major from Palm Coast, Florida. He is interested in the underlying biological mechanisms for mental and psychological disorders. Additionally, he is curious about how to develop specific, tailored mental health treatments for individuals. Following undergrad, he hopes to continue expanding his knowledge within psychological health through pursuing a PhD program in clinical psychology or an M.D. program for psychiatry. 

  • Anthony Ramos

    Anthony is a fourth year at FSU majoring in psychology. He has an interest in the prevention and intervention of mental disorders, specifically depression and anxiety. He has a focus on individualized therapeutic techniques and applying research-based practices that are grounded in neurological knowledge. His goal is to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology to become a licensed psychologist. 

  • Ava Stevenson

    Ava is a second-year student studying Behavioral Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track. She’s interested in studying the changes our brain undergoes when faced with trauma related instances. After undergrad, she hopes to attend Med school and pursue a career in either neuroscience or OB-Gynecology.

  • Hannah Swota

    Hannah is a third-year student at Florida State University majoring in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, with minors in Philosophy and Chemistry. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, she aspires to attend medical school and has a special interest in surgery, neonatology, and bioethics. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, making coffee, spending time at the beach, playing soccer, and volunteering with Champs Chance and the Alzheimer’s clinic. 

  • Jessie Tucker

    Jessie is a Behavioral Neuroscience major in the Honors Program at FSU. She is interested in studying and treating neurological disorders, particularly in children. When she graduates, she plans to continue exploring the medical applications of neuroscience research by pursuing an M.D.

  • Adriana Villalobos

    Adriana is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Education, from the Republic of Panama. She is interested in understanding brain dysfunctions related to neuropsychological disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Additionally, she is interested in studying how isolation and social stigmas can affect individuals with these disorders. After earning her undergraduate degree, Adriana plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology, with the goal of becoming a neuropsychologist in the future. 

  • Sydney Walsh

    Sydney is a second-year Behavioral Neuroscience major. She is interested in studying abnormal psychology, specifically causes of mood and personality disorders. She plans to pursue a PhD and work in either lab research or behavioral analysis. 

  • Renan Zuniga

    Renan is a fourth-year Cell and Molecular Neuroscience major from Orlando, FL. He is interested in deepening his understanding of brain stimulation and its applications for treating psychiatric illnesses. He is also a member of FSUCOM’s Honors Medical Scholars Society. After college he plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in either psychiatry or internal medicine.