Meet the Team
Director
Dr. Savannah A. Girod is the director of the PEDs lab and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at Texas Tech University. She received her B.S. in Psychology from Stevenson University (where she also played D3 ice hockey!) Dr. Girod received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2023 under the mentorship of Dr. Esther Leerkes. During this time, she also completed a NICHD T32 Predoctoral Fellowship at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute under the mentorship of Drs. Esther Leerkes and Bharathi Zvara. After receiving her Ph.D., she completed a NICHD T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Child Maltreatment Science at The Pennsylvania State University under the mentorship of Drs. Erika Lunkenheimer and Hannah Schreier.
As a developmentalist, Dr. Girod’s program of research is centered around understanding the individual and dyadic biopsychosocial factors spanning pregnancy and infancy that influence parent-child interactions, parents’ and children’s health outcomes, and children’s social emotional development. Overall, her research aims to inform the etiology of developmental psychopathology and to elucidate malleable targets for prevention and intervention efforts.
In her free time, Dr. Girod enjoys traveling to see her friends and family and spending time with her husband and their 3 fur babies, Nala, Tank, and Lola. You will most likely find her reading books, trying new recipes, or watching sports.
Lab Manager
Jeanie Yu is the Lab Manager for the PEDs Lab. She graduated from Colby College in 2025 with a B.A in Psychology with a minor in Environmental Studies. Her research interests include early childhood adversity, developmental psychopathology, and intergenerational transmission, especially within marginalized communities. She hopes to contribute to research that identifies both risk and protective factors to help mitigate the development of psychopathology during early childhood. In her free time, Jeanie enjoys dancing to new music, hiking on dirt trails, and cooking Korean cuisine!
Research Assistant
Abigail McCarroll is an undergraduate research assistant for the PEDs Lab. She is expected to graduate from Texas Tech University in May of 2027 with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences. At Tech, she is a member of the Honors College, a member of the Alpha Phi Gamma Iota chapter, and a certified phlebotomist. After graduation, she plans to pursue PA school in hopes of working in pediatric orthopedics. Her research interests include child development, effects of stress on development and health, and the educational background of pediatric healthcare workers. In her free time, she enjoys working out, volunteering with the Child Life Department at UMC, and trying new recipes for cooking and baking.
Research Assistant
Emmalyne Roys is an undergraduate student at Texas Tech University. She graduated with her Associates of Science from Clarendon College in 2025. She now studies at Texas Tech, majoring in Interdisciplinary of Human Sciences, focused on pre-med. She is also on a fast-track PCT and Phlebotomy extension program with Covenant's Hospital. She hopes to get a job as a phlebotomist or a NICU PCT here in Lubbock. Emma plans to attend medical school at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and eventually become a NICU and Pediatric doctor. Emma's focuses in the lab are on behavioral analysis of parents and infants, predictions of parenting styles, studying children's socioemotional development, and collecting and comparing data. In her free time Emma likes to listen to music with her friends and family, bake sweet treats for her loved ones, work at her hometown flower shop, and be out in nature.
Research Assistant
Cylee Karabell is an undergraduate research assistant at Texas Tech University pursuing a B.S. in Human Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Sciences on a pre-med track. She plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in pediatrics, with a particular interest in developmental and behavioral pediatrics. Her research interests include developmental psychology, early childhood development, and understanding how young children learn, grow, and interact with the world around them. In her free time, Cylee enjoys hiking, spending time with family and friends, swimming, watching new movies, and gardening.
Research Assistant
Courtney Sweet is an undergraduate research assistant in the PEDs Lab at Texas Tech University and is expected to graduate in May 2027 with a bachelor's degree in Human Sciences and minors in Biology and Chemistry. Outside of the lab, Courtney is actively involved in leadership and service. She serves as a mentor at Bayless Elementary School, an Honors College Ambassador, a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), President Advisor for the UMC Foundation’s Miracle Pennies program, and President of the Miracle Pennies organization. She is also a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and has participated in several medical mission trips. Courtney plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in women’s health. Her research interests include early childhood development, maternal health, and the biological and physiological changes that occur throughout pregnancy. She is passionate about combining research and patient care to improve outcomes for women and children. In her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time with her golden retriever, Beau, competing in half-marathons and marathons, and being with friends and family.