Lab Lead
Dr. Sabine Huemer is an environmental psychologist who studies the effects of nature, natural elements, and environmental challenges on cognitive processes and mental wellbeing. Dr. Huemer holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Cognitive Sciences at the University of California, Irvine, and is a trained Nature Health Coach certified by the University of Munich, Germany in collaboration with the German Kneipp Physicians Association. Dr. Huemer is founding member of OSU’s Nature Rx Alliance, member of the Carbon Commitment Committee of the OSU Faculty Senate, and the Climate Advisory Board of the city of Corvallis.
Lab Manager
Jacob Lindsley is a PhD student in psychology whose work focuses on social-cognitive mechanisms of change in meditation practices, including how meditation may impact people’s social attributions, altruistic feelings, and self-concepts. He is also a meditation teacher with a background in classical Buddhist studies and meditation practice within the Tibetan tradition. His work draws upon traditional scholarship to improve the scientific understanding of psychological processes impacted by contemplative practice. Jacob is core member of the International Society for Contemplative Research, a teacher for Cultivating Emotional Balance, and a former Research Associate in Neurology for Oregon Health and Science University.
Kalista Brenneman
Psychology
Kalista Brenneman is a psychology major who is preparing to apply for graduate school in clinical or counseling psychology. Kalista enjoys observing small details in nature, such as the different types of moss or the worms that pop up after it rains. Outside of academia, she likes to knit, read thriller novels, and draw flora and fauna. Kalista joins the NEST Lab as a volunteer interested in working at the intersection of art and science.
Julia Dixon
Psychology
Julia Dixon is a Psychology major from Portland, Oregon. She is interested in combining nature meditation with therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy to improve patient mental health outcomes. In her free time, she enjoys baking, hiking and finding sunny spots to journal or read.
Liberato Domingo
Psychology; Religious Studies
Liberato Domingo is a second-year student majoring in psychology and minoring in religious studies. His interests are in religion, mindfulness, and how spirituality shapes identity and mental health. Under Dr. Huemer’s guidance, Liberato is researching the effects of meditation in nature on mental wellbeing.
Isabelle Hall
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Toxicology
Izzy Hall is a biochemistry and molecular biology major minoring in toxicology. She is passionate about the environment and the outdoors. Izzy is exploring the correlation between climate change anxiety with college majors, social media exposure, and personal experience with Dr. Sabine Huemer. Outside of school, Izzy enjoys being a part of the swim team, reading and hiking with friends.
Mayahuel Garcia-Harper,
Psychology
My name is Mayah, and I am working with Dr. Huemer on my undergraduate honors thesis. I am developing a literature review that investigates the effects of natural light, greenery, and wood materials in k-12 classrooms on students learning and academic outcomes. My interest in this topic sparked when taking Dr. Huemer’s conservation psychology course where I was first introduced to environmental and architectural psychology. I love to rock climb, read and be creative, whether it’s drawing, painting, or sewing.
Amrita Menon
Bio Health & Psychology
Amrita Menon is a Bio Health Sciences and Psychology major with a passion for understanding the impact of climate change on mental health. Her research with Dr. Huemer focuses on exploring climate anxiety and how factors such as college major, social media use, and personal experiences influence it. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling to new places, photography and singing.
Taylor Rhodig
Psychology; Sustainability & Natural Resources
Taylor Rhodig is a psychology major minoring in sustainability and natural resources. Her interest center around environmental psychology and the relationships between people and nature. Taylor’s work with Dr. Huemer explores the effects of mindfulness activities in nature on mental wellbeing. Outside of school, Taylor loves to spend time outdoors bike-packing and mountain/rock climbing and at home trying new recipes and crafts.
Sophia Widmer
Psychology
Hello, everyone. My name is Sophia Widmer, and I am a second year at Oregon State University studying Psychology. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge regarding the effects of nature on mental well-being. When I am craving a place of tranquility, I find myself out in nature, whether hiking, camping, or simply being outside taking in the beauty nature possesses. I also love making healthy meals and embarking on creativity as much as I can.