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.
Dr. Huemer won the 2025 Annual Teaching Award from the American Psychological Association, Div 34 - Society for Environmental, Population, and Conservation Psychology for her coursework in Climate Psychology.
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.
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.
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.
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.