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.
Makena Aiona-Agra
Psychology and Biology
Makena has worked on the Mindfulness with Nature pilot study including data analysis and poster presentations at OSU and beyond. He is currently collaborating on preparing a manuscript with the results from the study.
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 is working as a contributing content creator and visual design consultant on the Mindfulness with Nature mobile application, a collaboration between NEST Lab and CS/Engineering capstone students which will stretch over the 25/26 school year.
Liberato Domingo
Psychology; Religious Studies
Liberato Domingo is a third-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. Liberato is spending the fall term on study abroad in Nepal where he will gain more insights and first-hand experience of his topics of interest.
Samantha Gaiera
Psychology and Philosophy
Hi everyone! I'm currently in my third year studying psychology and philosophy here at Oregon State. Last year I was an URSA-Engage student in Dr Gurungs lab. I studied how religious and spiritual beliefs correlate to wellbeing. I've joined NEST lab because I've had multiple retreat experiences focused on engaging mindfully with nature and I've reaped the benefits. I'm looking forward to studying the powerful effects this practice has and helping to bring it to more people. Outside of academics I love to do yoga, rock climb, make pottery, write, and spend time in nature! In NEST Lab, I am working as a contributing content creator and visual design consultant on the Mindfulness with Nature mobile application.
Jacob Jones
Psychology and Education
Jacob Jones is a fourth-year psychology major with a minor in education, currently preparing for graduate study in clinical psychology. His research interests center on the therapeutic role of natural environments in supporting psychological well-being, cognitive functioning, and quality of life among individuals living with dementia. Jacob also serves as a crisis counselor with the Crisis Text Line, where he provides real-time support to individuals experiencing acute distress. He is the newest member of the NEST Lab and works on the content creation team for the Mindfulness with Nature mobile application, a collaborative project with computer science and engineering capstone students. In this role, Jacob contributes to the development and structuring of app content aimed at delivering accessible, nature-based mindfulness interventions.
Kaelyn Kindell
Psychology and Criminology
Kaelyn Kindell is a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology with minors in Criminology and Contemplative Studies. She is currently participating in OSU’s Yoga Teacher Training Program, where she is completing her RYS 200-hour certification. Kaelyn is passionate about exploring the intersections between psychology and spiritual practices. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, spending time in nature, and engaging in creative pursuits such as art and dance.
Lenna Kiser
Design and Innovation Management
Hello! I'm Lenna, a freshman majoring in design and innovation management. I joined the NEST lab as an URSA-Engage student, and I'm excited to learn everything I can to explore the intersection of business and psychology.
Eddie Kuehnel
Psychology
Eddie joined NEST Lab in fall of 2025 and is currently collaborating on preparing a manuscript from our Mindfulness with Nature study.
Maggie Knopp
Psychology and Public Health
Maggie Knopp is a fourth-year psychology major minoring in public health, preparing to apply to graduate school in clinical mental health counseling. She is passionate about the mind-body connection, mindfulness, and the ways our environments influence wellbeing. Maggie cares deeply about community and is interested in how healing can occur both within individuals and in the natural and social spaces they share. Outside of academics, Maggie enjoys running, hiking, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
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. Amrita collaborated with Dr. Huemer on a survey study on the role of college major, social media use, and personal experiences on levels of eco-anxiety, or, distress about the future of our planet. She currently is writing an honors thesis on how climate change events affect individuals on the autism spectrum, with Dr. Huemer as her thesis advisor. Outside of academics, Amrita 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. In NEST Lab, I am working as a contributing content creator and visual design consultant on the Mindfulness with Nature mobile application.
In memoriam
Merrick Woldridge
Merrick, your beautiful spirit and curious mind will live on in our work.