Lab Personnel

We are the PLEA Lab!

Melissa A. Baker, Ph.D.

Lab Director

My name is Mel Baker. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Coastal Carolina University. My research interests include several lines of inquiry that apply both social and cognitive theory to legal contexts. I teach Research Methods, Social Psychology, and Psychology and the Law.

Office: Smith 217A

Phone: 843-349-2539

Email: mbaker4@coastal.edu

Ywomie Mota

Research Assistant

Hello! I am a second-year psychology major with a forensics concentration. My research interests range broadly from criminal profiling, eyewitness testimonies, interrogation techniques, jury decision-making, and systematic bias. I am specifically intrigued by the practices used today and their practicality in producing effective legal decisions. I plan to pursue my graduate studies in forensic psychology or related fields such as criminology and legal psychology.

Morgan Stum

Research Assistant

I am a junior from Harrisonburg, Virginia. I study Psychology with a concentration in Forensics, and I have a double major in Language and Intercultural Studies with a minor in French. I also have 2 dogs whom I absolutely adore! I enjoy exploring the outdoors and studying anything forensic science and crime.

Samantha Oliver

Research Assistant

Hello Hello! My name is Sam Oliver, I am currently a senior Forensic Psychology major in the HTC Honors College, I am also studying minors in English and Language and Intercultural studies. I am pursuing independent research alongside Dr. Baker surrounding jury decision making in punishment phases for cases of gun violence. We are also analyzing how the presence of mental illness or substance abuse in the defendant affects the harshness of the courtroom and jury perception! After graduation I am planning to attend law school to become an attorney myself and make positive changes for psychology’s emphasis in our justice system and dismantling biases within American legal procedure surrounding mental health. Outside of my studies, I also love nature and meditation trips to the forest in my free time!

Marisa Cruz

Research Assistant

Za'Mya Thompson

Research Assistant

Digby

Lab Mascot

Digby is the PLEA Lab's mascot. Digby's role in the lab is to lick and provide support for all lab personnel. In his free time, Digby likes to play fetch, take long walks on the beach, and listen to classical music.

Alumni

Coastal Carolina University

2022-present

Kali Goldman (2024)

Samantha "Sammi" Leo (2024)

Kylie Bruccoleri (2024)

Makayla West (2023)

Noah Pruett (2023)

Tracey Butler (2023)

Alex Fusee (2023)

Megan Smith (2022)

Western Kentucky University

2019-2022

Chandler Flynt (2022)
Nicholas "Ralphy" Gardner (2022)
Kayce Ebenkamp (2022)
Monica Hines (2022)
Miranda Reed (2022)
Victoria Bratcher (2022)
Dawson Young (2022)
Alaina Caswell (2022)
Adeline Hornsby (2022)
Marguerite "Maggie" Reisch (2022)
Abigail "Abi" Kemper (2022)
Morgan Todd (2022)
Skylar Bixby (2022)
Meygan Oliver (2022)
Grace Ray (2022)
Gabbrielle "Gabbie" Gilbert (2022)
Loren Pedroli (2022)
Madeline DeJesus (2022)
Bruce Kane (2022)
Sydney Garrison (2021)
Piper Scanell (2021)
Kathleen "Katie" Gorsky (2021)
Braiden Abbott (2021)
Rachel Greis (2021)
Kristen Starr (2020)
Tori Hampton (2020)
Sarah Price (2020)
Eliza Geis (2020)
Chloe Banaszak (2020)
Austin Smith (2020)
Carlecia "Carli" Gambrell (2020)
Austin McClain (2020)
Alexandria "Alley" McDaniel (2020)
Sydnie Young (2020)