About the Rutherford Lab

Principal Investigator

Dr. Maureen (Petrunich) Rutherford is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Indiana. She earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Loyola University Chicago in 2011. Dr. Rutherford enjoys teaching students about the links between brain and behavior. She also loves collaborating with and mentoring students on research projects. Dr. Rutherford lives with her family in northwest Indiana and spends most of her free time reading or spending time with her large extended family. You may also find her skating for South Shore Roller Derby as her alter ego Neuro Knockout.

Undergraduate researcher

Maha Alshamaileh

I am currently a junior at Indiana University Northwest majoring in Psychology with minors in Chemistry and Biology. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I hope to continue my studies in the field of clinical psychology. I am interested in research pertaining to early life trauma and its effects on the brain, particularly how these effects manifest later in life. Outside of school I enjoy reading, working out, and spending time with my family and friends.

Undergraduate researcher

Maddie Bakouris

I am currently a senior at Indiana University Northwest majoring in Psychology. Once I graduate, I hope to further my education by obtaining a master's degree and becoming a School Psychologist. I have an interest in working with people and helping them with their educational needs as well as their mental health needs. I also enjoy research pertaining to mental illness and the impacts that it carries among different age groups. Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with my friends, rollerblading, and baking.

Undergraduate researcher

Mae Doyle

Mae is an undergraduate student at IU Northwest studying Neuroscience and Psychology. She is particularly interested in systems neuroscience and biobehavioral studies. After earning her bachelor's degree, she hopes to further her education in her field. Outside of academic life, she enjoys reading, practicing instruments, and tabletop games.

Undergraduate researcher

Kayla Eickmann

My name is Kayla Eickmann and I am currently an undergraduate student at IU Northwest. My hope post-grad is to work in a hospital, preferably in the Northwest Indiana area, with a concentration in radiologic sciences. I have interests in behavioral studies, mental health, and bodily functions related to the brain. Outside of the lab and school, I spend my time coaching 8th grade girls volleyball.

Undergraduate researcher

Mina Mahmood

Hi there! My name is Mina Mahmood, a sophomore student here at Indiana University Northwest pursuing a Neuroscience B.S. A little more about me, I’m a proud G23 Groups Scholar student and am currently serving as the Student Government Association Coordinator of Community Engagement, as well as a secretary for the NSLS (National Society for Leadership and Success). I am incredibly excited to be a part of this research opportunity as anything neuroscience and psychology related piques my interest and totally captivates me! Understanding the brain through different perspectives is one of the biggest things that I hope to accomplish during my academic journey, and another reason why I am heavily involved with my college community. I look forward to learning more about neuroscience through various disciplines, methods, and perspectives and applying it to my future work with a career in neuroscience.

Undergraduate researcher

Sarita Rivera Centeno

Hello! My name is Sarita Rivera Centeno, and I am currently a Junior at Indiana University Northwest, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. As a first-generation student on a Pre-Veterinary medicine track, I am dedicated to becoming a veterinarian. I am passionate about caring for animals but also supporting my local community, particularly through volunteering and providing resources. 

As a Marine Corps veteran, I have developed a deep sense of service and dedication, which continues to fuel my aspirations in Veterinary medicine. These experiences have shaped my desire to make a meaningful impact both in animal care and in the communities I am part of. 

My current research interests focus on understanding how environmental factors can shape animal and human behavior responses. In my free time, I prioritize my family and volunteer work for the local shelters and nonprofits in Northwest Indiana.

Undergraduate researcher

Madison Snorton

Madison Snorton is an undergraduate student at Indiana University Northwest majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Psychology and Chemistry. Madison is a prospective neuroscientist, with interest in consciousness and neurodevelopment. In her free time, she enjoys acrylic painting and reading long, fantasy novels.

Undergraduate researcher

Henry Soto

I am currently an undergraduate student at IUN studying biology. After earning my bachelor's degree, I will be looking to work in the zoology field. My interests include prehistoric life and books or games which feature unique creature design. In the future I'd love to study reptiles and maybe write a creature-focused book which uses fascinating traits of real-life critters as inspiration.

Undergraduate researcher

Marwah Tarakey

Marwah Tarakey is a sophomore psychology major at Indiana University Northwest. She has a deep passion for understanding how stress and mental health conditions impact both the mind and body. Driven by a curiosity about the brain and a desire to improve the quality of life for individuals facing mental health challenges and disabilities, Marwah aspires to become a physician who can address healthcare disparities and provide equitable care for all.

Beyond her academic studies, Marwah is an active leader on campus. As the representative for the College of Arts and Sciences in student government, she works to enhance the learning environment and improve student satisfaction by addressing the needs of her peers. She is also the founder and president of an organization focused on supporting underserved communities, where she strives to make a meaningful difference through service and leadership. Outside of her academic and leadership commitments, Marwah enjoys reading, volunteering, and trying new foods, as well as experimenting with baking.

Undergraduate researcher

Tori Williams

Bio coming soon! 

Recent Presentations