Dr. Lockman studies how children learn about the world through action. His research looks at how perception and movement develop together from infancy through childhood. He is especially interested in how everyday behaviors, like banging, or reaching for objects, evolve into more complex skills such as tool use, writing, and problem solving. By observing how children use their hands, eye, and bodies in real-world tasks, he aims to understand how early motor experiences contribute to cognitive and social development.

Dr. Lockman is a past Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Child Development, and is currently the Editor of Advances in Child Development and Behavior.  He is the co-Editor of the Cambridge Handbook of Infant Development.  His research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Sciences Foundation and the James S. McDonnell Foundation.

Hi! My name is Mark. I’m a third-year graduate student majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences, and my advisor is Dr. Jeff Lockman. Here in the UT Action Lab, we work on a lot of fascinating research, and I really enjoy being part of it.

I’m originally from Taiwan, a small island in Asia. Growing up in that culture turned me into a true foodie. I especially love Japanese cuisine, and I’ve been having a great time exploring all kinds of food here in Austin as well.

In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, especially baseball and football. Before starting graduate school, I worked as a physical therapist in my home town, which sparked my strong interest in research on eye-hand coordination and movement. I also love watching movies whenever I get the chance.

Hi! My name is Cara and I am a Lab Manager at the UT Action Lab! After moving from Los Angeles, I graduated from UT with a major in Human Development and Family Sciences and a minor in American Sign Language. In our lab, I oversee projects, assist our undergrad RA’s, and collaborate with Dr. Lockman and Mark.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing, reading, and ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging! Overall, I love working with children and families to further the field of motor development research.

I’m Richard and I am also a lab manager at the UT Action lab. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Psychology and a certificate in Applied Statistical Modeling. Before joining the team, I worked as a research assistant in the Developing Intelligence Lab, studying how egocentric vision and social cues in parent and child interaction shape early learning.

In the Action Lab, I coordinate studies that examine how motor development in infants and children is shaped by action and context, from self-touch and reaching behaviors to object manipulation and early handwriting. My interests center on perception and action in childhood, including how sensory information guides movement and early learning.

Hello! My name is Haley Havens, and I am a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a simultaneous major in Honors and Advanced Human Development and Family Sciences & Biology. I am also completing a Pre-Health Certificate & a Bridging Disciplines Program Certificate in Patients, Practitioners, and Cultures of Care.

I joined the Action Lab in Fall 2025, where I am gaining exposure to interdisciplinary research on motor development, and I am excited to continue learning with this team.

I am from the Dallas area and was adopted from Guatemala, an experience that sparked my interest in genetics and identity. This has motivated my goal of pursuing a career in genetic counseling, with a particular interest in supporting adoptees and others in feeling informed, comfortable, and empowered in understanding their genetic backgrounds.

Outside of academics, I enjoy working out, Hotworx, gardening, baking, taking long walks, going on coffee runs, traveling and trying new things!

My name is Samantha de Lemos and I am in the Honors in Advanced Human Development and Family Sciences program here at UT (Hook’ Em)!

I am from New Braunfels, Texas and I am a sophomore on the pre-medical track.

In my free time I am a dance teacher, a counselor for Ignite Texas, and a shift lead for Brain Exercise Initiative! I love being involved on and off campus with groups such as YoungLife, APS, and ZTA. I enjoy hikes, coffee with friends, traveling, Italian food, the theater, fashion, and am currently diving into all things consulting.

I am passionate about child development, helping people with special needs and disabilities, and learning more about how actions and development interact!

Hello! My name is Emma Lutsevich. I am a second year polymath honors neuroscience undergraduate student at UT Austin, and I am also pursuing a minor in Russian and a certificate in BDP Children & Society.

I am on the pre-med track and hope to join the air force someday or at least finish getting my pilots license. I have lived in Texas a majority of my life except for a couple years in Tennessee.

Also, I used to be in a pre-professional ballet company, but now I help instruct dance through Texas Ballet. In my free time, I love to read any fantasy books, rewatch shows from the 2000s, and bake pumpkin muffin cookies.

Hi all! My name is Zada Mendoza, and I am currently a third-year undergraduate student double-majoring in Social Work and Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, and am now living in Austin, working full-time as a waitress, to further advance my education and professional career.

Previously working in a child development center as a part-time caretaker, I have seen firsthand how quickly children walk, talk, become socially accustomed, etc. Since, I have become fascinated with how rapidly children learn and grow compared to adults. Now, being a part of the Action Lab, I have the opportunity to help further investigate child development, as well as merge my interests in both child wellness and development.

In my free time, I enjoy reading and playing video games. Recently, I have purchased a small, beginner DJ controller and have really been enjoying amateur DJing as a new hobby.

Hi! My name is Jannae Ailawadhi. I am a second year neuroscience major. I was born in Newport Beach, California, but I have spent most of my life here in Austin.

I am currently on the premed track. I aim to become a pediatrician or a family medicine physician. I am passionate about working in healthcare and bettering the quality of life and mental health of my future patients.

I am very excited to join the Action Lab team and intersect my interests of psychology, especially fine motor development milestones, with my love for working with children.

My extracurriculars include the Brain Exercise Initiative organization where we volunteer at nursing homes and my sorority ADPi. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, exploring new cities, reading and playing volleyball.