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 senior at Indiana University Northwest majoring in Psychology with minors in Chemistry and Biology. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to attend graduate school. 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

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 and I am currently a junior at IU Northwest. Right now I am double-majoring in psychology and criminal justice. My hope is to pursue a master’s in forensic sciences and continue working in a field that combines mental health and also aspects of law and science. My main interests are true crime, behavioral studies, and psychological disorders. Outside of school, I enjoy going antique shopping and reading a good book.

Undergraduate researcher

Ethan Irsa

My name is Ethan and I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in psychology with minors of Biology and Chemistry at IU Northwest! Upon graduation, I aim to go further into medicine and provide care to those that need it most. I am interested in research of neurodegenerative diseases and effects of drugs on the brain. Outside of college, I enjoy working on electronics and my car, and being outside.

Undergraduate researcher

Mina Mahmood

My name is Mina Mahmood, and I am currently a junior majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. This is my third year conducting research in the Rutherford Lab, where I have developed strong experience in collaborative scientific research on zebrafish. In addition to my work in the Rutherford Lab, I have conducted research at the Indiana University School of Medicine focused on Alzheimer’s disease. During this project, I examined transcriptional risk scores (TRS) and their associations with Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers, gaining experience in neurodegenerative disease research and translational neuroscience. Through these research experiences, I have developed a strong interest in the biological mechanisms underlying brain disorders and behavioral approaches in neuroscience, all things that I hope to someday apply to a clinical career in neuroscience.

Undergraduate researcher

Shatha Musleh

I am currently a junior at Indiana University Northwest majoring in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry, on a pre-dental track. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue dental school and a career in dentistry. I am particularly interested in understanding the psychological and behavioral aspects of patient care. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and drawing. 

Undergraduate researcher

Michelle Porras Rea

My name is Michelle and I study Psychology at Indiana University Northwest. I am currently in my Sophomore year and hope to start doing research during my studies. My main interests are reading and writing about psychological disorders, finding new facts about my field, and behavioral sciences. I wish to apply my degree in a field where I can make a change in the treatment of mental health. Outside of my studies, I love watching psychological thrillers, drawing, reading, or relaxing if time permits.

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

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.

Recent Presentations