Meet The Support Staff
Bean Matsick
pUPlab@psu.edu
I was the UP Lab's first research assistant, and I now mentor the more junior students in the lab. My mom runs this lab... so people are really nice to me. Broadly speaking, I'm interested in stereotypes about dogs who wear t-shirts, and I use my research to promote positive interspecies relations (looking at you, chipmunks!). I've received the prestigious award of "class clown" at my hairdresser's salon. As you might have noticed, I always have something to say in a Zoom meeting.
Fernie Oswald
BabyBluezzz@psu.edu
I am a 3rd year student who collaborates with Flora Oswald and anyone else who will give me pets. I hold a joint appointment in the departments of Cuteness and Fluffiness. My main interest is in chewing on furniture; in my work in the UP Lab, I study how puppy eyes can be used to manipulate human behavior.
Basil Rathbone
theperfectdog@psu.edu
I am a 5th year student in the UP Lab. My research interests include examining the adorableness of mutts and the complexities of human/dog family structures. Last year, I was awarded my CGC (Canine Good Citizen) in recognition of my commitment and dedication to being a good dog. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my Chuck-It ball, hiding toys in Lindsay's backpack, hiking, and hanging out with my friends at Dog Camp. My current projects include canine fitness and nosework.
Dexter Kruk (she/her)
DexterIsaGirl@psu.edu
I'm a 5th year student and I research the intersection between human and feline conceptions of "play." I'm interested in maximizing the positive benefits of petting and cuddling cats. In my work outside of the UP Lab, I groom my mountains of hair and prevent Mary from working by laying on her stuff.
Simon Stevens
SimonSaysJump@psu.edu
Simon earned his doctorate in desk gymnastics in 2020, with his dissertation focused on Zoom shenanigans (and, more specifically, how to make humans look unprofessional). He’s now doing a postdoc with the UP lab (primary advisor: Samantha Stevens), studying the physics of swivel chairs and how human and cat bodies can occupy the same space. In his free time, he enjoys brushes, wand toys, and copious cuddles.
Cash Stevens
Cash4Cats@psu.edu
Cash is a 2nd year PhD student still not sure who to talk to about the mysterious red dot in the building. Even so, she’s excited to be working with brilliant scholars like Simon and exploring her own passions, which center on understanding the boundaries of human patience and the stigma facing cats with dog-like qualities. She spends a lot of her free time refining her howling technique and hunting for bugs, and she hopes to one day be invited to join a real pack of wolves (or possibly chihuahuas).