Ava Robin Willis

Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

Ava Willis is a rising senior in the Psychology Honors Program at George Mason University, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Cognition and Behavioral Neuroscience. She conducts her undergraduate honors thesis through the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), where she investigates attachment and social behavior in domestic cats under the mentorship of Dr. Doris Davis Bitler.

Her research examines how cats form relationships with familiar humans and how these bonds shape their responses to novel social situations. As part of this work, she designs behavioral paradigms, codes observational data, and integrates principles from attachment theory and animal cognition.

Current Research

Ava is conducting an honors thesis examining attachment and social behavior in domestic cats, focusing on how familiarity with a caregiver versus a stranger influences social responses. Her work involves behavioral coding and video-based observation.

Grants and Fellowships

Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP), Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), George Mason University.

Education

B.A. Psychology, Concentration in Cognition & Behavioral Neuroscience,

George Mason University (Expected 2027)

Psychology Honors Program, George Mason University