Ava Robin Willis

Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

Ava Willis is a rising senior in the Psychology Honors Program at George Mason University. She is conducting her undergraduate honors thesis through the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), where she is investigating attachment and social behavior in domestic cats under the mentorship of Dr. Doris Davis Bitler.

Ava also works as a research trainee in the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research at Children's National Hospital, supporting projects within the Rare Brain Tumor Program under Dr. Fonseca and Dr. Packer. Her work involves contributing to clinical research data workflows and observing laboratory specimen procedures, providing experience in translational neuro-oncology research.

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