Research
Stella is a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology with a focus on cognitive sciences at Georgia State University. Her research explores cognitive offloading in both human and non-human primates, as showcased in award-winning presentations and publications in scientific journals.
With a B.A. in Anthropology and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, Stella's academic journey is decorated with honors, including winning first place in the Georgia State University Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Master’s Competition and multiple fellowships. She is a passionate science communicator and educator, blending her expertise in primate cognition with outreach and mentorship to inspire future generations in STEM.
Selected Publications
Ciacci, F., Mayerhoff, S., De Petrillo, F., Gastaldi, S., Brosnan, S. F., & Addessi, E. (2023). State-dependent risky choices in primates: Variation in energy budget does not affect tufted capuchin monkeys' (Sapajus spp.) risky choices. American Journal of Primatology, e23542. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23542
Mayerhoff, S. R., Saldaña Santisteban, J. M., Brosnan, S. F. (2021) Social Cooperation in Primates. In: Schwartz, B. L. & Beran, M. J. (Eds.), Primate cognitive studies. Cambridge University Press.
Mayerhoff, S. R. & Brosnan, S. F. (2019) Co-operation. In: Vonk, J. & Shackelford, T. K. (Eds.), Encyclopedia of animal cognition and behavior. Springer.
Haseltine, E. L., Mayerhoff, S. R., Szikman, I., McKeon, J., Jackson, B. N., Beran, M. J., & Parrish, A. (in prep). Children spontaneously use color to offload information and locate hidden objects.
Selected Presentations
Mayerhoff, S. R., Ciacci, F., De Petrillo, F., Gastaldi, S., Brosnan, S. F., & Addessi, E. (2024). State-dependent risky choices in primates: Variation in energy budget does not affect tufted capuchin monkeys' (Sapajus spp.) risky choices. American Society for Primatologists Annual Meeting. Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Mayerhoff, S. R. (2024). What’s the Plan? A comparative study of cognitive and physical offloading. Cognitive Psychology Graduate Student Conference. Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.
Mayerhoff, S. R., Babb, M., Beran M. J., & Brosnan, S. F. (2023). File, save, forget: Cognitive offloading in non-human primates. American Society for Primatologists Annual Meeting. Reno, NV.
Mayerhoff, S. R., Saldaña Santisteban, J. M., Truscott, C. G., Bonnie, K. E., Brosnan, S. F. (2021). Social foraging in tufted capuchins (Cebus [Sapajus] apella): An experimental approach. American Society for Primatologists Annual Meeting. Oklahoma City, OK.