Current Post-Baccalaureate Students

Jocelyn graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Psychology in March 2024. During her time as an undergrad, she worked as a Human Resource Coordinator for SI-Bone, a medical company in Santa Clara, California, and she worked as a Behavioral Technician (BT) during her senior year. It was during her time as a BT that she longed for more research opportunities after providing therapy to children with autism, which pushed her to apply to the UCI Psychological Science post-bacc program. Due to Jocelyn's upbringing in a Mexican household with little to no regard for the severity and importance of mental health issues and resources, she has decided to work in labs that represent her passion for her community. Jocelyn has been working in Dr. Schueller's Supporting Peer Interactions to Expand Access (SUPERA) Lab and in Dr. Borelli's Health, Relationships, and Interventions (THRIVE) Lab, resulting in poster presentations at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program conference at UC Irvine and the 2025 Western Psychological Association conference in Las Vegas, and she has been taking courses such as the Science & Practice of Compassion, Advanced Research Methods, and Abnormal Psychology. In addition, she served as a peer tutor for Dr. Zinger's Social Relationships course and Psychology Fundamentals course, for which she earned the 2025 Outstanding Contribution to the School of Social Ecology award. Moving forward, Jocelyn hopes to obtain a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical psychology and eventually open her private practice. 

Elizabeth graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a focus in neurotechnology. She relocated to California after graduation to work as an R&D (research and design) engineer, contributing to the development of heart valve technologies. She particularly enjoyed designing and conducting experiments, earning her certification in advanced statistical data analysis, and mentoring earlier-career engineers. Eventually, she felt drawn back to her original interest in the brain and sought a career path that was more centered on people than products. After years of reflection and exploration, she realized her love of data analysis and research could be combined with her interest in the brain and people-centered work through the field of psychological research. This led her to the UCI post-bacc program! As a post-bacc student, she is working with Dr. Elizabeth Martin at the Behavior, Emotions, and Affective Neuroscience (BEAN) Lab, which studies emotional and social functioning in individuals along the psychosis continuum. Her long-term research interests include neuroimaging, neuropsychology, and the use of technology for psychological care - specifically, brain stimulation or brain computer interfaces used for cognitive treatment and rehabilitation. 

Anna completed her B.A. in Fine Arts with an emphasis on Photography and minors in Art History and Sociology from Hofstra University in Long Island, NY.  While attending university, she worked as a Resident Assistant, where she learned to identify and provide support and resources for students in distress. There, she was trained in counseling, conflict mediation, crisis response, and suicide prevention and intervention. Her experiences as a Resident Assistant cultivated a passion for mental health. After graduation, Anna explored careers in fine arts, fashion, photography, and marketing before ultimately pursuing her dream of clinical psychology. Before enrolling in the post-baccalaureate program at UCI, she completed coursework in Introduction to Psychology, Human Development, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, Research Methods in Psychology, Introduction to Physiological Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. As a post-baccalaureate student, she is working with Dr. Michelle Fortier at the UCI Center on Stress & Health, which is dedicated to understanding and improving the patient experience in healthcare. At the UCI Center on Stress & Health, she will be devoting her time to Dr. Fortier's "Transition of Care" project. Her research interests center on the effects of chronic illness and chronic pain in young adulthood, which she aims to pursue while earning a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.  

Leslie graduated with honors from Fullerton College in December of 2022 with her associates degree in Psychology. After transferring to UCI, she focused on taking courses that would teach her more about the brain, including courses in biopsychology, brain disorders and behavior, clinical neuroscience, and human neuropsychology. As an undergraduate student at UCI, she was awarded $5,000 for the Osher Scholarship Endowment for California Community College Transfer Students, she joined the Bilingualism, Mind, and Brain (BMB) lab, she completed the Social Ecology Honors program, and she was awarded a $500 Research Experience Fellowship from the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Leslie gave a poster presentation at the 2025 UROP conference, where she presented her thesis examining how Spanish-English heritage speakers perceive their own abilities in each language as a function of their unique bilingual experience, and she graduated magna cum laude with her B.A. in Psychological Science in June 2025. As a post-bacc student, she will be conducting research with Dr. Fortier at Children’s Hospital Orange County with Spanish-speaking families who have children with cancer. She will also be joining the University Neurocognitive Imaging lab, where I will learn how to statistically analyze brain scans. Her goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology and continue working with Spanish-speaking communities who are affected by brain disorders or injuries.

Rosalinda earned her B.A. in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands in 2025. As a Latina, first-generation college student, she has conducted research across cognitive neuroscience, hormonal influences on executive functioning, and community-based studies addressing the needs of LGBTQIA+ older adults. She has presented her work at regional and national conferences, including the Western Psychological Association and the American Society on Aging. She currently works in Dr. Stephen Schueller’s Technology and Mental Health Lab at UC Irvine on the NIH-funded Support from Peers to Expand Access (SUPERA) project. This study evaluates SilverCloud, a Spanish-language digital cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention, in primary care settings for Latino patients with depression and anxiety. In this role, Rosalinda assists with patient recruitment and screening and works with Spanish-speaking participants. Her research interests focus on health psychology, mental health equity, and how race, ethnicity, and identity shape health and educational outcomes. Guided by her experiences as a first-generation college student, she hopes to continue contributing to research and interventions that support underrepresented communities.

Rachele graduated from Pepperdine University in Fall 2023 with a B.A. in Creative Writing. During her time there, she worked as a CDIUR Student Researcher, exploring developments in artificial intelligence and their impact on the writing world. In February 2024, she began volunteering as a crisis counselor at the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center, where she now also helps train new cohorts by simulating high-pressure scenarios, evaluating performance, and serving as a mentor. In November 2024, Rachele began volunteering at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, supporting pediatric patients and families by providing companionship, escorting them within the hospital, assisting with entertainment in waiting rooms, and contributing to administrative tasks including data entry, sanitizing and organizing donations, and creating enrichment activities for patients. As part of the post-bacc program, Rachele is a research assistant in Dr. Steven Schueller’s Technology and Mental Health (TEAM) Lab, currently working on the Supporting Peer Interactions to Expand Access (SUPERA) study. Her role includes onboarding limited English proficiency Latinx patients with depression and/or anxiety. Rachele hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Alex graduated from the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill in Spring 2025 with a B.A. in Psychology and minors in Environmental Science and Sustainability. She cultivated an interest in the intersections of psychology, public health, and the environment. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about broadening access to health and academic resources. At UNC, she worked as a research assistant at the Water Institute in the Gillings School of Public Health, conducting systematic reviews that analyzed water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare facilities across low- and middle- income countries, the results of which she presented at UNC's Celebration of Undergraduate Research. Additionally, in her senior year, she was an undergraduate learning assistant in the Department of Psychology for a course on social media, technology, and its impacts on the adolescent brain. Alex's research interests include health and social psychology, public health, community resilience, and sustainable practices, and she was awarded a Diversity Fellowship from UCI's Division of Continuing Education to support students of underrepresented backgrounds in higher education. During her time in the post-bacc program, Alex will be working in the Stress and Coping Lab led by Dr. Roxy Silver, studying personal and collective traumas. She will use this experience to clarify her path between graduate programs and further develop her commitment to interdisciplinary research.

Savana graduated summa cum laude from Chapman University with a B.A. in Screenwriting, a B.A. in Psychology, and a minor in Italian Studies. While at Chapman, she conducted research on how musical genre influences mood, as well as the negative impacts of social media–based self-diagnosis of mental illness on Generation Z. She has a passion for working with children, which she has cultivated through tutoring, babysitting, and leading summer programs. Savana will be joining Dr. Uma Rao’s Biobehavioral Research on Adolescent Development (BRoAD) Lab, where she will explore factors influencing child and adolescent health. Through this program, she hopes to deepen her understanding of how to support the health and well-being of children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Her primary research interest is early intervention programs and treatment, particularly for underserved populations. Ultimately, she hopes to integrate her research, clinical practice, and creative background in writing to open an accessible community wellness center, focusing on female-identifying community members and employees of color.

Kirsten graduated from UC Irvine in March 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. As an undergraduate, she participated as a research assistant in the CRH lab and studied the correlation between perseverance and aspiration. Kirsten also worked as an Applied Behavioral Analysis behavior technician for children with autism. Currently, Kirsten is working in the UCI INCHES lab with Dr. Angie Lukowski to study family relationships of children with Down Syndrome. Kirsten intends to pursue a master’s degree in Child Psychology to provide therapy and support to children in emotional, behavioral, and psychological need.

Mele graduated magna cum laude from Franklin University Switzerland with a B.A. in Psychology in May 2025. During her undergraduate studies, Mele did an internship at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, where she shadowed psychiatrists, accompanied them to their clinical evaluations with patients, and was exposed to a variety of different treatment methods (including psychopharmacology, light therapy, art therapy, and TMS therapy). Upon discovering the field of clinical neuropsychology, Mele completed another internship in Summer 2025 with Dr. Gina Samala at the Mililani Psychology Group in Hawai’i. Here, she gained valuable insight into the field not only by observing neuropsychological and cognitive testing on patients but also by receiving preliminary training on how to score and interpret tests such as the Children’s Depression Inventory 2. As a post-bacc student at UCI, she’s incredibly excited to gain more research experience under Dr. Jason Schiffman and his PREVENT lab, where she is serving as a research assistant. Her research interests revolve around the neurobiological underpinnings of both psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions (including, but not limited to, mood, psychosis-spectrum, and anxiety disorders, as well as dementia and traumatic brain injury). After completing the program, Mele plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology, with hopes of integrating both research and clinical practice in her future career.

Bryce earned a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, where he first developed a deep appreciation for research and the understanding of health in society. While his early academic path focused on the biological sciences, his volunteer experiences in healthcare and mental health settings sparked a shift in focus toward psychology and human behavior. His experiences as a COPE Health Scholar at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, as a volunteer crisis counselor, and as an educator working with low-income children and students with IEPs further shaped his commitment to service and psychological well-being. He recently joined Dr. Elizabeth Cauffman’s Development, Disorder, and Delinquency (3D) Lab, where he looks forward to supporting research efforts and contributing to the lab’s community outreach initiatives. After completing the post-bacc program, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He hopes to build a career that integrates research and clinical practice to support marginalized communities and expand access to mental health care.

Laura graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2025 with a B.A. in Psychological Science. During her undergraduate career, Laura interned at a non-profit re-entry program for recently-incarcerated individuals in Orange County. Through this internship, Laura gained hands-on experience working alongside licensed clinicians and psychologists. She was able to work in substance abuse support meetings, shadow therapy sessions, and assist with participant screenings. Laura is now working as a registered behavior technician (RBT), working with children with autism and developmental disabilities. As an RBT, Laura works with clients on skill development, focusing on communication and social skills. As a post-bacc student, Laura is currently a research assistant in Dr. Lukowski’s Infants, Children, & Families (INCHES) Lab, where she will be working on research about the memory of significant life events by parents of children with Down syndrome, as well as the memory and generalization abilities in children diagnosed with Down syndrome and typically developing children.  Laura joined the post-bacc program to continue her education in psychology, as well as to create a stepping stone for obtaining a Ph.D.  Laura is most interested in learning about both forensic and child psychology. Laura’s long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a focus on either child psychology or forensic work at a micro level. 

Frederique graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) with a Bachelor’s in Intensive Psychology. She transferred to UCSC after earning her Associate’s in Psychology from Fresno City College with highest honors, where she developed a passion for the study of psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she served as a research assistant at UCSC’s Cognitive Neuroscience Lab under Dr. Megan Boudewyn. While there, she gained proficiency in EEG data collection and analysis, contributing to studies focused on how cognitive processes impact and interact with language development. She also worked as an undergraduate research and community assistant at Oakes College with the Community-Based Research Action & Advocacy (CARA) Program, advocating for student involvement in community-based projects addressing education, legal aid, social justice, and outreach initiatives through the program’s various course offerings. Her current interests with the realm of psychology include the intersection between clinical psychology and cognitive neuroscience; she is primarily interested in studying memory and cognition, as well as emphasizing how concepts within these areas are tied to clinical disorders, such as anxiety and depression. While in the post-bacc program, she will be working in the Behaviors, Emotions, and Affective Neuroscience (BEAN) Lab under Dr. Elizabeth Martin, studying the functioning of individuals within the psychopathology continuum, primarily focusing on the psychosis spectrum. She also recently earned her Certified Wellness Coach I certification and is currently working remotely as a mentor for high school students, based in the Bay Area. Following the completion of the program, Frederique plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with a focus in clinical neuropsychology. 

Evan graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in Psychological Science in 2025. He transferred there after earning an A.A. at Orange Coast College, where he first developed an interest in psychology, especially around memory processes. During his senior year, he was a research assistant in Dr. Sng's Evolutionary and Cultural Psychology Lab, where he assisted with projects centered around mortality risk and the effects of unpredictability in human environments. He assisted with piloting surveys centered around mortality perception in various environments, as well as the psychological impact of scarcity. He also developed a growing passion for the psychology of social interactions, and especially how memory can play a role in how people perceive each other. As a post-bacc student, Evan is working in Dr. Loftus' lab in the School of Social Ecology and plans on completing courses such as Memory & The Law, Error & Bias, and Social Relationships. His research interests revolve around memory and social implications, as well as the long-term processes that can affect an individual when these operations interact, and after completing the program, Evan plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Social Psychology.

Tim graduated from Carthage College in 2021 with a B.A. in Great Books and a minor in Political Science. His interdisciplinary studies emphasized hermeneutical approaches to the foundational texts of Western intellectual tradition, engaging with "The Great Conversation"—a millennia-spanning dialogue among philosophers, scientists, and scholars who have iteratively refined and expanded upon prior ideas. Following graduation, he gained professional experience in corporate IT recruiting and sales before seeking a more impactful path. This led him to enlist in the National Guard and commit to pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In the UCI post-bacc program, Tim has being completing coursework such as Research Design, Statistical Analysis in Social Ecology, and Personality Disorders. He is assisting with a meta-analysis in Dr. Alyson Zalta's Trauma and Resilience Lab and has joined Dr. Elizabeth Martin's Behavior, Emotions, and Affective Neuroscience (BEAN) Lab. Tim's research interests center on the neuroscientific underpinnings of social functioning, with a particular emphasis on aberrant salience mechanisms in traumatized and psychosis-spectrum populations. Upon completing the program, he aims to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and become a professor whose research advances our understanding of how psychosis, trauma, and social functioning intersect with neuroscientific mechanisms.

Leah completed her B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2025. During her time there, she worked as a research assistant in both the Memory Emotion Thought Awareness (META) lab and the Vision and Image Understanding (VIU) lab. In these roles, she contributed to ongoing research by helping to pilot experiments and guide participants through procedures. Over the course of her four years as an undergraduate, Leah began to develop a stronger interest in working with people directly and realized that the clinical aspect of psychology was her primary goal. Towards the end of her senior year, Leah began working as a behavioral interventionist with children on the autism spectrum at Milestones Academy Plus to gain more hands-on experience in a clinical setting. In the post-bacc program, she will be serving as a research assistant for Dr. Borelli’s Health, Relationships, and InterVEntions (THRIVE) lab, where she will be helping to study the effects of relational savoring as a well-being practice for parents going through the juvenile dependency system. After completing the program, Leah hopes to pursue a master’s degree or PsyD in Clinical Psychology and obtain licensure to practice as a therapist.

Liora graduated summa cum laude from NYU with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies in Summer 2024. During her undergraduate studies, she volunteered for the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study within Dr. Moriah Thomason’s Social Cognitive Affective Neurodevelopment (SCAN) Lab at NYU Langone Health. There, she assisted with lab visits and biospecimen processing. Liora also volunteered as a Camp Courage Counselor for the Selective Mutism Service at NYU Langone Health’s Child Study Center, where she guided children through graduated exposures to meet individualized goals in verbal communication. After graduating, she continued to volunteer for the Selective Mutism Service and took on the role of Research Associate for the HBCD Study, for which she conducted infant MRIs. She also volunteered for the PEERS Social Skills Program for teens with ASD and other social communication challenges at NYU Langone Health’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Service. As a post-bacc student, Liora is thrilled to volunteer for the Growing Together (STORY) Study within Dr. Borelli’s Health, Relationships, and Intervention (THRIVE) Lab, where she supports research investigating stressful parent-child interactions. Her research interests include family-centered therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders and anxiety disorders, as well as strategies to increase mental health literacy. After completing the program, Liora plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Dana graduated with a BA in Psychology & Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine in 2017. Throughout her time there, she completed a field study internship at Women Helping Women and conducted a qualitative research study regarding racial profiling in retail settings. She then received her MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at the University of East London (England) while working in Human Resources for Louis Vuitton, where she implemented a successful positive psychology wellness program for staff. Dana conducted a mixed methods research study regarding the effects of gratitude meditation during the Covid-19 pandemic for her master's thesis. During her first year in the post-bacc program, she worked as a research assistant in Dr. Tabibnia Rauch's TAB lab, resulting in a poster presentation (about video clips that elicit awe) at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program conference at UC Irvine, and she has been completing courses such as Advanced Research Methods, Biological Psychology, Statistical Analysis in Social Ecology, and Stress Management. In addition, she served as a peer tutor for Dr. Zinger's Fall 2024 Human Sexuality course (for which she received the 2025 Outstanding Contribution to the School of Social Ecology Award), and she was awarded an $800 scholarship from the UCI Division of Continuing Education. Outside of UCI, Dana has been teaching Introduction to Psychology courses at Irvine Valley College. After completing our program, Dana plans to apply to PhD programs in positive psychology. 

Zeeba earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. As an undergraduate, she volunteered at the Semel Institute of Neuroscience, contributing to research on play-based interventions for children with autism, and she served as a research assistant in UCLA’s Language and Cognitive Development Lab, studying language acquisition in children ages 2 to 10. In June 2024, Zeeba worked as a summer counselor and lifeguard for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, supporting emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills. During her senior year, she completed over 250 hours as a student teacher intern at UCLA’s Infant Development Program, supporting development in infants and toddlers through the Resources for Infant Educarers philosophy. She also observed a 20-month-old focal child for 3 months, creating a 20-page case study analysis across social-cognitive, cognitive, and social-emotional domains. Currently, Zeeba is a part-time Infant Teacher in Newport Beach and a research assistant at UCLA’s Anxiety and Depression Research Center. In the post-bacc program, Zeeba is working in Dr. Borelli’s Health, Relationships, and Interventions (THRIVE) Lab, examining parent-child interactions under stress through physiological, emotional, and behavioral measures. Her research interests focus on how adverse childhood experiences and caregiver-child relationships shape psychopathology. She also hopes to explore neuroendocrinology to understand how early adversity contributes to hormonal and endocrine disorders. Zeeba plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and become a clinical child psychologist.

Audrey earned her B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences with minors in Applied Psychology and Asian American Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her undergraduate studies, she served as an Executive Research Assistant in the Vision and Image Understanding Lab with Dr. Miguel Eckstein, where she trained fellow research assistants, coded data results, and conducting prescreening for projects. She also contributed to the Cultural Psychology Lab with Dr. Heejung Kim; she completed her senior thesis in this lab, which earned her distinction in the major. Audrey’s thesis involved a cross-cultural study exploring height and weight preferences in the U.S. and China. In addition to her research, she worked as a peer mentor, guiding first- and second-year students in their transition to university life and supporting their career aspirations in psychology. Outside of her academics, she volunteered in the Psychology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Undergraduate Committee at UC Santa Barbara to foster a climate that promotes DEI among the psychology department, attract a diverse and representative undergraduate student body to pre-majors, and provide a channel of information and communication for DEI issues.  Alongside her academic pursuits, Audrey gained professional experience as a part-time administrative assistant at a home healthcare company in the San Bernardino area. As a post-bacc student, Audrey is working in Dr. Sng’s Evolution, Culture, and Stereotyping Lab and in Dr. Zinger’s Anxiety & Word Use Meta-Analysis Lab. Her research interests focus on moral judgments, the cultural mechanisms perpetuating racial and economic inequality, and how environmental factors shape perceptions of ethnicity, education, values, social class, and attitudes. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, with the long-term goal of promoting diversity within the field.

Josephine graduated cum laude from Talladega College with a B.A. in Psychology, where she was also a student-athlete. During her undergraduate studies, she interned at Dr. Bryant’s private practice, where she gained experience analyzing case studies, contributing to group projects and webinars, and observing and collaborating in client sessions. In the summer of 2024, she participated in the UC–HBCU Initiative at the Paul Merage School of Business, where she worked on an abstract and presented her findings to faculty. She also attended the 2024 Consumer Culture Theory Conference in San Diego. In May 2025, Josephine was awarded a Diversity Fellowship from the UCI Division of Continuing Education.  As a post-bacc student, Josephine is a research assistant in Dr. Angela Lukowski’s INCHES Lab (investigating the contextual influences on infants’ and children’s development, with a focus on memory and well-being) while completing coursework such as Advanced Research Methods and Clinical Neuropsychology. Outside of UCI, Josephine works as a registered behavior technician in Orange County schools. She hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and specialize in working with children and adolescents after completing the post-bacc program.

Klayton attended Emporia State University in Kansas as a first-generation college student, earning a B.S. in Business Management in May 2020 amid the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his time in university, he was also a member of the football team. Due largely to an initial struggle with the task of balancing undergraduate and student-athlete life, he sought on-campus therapeutic support, which led him to inquire about involvement in the psychological services available to students. He eventually volunteered as an advocate and part-time support specialist in the student wellness center on campus, and he also joined the student-organized Psychology Club. Since March 2025, he has volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Wichita as a grant writer. Having been fascinated with the field of psychology since middle school and after almost five years of working in an unrelated field and growing increasingly dissatisfied, he resolved to change his career trajectory and pursue his passions for psychological research and clinical psychology. Klayton is broadly interested in emotion regulation (and its influence on physical health) and in psychopathology (both trauma-related and with regard to the psychosis spectrum). Throughout the program, he will be working in Dr. Sarah Pressman’s Stress, Emotion & Physical Health (STEP) lab.

Sammy attended Irvine Valley College before transferring to Arizona State University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology as a first-generation college student. During his undergraduate studies, Sammy joined the Adolescent Stress & Emotion Lab (ASAE) led by Dr. Leah Doane and the Cactus Lab led by Dr. Rick Cruz, and he later become a study interviewer on a nationwide CDC grant-funded project studying community health disparities. Moreover, Sammy presented two independent projects at the 2023 Arizona Psychological Association Conference and the 2024 Western Psychological Association Conference. After returning home to California, Sammy began working as a child advocate with the Child Abuse Services Team. As a post-bacc student, Sammy has joined Dr. Jason Schiffman’s PREVENT Lab, which is dedicated to providing meaningful research on psychosis-risk evaluation, intervention, and treatment. Sammy’s ultimate goal is to address stigma toward mental health issues and to study psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia, through a cultural lens in order to provide inclusive services to underrepresented communities. After completion of the program, he plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and primarily work with child/adolescent populations.

Alyssa graduated from UC Irvine in 2023 with a B.A. in Psychological Science, having transferred from Long Beach City College. During her time at Long Beach, she volunteered with at-promise youth through Long Beach BLAST, participated in the psychology club, and worked with children in the foster care system as part of a summer camp program. At UC Irvine, Alyssa took part in the field study program, gaining hands-on experience in an ABA therapy office. Her field study research culminated in a literature review that explored ways to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism. Currently, as a post-bacc student, she is gaining valuable research experience in Dr. Cauffman’s Development, Disorder, and Delinquency (3D) Lab. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and conduct research within the forensic population.

Vanessa graduated from Concordia University (Montreal, Canada) with a B.A. in Honors Psychology. During her time as an undergraduate student, she conducted research in the behavioral neuroscience domain, using rodent models to elucidate brain-behavior relationships within rewarding and aversive contexts. She also served as an executive member on her school’s mental health advocacy committee and volunteered for an anonymous active listening service. Her experience in academia and community involvement ignited her commitment to pursue clinical neuroscience research, where the knowledge generated can improve individuals’ quality of life and combat stigma surrounding mental illness. Vanessa joined the post-bacc program to work with Dr. Elizabeth A. Martin in the Behavior, Emotion, & Affective Neuroscience (BEAN) Lab, where she is examining cognitive and emotional functioning in individuals along the psychosis spectrum. She is taking coursework in R programming, psychosis, and clinical psychology to bolster her education. After completing the program, she hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and eventually work at an academic medical center where she can integrate research, clinical practice, and teaching.

Carla is a first-generation college student who graduated with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in statistics from San Diego State University (SDSU) in May of 2024. During her time at SDSU, she did research in the Faculty-Student Mentoring Program with Dr. Enrico Marcelli, where she investigated the relationship between psychological distress rates and factors such as legal status and neighborhood disorder among undocumented immigrant populations throughout the U.S. Alongside research, she volunteered for the Los Angeles student mentoring program over Zoom, where she served as a student mentor and tutor for at-risk middle schoolers. As a mentor, Carla helped with presentations on mental health, which included important emotional regulation and social skills, and she provided as a safe space for her students to share their school experiences.  Her current study interests include clinical work and neuropsychology, as well as working with underserved communities, including the Latine population with mental health disparities. Currently, she is a part of Dr. Cauffman’s Development, Disorder, and Delinquency (3D) lab, where she hopes to gain more hands-on research experience and contribute knowledge from her past work. To supplement this, she is also taking courses such as advanced research methods and clinical psychology. After the post-bacc program, she hopes to be accepted into a PhD program in Clinical Psychology or a master's program in Counseling to become a licensed therapist and conduct therapy.

Hugo graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S. in Computer Science (minor in Data Science) in Spring 2022. He developed a strong interest in data science through his data science projects, which motivated him to consider research. Additionally, during his undergrad, he worked as a peer advisor, where he facilitated first year personal development seminars in his engineering department. He got to support a group of first year students and engage them in conversations about mental health, academic success, and career exploration. He also volunteered with the Northwestern Campus Kitchens food organization in Evanston, IL, where he connected with food-insecure members of the community to promote food security and increase access to food pantries. He really enjoyed these experiences, and it made him want a career path that was more people-centered. He also worked as a software engineer for a couple of years and completed a certificate in Psychology through UC Berkeley Extension’s online curriculum to build a foundation for more advanced studies in psychology. Hugo is excited to do research with Dr. Quas in the Adolescent, Child, Experience Lab and with Dr. Borelli in the Health, Relationships, & Interventions (THRIVE) Lab to explore his interests in community- and culturally-sensitive interventions and clinical applications in psychology.

Narumi completed a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Melbourne in 2010 in Australia. Upon her entrance, she received the University of Melbourne New Generation Undergraduate Award/Scholarship, awarded based on high school academic excellence. Then, she completed a fourth-year undergraduate Psychology Honours program at the Australian National University in 2012 with First Class Honours. Her Honours research with Associate Professor Boris Bizumic investigated the connections between national identities and inter-intragroup behaviors, and her thesis was later published in Current Research in Ecological and Social Psychology. After graduation, she returned to and worked in Japan for a decade as a business consultant and manager for a company that is one of the world's leading providers of audit, consulting, and risk services. During this time, she specialized in supporting companies to thrive in a crisis, until a life event re-ignited her passion for psychological research. She has also been a volunteer, mentoring adolescents facing challenges. In the post-bacc program, she is involved in Dr. Oliver Sng’s Evolution, Culture, and Stereotyping (EVOCS) lab, investigating how various ecological circumstances shape people’s psychology; her work in this lab has resulted in poster presentations at the 2025 Society for Personality & Social Psychology conference in Denver. In addition, she has been completing courses such as Clinical Psychology and Personality Disorders, and she was awarded an $800 scholarship from the UCI Division of Continuing Education. After completing our program, she aspires to pursue her research career through psychology Ph.D. programs.

Tamara graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana in May 2024, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Business Administration. During her academic journey, she conducted an independent study investigating the relationship between physical discipline and anxiety symptoms in adulthood. Additionally, she interned with Dr. Marcelo Wood at the University of California, Irvine, where she researched long-term memory and drug-seeking behaviors in mice.  In her senior year, Tamara served as a research assistant in the J.U.S.T. Lab at Xavier, focusing on suspension rates in hyper-segregated schools and working to mitigate the effects of systemic oppression in Louisiana through evidence-based intervention strategies. She also volunteered at St. Michael’s, a grade school for special needs children, through a program called Pair Care. Her commitment to the field of psychology was further enhanced by her research experience and her role as a preschool teacher.  As a post-bacc student, Tamara joined The Schuck Child Development Lab and The Craig School, where she is continuing her exploration of family dynamics, interventions, and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. In addition, she has been taking courses such as Cultural Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Applied Statistics, and she was awarded a $700 scholarship from the UCI Division of Continuing Education. Outside of UCI, Tamara has been working part-time at Coyne and Associates (initially as a behavioral technician, and now as a trainer). Following the completion of the post-bacc program, she aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Elise graduated from Boston College with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Medical Humanities. As an undergraduate, she was involved in various research labs, including the Treatment and Etiology of Depression in Youth Lab and the Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth at McLean Hospital, as well as the Mind Perception Lab at Boston College. As she developed her research interests, she developed a passion for legal and forensic psychology.  While studying abroad in Stockholm, Sweden, she designed and ran a between-subjects study on mock juror perceptions of victims of intimate partner violence. For her senior honors thesis, she conducted a study on social desirability and establishing moral credentialing with mock jurors about Black defendants; she hopes to present the results of this study (as a poster presentation) at a professional conference in the near future. At UCI, Elise has joined Dr. Elizabeth Cauffman's Development, Disorder, and Delinquency (3D) Lab, where she is assisting with the lab's research on adolescent development and juvenile justice. Elise intends to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology following the post-bacc program.

Austin earned his B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, graduating summa cum laude. His professional background includes serving as a medic in the U.S. Army at Fort Drum, New York and working as an Assistant Language Teacher with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme in Fukui City. These diverse experiences led to his interest in psychology. He is currently a research assistant in Dr. Golnaz Tabibnia's Translational Affective Neuroscience and Behavior (TAB) Lab at UC Irvine, where his research interests lie at the intersection of clinical psychology and neuroscience.

Anthony graduated cum laude from Northern Arizona University in December 2024 with a B.S. in Psychological Sciences and a minor in philosophy. In his time there, he had great opportunities doing research at the Woodruff Neuroscience of Compassion lab, which studied the neural correlates of compassion and empathy using EEG methods. This gave Anthony the opportunity to present multiple projects at Northern Arizona University’s Undergraduate Symposium. Anthony also became a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader through the AmeriCorps program, where he led study sessions in Intro to Logic. Being in AmeriCorps also encouraged him to volunteer at food shelters where cooked meals were distributed to those in need. What drew Anthony to the post-bacc program is the collection of strong labs in psychology and neuroscience. Now, Anthony is working in the Lur lab where two fundamental questions relevant to psychology are studied: 1) how do single brain cells integrate thousands of signals to produce neural firing? and 2) what are the effects of stress on our cognitive capacities at the level of neural circuits? These questions are explored via animal models, optogenetics, and 2-Calcium imaging. Anthony plans to use the skills learned here to get into a Neuroscience PhD program.  He plans to one day be a faculty member and have his own lab dedicated to learning more about the mind and how to develop methods to alleviate suffering.

Jacqueline graduated magna cum laude from UCI with a B.A. in Philosophy in 2021. For years, she worked at a local law firm in Orange County, but later moved to Los Angeles after joining the International Alliance of Stage Employees (IATSE). Through the film industry, Jacqueline fulfilled her dream of authentically portraying diverse scenes and stories. Despite the creative fulfillment this work afforded her, Jacqueline desired to create more of a direct and tangible positive impact on her community. She went on to explore her longstanding interest in child development and psychology by enrolling in undergraduate psychology courses and simultaneously working as a substitute teacher with the LA Unified School District. Here, she witnessed the profound need for basic mental health and education resources for children and their families, especially in light of the devastating consequences of unaddressed adverse childhood experiences. Jacqueline’s extensive work experience in legal, creative, and education settings informed and grounded her in the decision to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical child psychology. Her goal is to research the influence of childhood trauma on physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the impactful ways in which children’s entertainment programming can serve as an enriching and widely-accessible mental health and education resource for all children, no matter their socioeconomic status or ability. Jacqueline is currently a member of Dr. Sarah Pressman’s Stress, Emotion, and Physical Health Lab, which studies how positive emotions, behavior, and social factors affect health and the stress response.

Ashley earned her B.A. in Anthropology from UC Riverside in 2013 and, subsequently, an A.A. in Psychology with a Certificate of Achievement in Trauma Studies from Long Beach City College. She is currently a research assistant in Dr. Alyson Zalta’s Trauma and Resilience Lab, where she contributes to projects examining PTSD, sleep, and resilience through preparing study materials, participant data tracking, and organizational skills. Beyond her academic work, Ashley co-founded and has been operating a community-focused coffee business for over a decade, where she developed strong leadership, mentorship, and outreach skills. She also serves as a commissioner on the California Commission on Disability Access, where she advocates for inclusive practices and builds connections between businesses and the disability community. Her research interests include trauma, resilience, and the intergenerational transmission of stress, with a particular focus on how early adversity shapes long-term mental health outcomes. Ashley’s short-term goal in the post-bacc program is to further refine her research interests and strengthen her methodological foundation in preparation for doctoral training. Her long-term goal is to pursue a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. and build a career dedicated to understanding and addressing generational trauma through research and clinical practice. 

Gahl graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Secondary English Education and Creative Writing and Literature. As an undergraduate, Gahl was interested in psychology and creative writing, working part-time as both a research assistant at the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and as a literary arts program coordinator for the Neutral Zone (Ann Arbor’s Teen Center). After graduating, he merged these interests, entering into Concordia University’s master’s-level teaching fellowship in Spoken Word Education, which utilized spoken word poetry and socio-emotional learning in school-wide intervention programs to connect at-risk youth with counseling and social services. After the program’s conclusion, Gahl continued to be involved in mental health research and care, first as a volunteer with Dr. Russell Kabir’s Self-Efficacy and Learning Behavior Laboratory and as a crisis lifeline volunteer with the Tokyo English Lifeline, and later with Dr. Jim Abelson in his research on stress biomarkers and the HPA axis. As a post-bacc student, he has joined Dr. Zalta’s Trauma and Resilience Lab. His research interests include mental health risk and resilience, adverse life experiences, narrative construction and editing, and mixed methods research. After completing the program, Gahl plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Marina graduated cum laude from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) in 2024 with a B.A. in Intensive Psychology.  During her undergraduate career, she spent a summer at Yale conducting research under Drs. Denis Sukhodolsky and Karim Ibrahim, culminating in a poster presentation. She also joined the Developmental Moral Psychology Lab at UCSC under Dr. Audun Dahl, where she spent three quarters doing qualitative video coding. While figuring out her purpose and research goals, Marina decided to focus on her personal experiences as a disabled student, and specifically on her hospital stays. She worked on two class research projects, both asking adult participants to go into detail about their hospital stays and define when they had a "good" or "bad" experience. The results from these studies helped Marina to learn more about nurse-patient dynamics, moral injury, empathetic care, and empathy burn-out. She hopes to continue developing her goals and interests, eventually enrolling in a master's degree program and conducting research full-time. Marina is excited to enter the psychology post-bacc program after a year-long academic hiatus, ready to take on new challenges and research topics. She is now working under Dr. Michael Hoyt in the Behavioral Medicine Research Lab and under Dr. Roxy Silver in the Silver Stress and Coping Lab. 

Olivia graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Bakersfield in 2024 with B.A. in Psychology, after transferring from Bakersfield College. During her senior year, she worked as a research assistant in Dr. Anne Duran’s Social Psychology Academics, Research, and Knowledge (SPARK) Lab and Dr. Jake Womick’s Meaning in Life and Politics (MaP) Lab, where she conducted research on topics ranging from the imposter phenomenon and authenticity to extremist political beliefs and intolerance. She presented these projects at the 2024 and 2025 Western Psychological Association conferences and at the 2025 Society for Personality and Social Psychology convention. After graduating, Olivia worked as the lab manager of Dr. Womick’s MaP Lab, where she contributed to projects examining anti-immigrant attitudes among immigrants, emotional appeal of civil conflict, extreme leftism, and epistemic arrogance. As she begins the post-baccalaureate program, she is excited to join Dr. Pete Ditto’s Hot Cognition Lab. After completing the program, Olivia plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. 

Ursula graduated cum laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in English & American Literature in May 2000. While there, she volunteered as a counselor and co-director for Room 13 (Harvard’s on-campus peer counseling group), co-led the Four Directions Summer Research Program at the Harvard Medical School for a summer, and facilitated a cervical cancer prevention program for native women in the local community. Ursula was also very involved with the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP), where she served as head dancer and volunteer coordinator for the Annual Harvard Powwow. After she graduated, she worked in non-profit fundraising and development for nearly a decade before transitioning into digital marketing, which enabled her to have the flexibility she wanted to start building a family. Today, Ursula and her husband, David, are proud parents to 10, 12, and 14-year-old children. As her children age, she is eager to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She is interested in researching the impact of intergenerational historical trauma and adverse life experiences on mental health among American Indians, cultural resilience, and the application of Indigenized therapeutic interventions. While in the post-baccalaureate program, she will be working as a research assistant in Dr. Jessica Borelli’s Health, Relationships, and Interventions (THRIVE) Lab while taking courses in research design, social psychology, clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, statistical analysis in social ecology, and applied statistics.

Chelsea graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Film and a minor in Spanish. She began her career in Los Angeles, working in set design, where she developed an interest in identity and the human experience. After transitioning into roles working with children and teaching, Chelsea shifted her focus toward psychology, motivated by a strong passion for understanding and treating mental health. She earned an A.A. in Psychology and a Certificate in Trauma Studies from Long Beach City College. During her studies, Chelsea presented two poster presentations at the college’s research symposium and participated in the Psychology Club. In addition, she volunteers as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line, an experience that deepened her knowledge of trauma-informed care and reinforced her commitment to the field. At UCI, Chelsea is a post-bacc student in Dr. Silver’s Stress and Coping Lab. She plans to participate in a field study program to further develop her academic and clinical skills. Following completion of the post-bacc program, Chelsea intends to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology.

Veronica graduated magna cum laude and earned her B.A. degree in Psychology from Cal Poly Pomona in May 2024. During her undergraduate studies, she was widely involved in many activities both on and off campus. Veronica worked as a research assistant for the Psychology of Connection Lab (PSoCOLab) her junior year, in which she focused on researching the impact that ADHD and trauma history had on Latinx and African American college students’ attachment styles and academics. She then became a research consultant for the PSoCOLab her senior year, in which she provided research consultation to newly onboarded lab students. During this time, she joined the McNair Scholars Program, in which she conducted her own research project that focused on how people’s family of origin effects their views of mental health stigmas and help-seeking behaviors in Latinx college students. This resulted in her presenting her research at a variety of conferences, such as the Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research, the National Conference for Undergraduate Research, and the Western Psychological Association (WPA) Conference, to name a few. Veronica was also a part of different organizations and clubs, such as being both a chapter and international member for Psi Chi, being a WPA student member, and being an American Psychological Association student member. During her senior year, she spent her time volunteering for Psyches of Color (POC), a non-profit organization that focuses on providing mental health support to Black and Latinx adolescents in order to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and to advocate for overall healing. At POC, she was both a mental health facilitator and the youth lead chair for the Mentoring POC Program. During her time in the post-bacc program, Veronica spent one quarter working in Dr. Molina's Health Inequality lab, and she currently works in Dr. Borelli's Health, Relationships, and Interventions (THRIVE) lab (first as a research assistant and now as a study coordinator). She has been taking courses such as Advanced Research Methods, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Applied Statistics, and Attachment Relationships, and she attended the 2025 Western Psychological Association conference in Las Vegas. In addition, Veronica was awarded the 2025 UCI Division of Continuing Education Scholarship. Veronica aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and hopes to work with those from underrepresented and marginalized communities. She hopes to provide mental health awareness to the BIPOC community and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the community.

Katie graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Chicago in June of 2025. During her time as an undergraduate student, she explored career paths relating to both fields of study - working in both the Memory Research Laboratory under Dr. David Gallo and the Social Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory under Dr. Jean Decety on campus, as well as spending time as a trainee counselor for individuals at Polish/American Addictions Counseling, P.C. These experiences led Katie to search for a career path that could combine her innate curiosity on the human brain and behavior with her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, eventually discovering the profession of Neuropsychology. As a student in the UCI post-bacc program, Katie is continuing to pursue this interest in clinical neuropsychology through a tailored courseload, as well as her role in the School of Medicine’s Sajjadi Lab, where she joins a team investigating various forms of dementia through a clinical lens. In the future, Katie hopes to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology, allowing her to pursue her research interests in neurological degenerative disorders, the impact of mental and emotional distress on neurological health, and therapeutic methods of rehabilitation through a neuropsychology specialization.

Natalia graduated summa cum laude from California State University, Fresno with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Child and Family Science in December 2024. During her undergraduate studies, she was involved in multiple research labs, including the Psychometrics, Research, and Evaluation Promoting Adaptation, Resiliency, and Education (PREPARE) Lab and the Human Development & Culture (HD&C) Lab. As an undergraduate researcher in the HD&C Lab, Natalia investigated the existence of emerging adulthood amongst rural and urban-reared Thai youth. The findings from this study were published in the Emerging Adulthood Journal, where she is proud to be listed as a co-author. Her research interests include adverse childhood experiences, adolescence, child psychopathology, trauma, stress, and family dynamics. As a post-bacc student, Natalia is working in Dr. Reich’s lab in the School of Education and plans on completing courses such as Advanced Research Methods, Applied Statistics, Clinical Child Psychology, and Clinical Health Psychology. After completing the program, Natalia aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with the long-term aim of becoming a culturally competent researcher and clinician to ultimately improve the mental health outcomes of underserved immigrant and ethnic minority children and their families.

Ellie graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2025 with a B.S. in Psychology. During her time at Pitt, she was a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, as well as a peer mentor in the Psychology Club. She additionally worked at UPMC Shadyside as a patient transporter, where she safely and efficiently transported patients throughout the hospital, provided concise handoffs to nursing staff, and oversaw cardiac monitors. Her undergraduate coursework explored a variety of topics in psychology with classes in Social Media and Body Image, Second Language Acquisition, and Alcohol Use and Abuse. As an avid fan of true crime and crime shows, she is particularly interested in how mental health, trauma, and developmental factors may influence or play a role in criminal behavior. As a post-bacc student, she is working in Dr. Cauffman's Development, Disorder, and Delinquency (3D) Lab, where she hopes to gain experience working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. After completing the program, Ellie intends to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in forensics.

Nico graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2023 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. While his academic journey initially centered on the physical aspects of health, his personal experiences with mental health inspired a shift toward understanding the mind–body connection. This perspective has guided his growing involvement in psychological research, where he seeks to explore how biological and psychological processes interact to shape health outcomes. Nico currently serves as Study Manager for the MSoL Study in Dr. Belinda Campos’ Culture, Relationships, and Health Lab and for the EACL Study in Dr. Paul Piff’s Morality, Emotion, & Social Hierarchy Lab, in addition to working as a Research Assistant for the ECHO Study in Dr. DeWayne Williams’ Lab. As a product of these research experiences, Nico presented his independent work at the 2025 Western Psychological Association conference in Las Vegas. Through the post-bacc program, he is also joining Dr. Sarah Pressman’s Stress, Emotion & Physical Health Lab. His research interests focus on the intersection of psychological and physiological factors—such as stress, heart rate variability, and cultural influences on health—and how these elements can be studied together to provide a more integrated understanding of well-being. Looking ahead, Nico hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Health Psychology and contribute to bridging the gap between mental and physical health in both research and practice.

Adriana graduated from San Diego State University in May 2025 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Counseling and Social Change. At San Diego State, Adriana worked as a student researcher at the South Bay Latino Research Center on a randomized controlled trial aimed at improving glycemic control and reducing psychological distress in a predominantly Mexican population with Type 2 Diabetes. She presented her findings as first author at two local university conferences and at the American Psychological Association’s Annual Convention. In summer 2024, Adriana participated in the Yale Child Study Center’ Developmental Science Internship, where she conducted a scoping review on inclusive practices for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds, resulting in presentations at the Yale School of Medicine and at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities conference. Adriana also served as a Behavioral Health Intern and later as a Case Specialist at Nile Sisters Development Initiative, where she provided behavioral health support, case management, and vocational training for underserved refugee communities in City Heights, San Diego. During her time in the post-bacc program, Adriana will be conducting research with Dr. Kuhlman (exploring how early life adversity affects biological systems and mental health) and Dr. Delgadillo (investigating the interplay between microbial and psychological systems and how these interactions impact quality of life across diverse socioeconomic and ethnic groups). Adriana’s long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D in clinical psychology with a focus on culturally informed interventions.

Jeremy graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a B.A. in Philosophy, where he completed additional coursework in Psychology. Prior to transfer, he graduated from Orange Coast College with Associates degrees in Psychology and Communication Studies. While at OCC, Jeremy volunteered with the Adapted Kinesiology Program for over two years, where he worked with students with a wide range of abilities to promote physical and psychological health. Since graduating from UC Berkeley, Jeremy has spent over two years working as a board-certified autism technician and behavioral therapist for autistic children, furthering his pursuit to support communities of all neurotypes. Jeremy also spent a year working as a mental health technician in residential and IOP mental health treatment, ultimately achieving the position of lead mental health technician. After spending nearly three years confirming his passion for clinical mental health and behavioral work, Jeremy joyfully chose UCI’s post-bacc program to gain research experience and to broaden his coursework in preparation for Clinical Psychology PhD programs. With special interest in neurodiverse groups, mood disorders, trauma, and mental well-being, Jeremy is working with Dr. Tabibnia’s TAB Lab on a longitudinal intervention study on the effects of awe on mental wellbeing. In the future, he hopes to connect this research to mood disorders, in particular depression and ADHD, through work in a clinically-oriented research group.

Alexandra graduated from Boston University in 2019 with a degree in the History of Art and Architecture, followed by completing the Art Business program at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. She spent several years working in the fine art and architecture industries, holding roles across galleries and institutions. In addition to her work in the arts, Alexandra also teaches movement and meditation, further deepening her interest in the mind-body connection.  Through her experience supporting creative professionals and guiding others in physical and mindfulness practices, Alexandra developed a strong appreciation for the impact of human connection on both emotional and physical well-being. This growing passion led her to train and volunteer with community, mental health, and crisis intervention organizations including the Crisis Text Line, Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center, and SOVA Los Angeles. Currently, Alexandra works as a Resident Support Technician at Passages Malibu Center, a residential treatment center, where she provides direct support to individuals in recovery. These experiences have inspired her transition toward a more clinically focused path, where she hopes to explore areas such as trauma, addiction recovery, the mind-body connection, and long-term healing.  As a post-bacc student, Alexandra is excited to further her academic experience through research in Dr. Sarah Pressman’s Stress, Emotion & Physical Health (STEP) Lab.

Grace graduated from UCLA college honors in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychobiology. While studying at UCLA, Grace volunteered in the geriatric department of the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and did an independent research project as part of a Translational Neuroscience lab focused on discovering drugs for stroke and Alzheimer's. These experiences solidified her interest in aging meaningfully and healthily and pursuing a career serving older adults. Realizing neuropsychology as a career path towards the end of her junior year, Grace started interning at Neuroscience Associates Inc., where she gained experience transcribing clinical interviews for adult cases, stimulating her interest in neuropsychological research. After graduation, Grace worked as an ABA behavior technician for children with developmental disabilities and became trained as a yoga teacher. As part of the UCI post-bacc program, Grace is involved in Dr. Yassa's lab, where she researches the association between subjective memory complaints and lifestyle/health factors in older adults 90+ using neuropsychological methods. She hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology with a focus in neuropsychology. 

Brandie graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Psychology and a specialization in Social Psychology from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in 2022. Before pursuing her undergraduate degree, Brandie worked in mental healthcare in senior leadership roles, supporting regional operations at inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment centers in California and Florida. After graduating, she continued her work in clinical psychology as an intake coordinator for a psychology outpatient group practice, providing day-to-day support for mental health professionals and thousands of patients. These roles aided in Brandie’s professional growth in mental healthcare and solidified her interest in continuing her education in the field of psychology. During her time at UCSD, Brandie was a proud member of the Chancellors Associates Scholarship Program and Caledonian Society. Peaked by her interests, she utilized her academic tenure to delve deeper into social psychology, focusing her research studies on areas such as intergroup relations, political polarization, and the internalization of misinformation. Currently, Brandie has been focusing on her mental healthcare consulting practice, as well as owning and operating a group psychology practice where she serves as Chief Operating Officer. In the post-bacc program at UCI, Brandie is a research assistant in Dr. Pete Ditto’s Hot Cognition Lab, supporting studies on political bias, motivated reasoning, and moral judgment. She continues to explore her research interests in political polarization and social identity. Brandie plans to obtain her Ph.D. in Social Psychology to develop research-based interventions that promote social connectedness.

Jacob graduated from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) with a Bachelor of Art degree in speech-language pathology. At CSULB, Jacob participated in conducting and creating an IRB-approved undergrad research survey on closed-caption usage with normal hearing young adults, which helped ignite his interest in research. After graduating, Jacob went on to work for a company contracted by the State Regional Center providing in-home speech and language therapy in South Los Angeles. Jacob later accepted a position at a private practice in Long Beach, where he has continued working during his time in the post-bacc program. Jacob joined the post-bacc program to further explore research and his life-long and growing interest in psychology. Jacob is excited to be conducting research in the Sajjadi Lab, where he will be primarily working with a post-doctoral researcher who is exploring deep learning-based models to identify signs and markers of Alzheimer's Disease through language and speech analysis. Deep learning models could potentially make Alzheimer's assessments more accessible, more affordable, more time effective, and less invasive. Jacob's current interest in psychology relates to learning how AI can be used in psychological research and assessment as well as morality and ethics in a person's decision-making process. Jacob also enjoys playing music, exploring national parks, traveling, and being active.

Chelsey graduated from the UCSanta Cruz in 2025 with a B.S. in Cognitive Science and a B.A. in Intensive Psychology. Her research journey began in her sophomore year as the Lead Research Assistant in Dr. Su-hua Wang’s Infant and Child Development Lab, where she studied parent-child interactions and became particularly interested in how cultural differences influence parenting styles, such as the ways mothers of different backgrounds respond to their infants’ distress or offer praise. In her junior year, Chelsey led a senior thesis project examining caregivers’ use of praise during a collaborative problem-solving task, with the goal of eventually expanding the study to include cross-cultural comparisons. She presented this work at the UCSC Psi Chi Research Symposium and was honored with a Dean’s Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research.  Motivated by her own upbringing in an Asian household where emotional struggles were often met with silence, Chelsey interned at Centerstone, a mental health research organization, to explore mental health issues and available resources. During her time there, she conducted an independent project investigating the Asian community’s engagement with mental health services and the barriers they face. During her time in the post-bacc program, Chelsey is working in Dr. Borelli’s Health, Relationships, and Intervention (THRIVE) Lab, where she will contribute to a project focused on promoting resilience in Asian American communities through the use of cultural savoring. After completing the program, Chelsey plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. 

Parker graduated from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with a B.S. in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry in Spring 2025. While at UCSD, he worked with Dr. Emma Geller in the Learning and Instruction in Multimedia Environments (LIME) Lab, where he worked on projects focused on memory, including retrieval practice, metacognition, and cognitive load. Currently, Parker is working with Dr. Jutta Heckhausen and her team to study how mental well-being can affect students’ success, as well as the factors that drive students’ motivation in academics and the real world. Parker hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science or Cognitive Psychology after completing the post-bacc program.

Leana graduated from UCLA in 2018 with a B.A. in Psychology. During her senior year, she was a research assistant for the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (UCLA ISAP), working on Dr. Kate Wolitzky-Taylor's Social Anxiety and Alcohol Treatment study and her Cannabis Use Disorder and Emotional Regulation study. After graduation, she continued as a research volunteer at UCLA ISAP until Fall 2018. While an undergrad, Leana was also a psychophysiology tutor for one year at Glendale Community College. From 2020-2022, she was an administrative assistant at USC Keck Hospital for the Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Department, and she is currently a Clinical Research Coordinator at Cedars-Sinai Neurology Department, where she helps coordinate various studies (including movement disorders clinical trials/global registries and stroke observational studies). As a post-bacc student, Leana is working on Dr. Ilona Yim's Sent-Away Children's research, which is dedicated to finding the long-term effects of "sent away" children's experience on health, well-being, and social relationships. Her research interests centers on development of anxiety and its long-lasting influence, with an emphasis on effective treatment strategies, and her goal is to pursue this interest by earning a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology. 

Jasmine graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2022 with a B.A. in Psychological Science and. in Criminology, Law, and Society. During her undergraduate studies, Jasmine joined the Latinx Student Psychological Association, immersing herself in the Latinx experience of higher education and mental health. She was also part of the Peer Educator Program at the Counseling Center, where she not only expanded her knowledge on student mental health topics but also had the opportunity to educate her peers by curating and presenting psychoeducational workshops. After graduation, Jasmine worked as a Research Assistant and then Research Coordinator at Health & Inclusivity, a company dedicated to helping organizations analyze and implement DEI initiatives. Additionally, she was a Scheduling Assistant at Camden Center, a mental health and addiction treatment center that offers patients personalized care through interdisciplinary treatment. Through these roles, Jasmine learned about the importance of mental health and has developed a strong commitment to fostering inclusive environments that prioritize well-being and equitable access to care. During her time in the post-bacc program, Jasmine has been working in Professor Schiffman’s Psychosis Risk, Evaluation, Early Intervention, and Treatment (PREVENT) Lab, resulting in a poster presentation at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program conference at UC Irvine. In addition, she has been taking courses such as Clinical Psychology and Psychosis, and she received $700 scholarship from the UCI Division of Continuing Education.

Shannon graduated from UCLA in 2017 with a B.A. in Theater. Through her years studying acting, she found a passion for psychology, including better understanding the mind and how it works. During college, she began working with children, volunteering with the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County and Elks Literacy Project For Kids, as well as performing at children’s events. This led her to The Walt Disney Company, where she has been working for the past four years in Disneyland Entertainment. Her time at Disneyland has fostered a deep love for child development and has offered her the opportunity to observe the unique role family bonds and popular media play in that development. The Walt Disney Company has also afforded her the opportunity to discover a love for teaching through the class she teaches to fellow employees about immersive storytelling and disability awareness. After moonlighting in the film industry for 10 years variously as an actor and production assistant, she decided to follow her passion for child development and psychology and join the post-bacc program at UCI. In this program, she will be working under Dr. Reich in the Connected Learning Lab, assisting with research around the effects of media on relationship formation. It is her goal to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology with the ultimate goal of researching and consulting on the creation of children’s educational television and media.

Kevin graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 2025 with a B.S. in clinical psychology. He is interested in the mental health and well-being of older adults. Kevin’s interest in this topic began in high school, when he did a research project on senior isolation. When he entered UCSD, Kevin joined two separate psychology labs, looking to expand his research experience. First, he joined the Dr. Oveis’s Social Psychology lab, where he volunteered as a research assistant for a study on stress response. As a research assistant, Kevin worked extensively with participants recruited for the study. Afterwards, Kevin joined Dr. Ayers’s Hoarding Disorder Lab, which studied hoarding disorder among older adults. Here, his duties ranged from recruitment of participants to scoring of clinical assessments. Kevin also joined the Honors Psychology program at UCSD, where he conducted his own research project on loneliness among older adults under the mentorship of Dr. Ayers. This paper, which cumulated in a thesis and a poster presentation, helped Kevin truly appreciate his own passion for research and decide on his future career goals. Now, Kevin is working in Dr. Sajjadi’s lab researching biomarkers for forms of dementia, especially in the oldest-old age group. Kevin hopes to continue strengthening his understanding of the factors impacting well-being in older adults, and he plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology focusing on the mental health of the elderly.