Current Post-Baccalaureate Students

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 has been 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, resulting in a poster presentation at the 2026 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program at UC Irvine; in June 2026, she received the UCI Exceptional Achievement in Undergraduate Research award for her work in the INCHES Lab.  In addition, she has been taking courses such as Advanced Research Methods and Clinical Neuroscience.  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, and her 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. 

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.

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 has been volunteering 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; in June 2026, she was awarded the UCI Exceptional Achievement in Undergraduate Research award for her work in this lab.  In addition, she has been completing courses in Advanced Research Methods, Clinical Child Psychology, Clinical Neuroscience, and Clinical Health Psychology. 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.

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 has been working in Dr. Sarah Pressman’s Stress, Emotion & Physical Health (STEP) lab, and he has been taking courses such as Lifespan Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Personality Disorders, and Psychosis.  In March 2026, Klayton was awarded a competitive student travel award (given to the top 3% of applicants) from the Western Psychological Association, and he will present his poster (and receive his award) at the Western Psychological Association conference in Tacoma, WA in May 2026. 

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.

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. During her time in the post-bacc program, Vanessa has been working with Dr. Elizabeth A. Martin in the Behavior, Emotion, & Affective Neuroscience (BEAN) Lab in the Dept. of Psychology and with Dr. Cameron Carter in the Dept. of Psychiatry & Human Behavior. In addition, she has been taking coursework such as applied statistics, psychosis, and clinical psychology to bolster her education, and she presented posters at the 2026 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program at UC Irvine and at the 2026 Association for Psychological Science conference in Barcelona.  In May 2026, she accepted a full-time (paid) research assistant position at Washington University in St. Louis; she will relocate to Missouri for this position at the end of the Spring 2026 quarter and will finish up her last two courses in the program by taking online courses.  In the future, 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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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 Emerging Adulthood, 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, in Dr. Delgadillo's lab in the School of Nursing, and in Dr. Borelli's lab in the Department of Psychology, resulting in co-authorship on presentations at the 2026 American Educational Research Association conference and the 2026 Society for Research in Adolescence conference; in June 2026, she received the UCI Social Ecology Exceptional Achievement in Undergraduate Research award for her work in these labs.  In addition, she has been taking courses such as Clinical Child Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Clinical Health Psychology, and in April 2026, she was admitted to the Psychological Testing Technician program at UC Irvine.  She will begin that program in Fall 2026 while finishing up her last two courses in our post-bacc program.

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 has also joined Dr. Sarah Pressman’s Stress, Emotion & Physical Health Lab, resulting in poster presentations at the 2026 Society for Behavioral Medicine conference in Chicago and the Association for Psychological Science conference in Barcelona, Spain; in June 2026, he received the Exceptional Achievement in Undergraduate Research award for his work in these labs. In addition, he has been taking courses such as Research Design, Clinical Neuropsychology, Psychology Fundamentals, Statistical Analysis, and Biological Psychology.  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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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 our program, she has been working under Dr. Reich in the Connected Learning Lab, resulting in poster presentations at the 2026 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program conference at UC Irvine and the 2026 American Psychological Association conference in Washington DC; in June 2026, she received the UCI Social Ecology Exceptional Achievement in Undergraduate Research award for her work in this lab.  In addition, she has been taking courses such as Research Design, Positive Psychology in Education, Adolescent Development, and Child Development.  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.