Dr. Yolanda Vasquez-SalgadoPrincipal Investigator
I grew up in Oxnard, California, and I am proud to be a first-generation college student and daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico. I believe that my background and experiences continue to serve as a strength in my research inquiries of which I am very passionate. My program of research centers on investigating the role of sociocultural forces (i.e., sociodemographic, cultural mismatch) in historically marginalized students’ health and academic adjustment during the transition to college, with an emphasis on the Latinx population. I received my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, with a minor in Culture, Brain and Development, from the University of California, Los Angeles. I am also a proud graduate of the Bachelors and Masters Programs in Psychology at California State University, Northridge.
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MEET THE LAB MEMBERS
Katelan GalvanProject Manager
Hello! My name is Katelan. I received my B.A. in Psychology from CSUN and am currently a graduate student in the Psychological Science Program. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in either Educational Psychology or Clinical Psychology. Through research, I intend to explore the learning processes of first-generation and historically marginalized students in order to help develop effective programs and teaching methods. In my free time, I enjoy reading, camping, and attending concerts!
Daisy EnriquezUndergraduate Research Assistant
Hello, my name is Daisy! I am an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology. I’m not too sure which path I want to pursue in the future; however, I do plan on continuing my education whether that be obtaining my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology or Social Work. I aim to promote mental health and wellness to marginalized communities, as well as personally assist individuals in having a safe outlet. |
Guadalupe MartinezPost-Baccalaureate Research Assistant
Hi, my name is Guadalupe! I am a first-generation undergraduate at CSUN majoring in Child and Adolescent Development and Psychology. I plan to continue my education after getting my bachelor's degree to earn my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology. I've always had a passion for helping people and learning about the factors that can affect an individual's development. Outside of my academic interests, I like hiking, spending time with my friends and family, building legos, reading, listening to music, and photography.
Jasmin IbarraPost-Baccalaureate Research Assistant
I am a current undergraduate student studying psychology. After receiving my bachelor's degree, I plan to continue my education, with my ultimate goal being a PhD in Clinical Psychology. I am very interested in abnormal behavior and wish to pursue a career in helping guide underserved groups with their diagnosis and treatment. My goal is to advocate and contribute to mental health awareness and well-being within my community. Aside from academics, I love to read, explore new music, spend time with friends and family, and play with my two cats.
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Gabriela MirandaUndergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Gabriela and I’m a first-generation undergraduate student majoring in biotechnology and minoring in chemistry. I currently plan on getting my MD and/or PhD in neuroscience! I hope to further the research on neuroplasticity or neurochemistry to discover better treatments for neuro degenerative disorders. In my free time, I love to crochet, read, and watch my favorite TV shows. George PilarUndergraduate Research Assistant
I am a first-generation undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development. I have experience working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and related developmental conditions. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical or School Psychology, or a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis on advocating for minority populations through increased access to resources, culturally competent services, and effective treatments for youth and families. Outside of academia, I enjoy hiking, swimming in the ocean, cooking, and spending time with my family.
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Grace CamachoUndergraduate Research Affiliate
Hello! My name is Grace Camacho, and I am an undergraduate student majoring in Public Health. My ultimate goal is to receive a master’s degree in both Public Health and Physician Assistant (PA) Studies, with the aim of becoming a primary care provider. As I begin practicing, I aspire to be an empathetic and compassionate medical professional while committing to advocate for patient equity and increasing access to medical care for underserved communities. In my free time, I enjoy reading, journaling, and furthering my knowledge in my favorite subjects!
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Joan BaluyutPost-Baccalaureate Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Joan, and I am a recent CSUN graduate with my BA in Psychology and am currently serving as a post-baccalaureate research assistant for the CHD Lab. I am aiming to further my education and obtain my master’s degree in Psychopharmacology, with the intention of pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. I aspire building a career revolving around the medical aspects of psychology, with the goal of using my experiences to accurately assist those in need and further understand the complexities of the human mind. In my free time, I enjoy reading, collecting comic books, and going on walks!
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Brisa PerezPost-Baccalaureate Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Brisa and I am an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology along with Chicano/a Studies. My educational goal is currently to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW), though I am looking into continuing my education beyond this level. My ultimate goal is to provide accessible and culturally responsive intervention systems to underserved Latino communities through a career in Developmental Psychology. Outside of my commitments, I enjoy spending time with those close to me, going for coffee runs, and baking!
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