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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
Yoselin De Leon-LazoCo-Project Manager
Hello, my name is Yoselin! I received my BA in Childhood and Adolescent Development and Central American and Transborder Studies with minors in Family Studies and Psychology from CSUN. I am passionate about furthering my education through a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with which I aim to uncover empirically informed cultural adaptations that can assist clinicians in delivering support to historically marginalized communities. Outside of academia, I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with family!
Evelyn ArrietaCo-Project Manager
I am a first-generation researcher born in Pico Union, Los Angeles, and raised by two loving and resilient Mexican parents. Invigorated by my background and lived experiences, I am currently assessing the influence of financial difficulties on various domains of health. I plan to expand my current interests and experiences through graduate work and am working daily to obtain a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. |
Katelan GalvanCo-Project 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!
Tiffany AvilesPost-Baccalaureate Research Assistant
I am a first-generation college student with parents of Guatemalan and Salvadoran descent. After transferring from Pasadena City College, I am continuing my higher education path as an undergraduate student at CSUN, majoring in Psychology. After obtaining my Bachelors, I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. in Developmental or Social Psychology. My career goal will center around research to advance equity in mental health, particularly in underserved communities. In my free time, I like to go to the gym, hang out with my friends and family, and go to museums!
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Gabrielle HalimCo-Project Manager
Hi, I’m Gabrielle! I completed my M.A. in Psychology at CSUN and B.A. in Psychology at UCLA. My thesis, under the mentorship of Dr. Vasquez-Salgado, examined a novel protective factor against the psychological and academic costs associated with cultural mismatch. Broadly, I’m interested in how sociocultural factors shape health and educational outcomes, and hope to inform equitable policies and practices that promote well-being among historically marginalized populations. In my free time, I enjoy creating surreal mixed-media art where I explore themes of discomfort and ambiguity.
Roberto ReyesUndergraduate Research Assistant
Hello, my name is Roberto, but most people call me Bobby! I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology, with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development! My research interests involve how students from minority backgrounds are at risk for mental health adversities on the path to higher education, and the potential protective factors that can help buffer those effects. I intend to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology, particularly focused on adolescents. In my free time, I enjoy going on night-time drives, trying new restaurants with friends, and going to the gym!
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Ray AristaUndergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Ray! I am a first-generation college student, as well as an undergraduate senior here at CSUN majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I aim to pursue a PhD in Psychology with a focus in Cognitive Psychology. My research interests involve emotion regulation and behavior inhibition. A goal of mine would be to go into academia and have an opportunity to get more students from backgrounds similar to mine a chance to get into research. In my free time, I like hanging out with my friends, trying new foods, and watching baseball.
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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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.
Grace CamachoUndergraduate Research Assistant
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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Guadalupe MartinezUndergraduate 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.
Justin TorresUndergraduate Research Assistant
I'm an undergraduate student currently pursuing a B.A. in Psychology! I come from Guatemalan and Honduran parents. My research interests focus on mental health and psychopathology, particularly within Latino communities. In the future, I hope to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist or as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to support underrepresented communities. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, going to the gym, and playing video games.
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Zoe RamirezUndergraduate Research Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Javen EckelsUndergraduate Research Assistant
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Africana Studies. My aspirations after attaining my B.A. is to pursue a master’s in Developmental Psychology with a special interest in Social Psychology. These two areas of studies will help reach my overarching goal, which is to help underserved communities with mental health intervention and support. In my free time, I love to listen to music, read a new book, crochet, and go to the movies!
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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.
Talalelei AeUndergraduate Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Talalelei and I am an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development (CADV). I plan to continue my education and pursue a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Program. I intend to gain field experience before pursuing a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology. My goal is to work with adolescents to help destigmatize mental health, especially during a time that can be pivotal for change and growth. I am a very creative and artistic person, I love all art forms and creating crafts!
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Jasmin IbarraUndergraduate 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.
Wendy Arias Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Wendy, I am a first generation college student majoring in Radiological Sciences. After undergrad, I plan on attending medical school to fulfill my goals of becoming a radiologist. I have always had a special interest in pursing a career in medicine due to spending a lot of my childhood in doctors offices due to very close loved ones facing serious illnesses. I became captivated by how radiologists are able to discover and diagnose conditions that could have gone unseen through to the fusion of technology and medicine. A goal of mine is to serve underrepresented communities like the ones I come from. Growing up I saw how the lack of access to healthcare and resources affected my community. I am the proud daughter of immigrants from Mexico. Who because of their sacrifices and support I am able to pursue higher education and work towards making meaningful change in medicine. I strive to become a doctor who provides quality and advocates for more accessibility and representation in healthcare for all communities. Outside of school I enjoy swimming, hanging out with family and friends, and listening to music.
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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.
This could be you!Undergraduate or Graduate Research Assistant
Apply today!
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Brisa PerezUndergraduate 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!
This could be you!Undergraduate or Graduate Research Assistant
Apply today!
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Angie Armenta Undergraduate Research Assistant
Bio coming soon!
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