Born overseas and having lived in over 10 different countries as the son of a diplomat, Elliott has always wondered what makes people of different cultures so unique. An aspiring researcher, he believes a greater understanding of the mind, specifically through the lens of everyone being God's creation, is the beginning of a more open-minded and compassionate humanity. There is so much unknown in psychology, and Elliott hopes to further his education and knowledge in the field for the glory of God and for people who feel lost and misunderstood.

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Kaitlyn Stetzer is a fourth-year psychology major in the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Her research interests include anxiety, addiction, substance use, and general psychopathology. She is particularly interested in how cultural identity, religious tradition, and moral values relate to mental health and psychological functioning, as well as how technology and technological interventions can support prevention and cessation outcomes. Kaitlyn aims to contribute to research that advances our understanding of emotional processes and evidence-based mental health care, while honoring the richness and diversity of human experiences.

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Having recently moved to the United States from Indonesia for her studies, Gaby has developed a keen interest in how diverse cultures and contexts shape behavior and community dynamics, as well as how individuals can celebrate their unique, God-given cultures. She is a second-year undergraduate whose enthusiasm for cultural exploration motivates her research involvement, and she is excited about the chance to learn and grow alongside this research team. Gaby sees this lab experience as a valuable opportunity to prepare for a doctorate in Developmental Psychology and as a way for God to use her well during her time at Biola University.

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Joanna is a second-year undergraduate psychology student at Biola University. Growing up as a Chinese-Indonesian minority in Indonesia, a predominantly collectivist society, shaped her understanding of how cultural values influence identity and belonging within a multicultural context. After recently moving to the United States for university, she gained firsthand experience navigating a more individualistic culture, which has further strengthened her interest in how multicultural individuals adapt to new and unfamiliar environments. Joanna hopes to apply her multicultural perspective to this lab and discover God's calling for her future studies, including to pursue a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. 

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Wanyi was born and raised in China and is currently a junior psychology major at Biola University. Her cross-cultural learning and life experiences have fostered a deep interest in how culture shapes patterns of thought, identity, and interpersonal relationships, particularly in understanding how people from different backgrounds perceive themselves and others. She believes that every person is created in the image of God, and therefore, studying cultural psychology is not only about engaging with academic theory but also about approaching diverse communities with respect and care. Through her research experience in the lab, Wanyi hopes to deepen her understanding of the interaction between culture and psychology, strengthen her academic skills, and be better equipped to serve wherever God leads her in the future.  

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Sarah was raised overseas as a medical missionary kid and has developed a passion for learning about other cultures and serving Christ in a holistic manner. She hopes to integrate these passions by pursuing a future career overseas as a missionary and clinical psychologist. She is in her second year of psychology and is a part of the Torrey Honors Program at Biola University. Sarah is excited to help serve in this lab and build her experience in research as well as grow in her understanding of different cultures. She believes that understanding, respecting, and loving all cultures and people is the best way to live out God's calling for His people. Sarah is looking forward to fulfilling this calling through the lab!

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Danica is a second-year undergraduate psychology student at Biola University. She is deeply interested in understanding mental health across different cultural contexts. Danica is particularly interested in anxiety and depression, and in how different cultures perceive and respond to these conditions. She hopes to pursue a career as a professor and researcher, and believes this work will help her better understand and support diverse populations. Above all, she seeks to give glory to God through her work, using her education and research to serve others. 

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Riley is a second-year undergraduate psychology student at Biola University with a strong passion for understanding child development and mental health. She is particularly interested in the mental health needs of children exposed to early adversity and how experiences, trauma, and relationships shape development across cultures. Riley hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in developmental psychology and is especially interested in integrating psychological work with missions, using her training to serve children and families in diverse cultural contexts. She is excited to be involved in this lab as an opportunity to grow in her research skills and deepen her understanding of developmental and cultural psychology, all while honoring God by using her education to serve others with compassion and care.

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Dominque is a first-year undergraduate student at Biola University who plans to pursue a master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Her Mexican heritage is a central part of her identity and has inspired her to explore how individuals' culture and ethnic backgrounds shape their lived experiences and mental health. She is especially interested in how psychological research can be used to support communities on a broader scale. Dominque aspires to work with individuals experiencing mental health disorders, particularly those from underserved communities where stigma and cultural expectations often discourage open discussion. She is eager to deepen her understanding of how culture and identity affect psychological well-being and development. 

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Issac, a Biola University graduate and U.S. Navy Veteran (10 years of service), is completing a M.A. in Clinical Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis), focusing on Latinx communities, with plans to pursue a Ph.D. His research interests include culturally responsive interventions for Latinx families facing systemic challenges (e.g., ICE raids, environmental stressors) and the mental health needs of military veterans. As a Diversion Specialist with the PRYDE Program, he provides CBT- and ACT-based counseling for juveniles and their families. He also serves on the Board of The Aliento Community Organization (ACO), promoting equitable mental health care through Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR).

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Danny, a 10th-grade high school student, has lived between the United States and Costa Rica, enriching his appreciation for cultural diversity and his ethnic heritage. His role as a research assistant in the lab's 2024 study on Bribri indigenous adolescents' screen usage and its impact on mental health and ethnic identity sparked a strong interest in applying the scientific method to tackle social issues, especially those concerning ethnic minority adolescents. He also serves as a Student Leader in his church's youth group and is a member of the Student Council for Hope Christian Private School Satellite Program, a large homeschool organization.

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