Hannah is a third-year undergraduate studying Psychology at Biola University. With international experience working in Spain and competing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, she brings a unique global perspective to her academic work. As a dual citizen of the United States and Australia, Hannah is deeply interested in understanding individuals within their cultural contexts and values the importance of listening to their unique stories. Her primary academic interests lie in adolescent identity development, and she plans to pursue her doctoral degree in clinical psychology with a focus on childhood development.

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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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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 first-year undergraduate whose enthusiasm for cultural exploration motivates her research engagement, and she is excited about the opportunity to learn and grow alongside this research team. Gaby views this lab experience as a solid stepping stone toward her goal of pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and as a way for God to use her well during her time at Biola University.

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Kaitlyn Stetzer is a fourth-year psychology major in the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. She is deeply curious about the psychological and social factors that influence behavior, with a particular passion for substance use prevention and cessation. Kaitlyn is especially interested in how cultural identity, religious tradition, and moral values shape mental health and emotional well-being. She aims to contribute to research that not only advances our understanding of behavioral and emotional processes in at-risk populations but also honors the richness and diversity of human experiences.

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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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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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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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