My name is Ellie Johnson-Venegas, and I am a current lecturer in CSU Fresno's Psychology Department after completing my M.A. in General/Experimental Psychology here in 2026. My research interests largely revolve around racial-ethnic socialization and racial trauma - the intergenerational transmission of trauma in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, due to the pervasive impact of colonization, as well as the way that experiences of racism-based trauma manifest on micro and macro levels. This interest was inspired by my family’s history of being Black in America, as well as my husband’s Chicano heritage and our navigation of raising a Black, Indigenous, and Latina daughter. Through my research, I hope to improve the identification and treatment of racism-based trauma at the individual, familial, community, and structural levels, and to develop decolonial methods of research and theory. In the future, I would like to pursue a doctoral degree in developmental psychology and use my research experience to advance the literature and understanding of racism-based trauma in practical, applicable ways.

Outside of teaching and research, I am passionate about community outreach to increase BIPOC representation in academia and inspiring youth and young adults from these communities to pursue their dreams, despite any obstacles or adversities they may face. To change the system, we must be part of the system! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, reading, playing video games, and attending live music and stand-up comedy events.

My name is Angela Quiroz-Cruz. I was born and grew up in Mexico for a part of my childhood. My academic journey began at Fresno City College. Soon after I transferred to the University of California, Merced where I graduated with High Honors with a B.A. in Psychology in May 2024.

My undergraduate research experience has varied in developmental and health. I am currently a graduate student in the M.A. General/Experimental Psychology program at Fresno State, with my current interests being in marginalized groups and adolescent risky and problem behavior. Additionally, I work as a teacher associate for an undergraduate research methods class.

Research is a passionate focus of my interests and goals. I plan to continue my research and education by applying to a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology to focus my work on the intertwining of the legal system and influencing factors of behavior in marginalized populations.

Hi, my name is Paulina, and I am a first-generation college student from Orange Cove, California. I graduated from UC Santa Cruz in June 2025 with a B.A. in Psychology & Sociology. As an undergraduate, I was a part of the CREA lab and IDEAAS lab. These labs taught me that research can be more than numbers; it can also be a tool for advocacy and representation.

As a result, I decided to pursue a master's degree to work in educational policy and advocate for rural communities across California. My background as a rural first-generation university student greatly influenced my research interests and motivation to attend Fresno State to complete my thesis. My thesis examines how rural Latinx students perceive higher education and how their interpersonal relationships influence their motivation, resilience, and pursuit of higher education.  

Outside of research, I enjoy hiking and spending time with my friend, and I love making magnets and trinkets out of clay. 

Hello, I am Monica Aviles-Mercado, a first-generation, queer, Mexican-American master's student in the General and Experimental Psychology program. I earned my B.A. in psychology with a minor in LGBTQ2+ Studies (2025) from CSU, Fresno, and I earned my A.A. in Psychology from College of the Sequoias (2023).

As an undergrad., I was in the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, Department of Psychology Honors Program, and College of Social Sciences Honors Program, where I researched a range of topics (i.e., family achievement guilt, language brokering, LGBTQ+ in STEM). Currently, I am a teaching associate for an undergraduate research methods and statistics class and an academic success coach. My goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in developmental or educational psychology, focusing on the social, cultural, and systemic factors that influence marginalized adolescents, families, and communities in education. 

See my updated CV here....

My name is Estrella Zaragoza and I am a graduate student in the General/Experimental Psychology program. I graduated from the University of California, Merced in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and will earn a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, Fresno.

As a Mexican American, first-generation college student, many of my interests and career aspirations stem from my identity. My research interests involve the factors that impact college students’ learning, educational experiences, and well-being, with an emphasis on underrepresented students. In addition to research, I work as a TA for an undergraduate research methods class.

Being born and raised in California’s Central Valley has inspired me to give back to my community and serve as a mentor to students with a similar background. These experiences are helping me work toward my career goal of teaching psychology courses at a community college. 

Hi, my name is Marissa-Renee Morales,  I am a third-generation Latinx individual whose pronouns are her/she and hers. I am a central valley native from Dinuba, California. I'm currently in the first year of the General Experiment program at Fresno State. I graduated from Fresno State with my BA  Psychology 2024. I attended Reedley College and obtained my Associate Transfer degree (AA) in Psychology in 2021. My current research interests are marginalized communities, addiction, family dynamics, mental health and wellbeing. My goal is to obtain my PhD in Clinical Psychology. I am committed to advancing the field of psychology through research, academia and advocacy. I am looking forward to sharing my passion and enthusiasm in the field of psychology! 

In my free time, I enjoy working out, playing with my dog and spending time with friends and family. 

My name is Alony Po, and I am a first-generation college student at California State University, Fresno. I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A in Psychology. I graduated from Clovis East High School in 2023. I earned my A.A. in Psychology and Liberal Studies at Clovis Community College in 2025. During my time at Clovis Community College, I became involved in research in the Student Transfer and Research Lab of Psychology, focusing on cognitive psychology, inspired by my interest in perception and memory.

I plan to continue my education by pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on child clinical psychology. I am particularly interested in working with youth on behavioral and emotional concerns, as well as conducting psychological assessments and diagnoses. In my free time, I enjoy karaoke, hiking, cooking, and scrapbooking.