Research Assistants

Ella Born is a fourth-year student at San Diego State University majoring in Psychology with an Emphasis in Neuroscience and minoring in Counseling and Social Change. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, driven by her passion for improving mental health outcomes and making mental health care accessible. Her research interests center on mental health disorders such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression, more specifically how neuroinflammation affects them and how lifestyle factors may influence these conditions. Outside of the lab, she works as an after-school program teacher and a nanny. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors, exercising, coloring, and making memories with her loved ones. 

Breeanna Castillo is a second-year undergraduate student at San Diego State University, majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience and minoring in Counseling and Social Change. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she intends to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with research interests centered around anxiety and personality disorders. Her long-term goal is to develop accessible and culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions, particularly for underserved communities. In addition to her academic pursuits, she serves as the Mental Health Chair for her sorority and holds an officer position in SDSU's Counseling and Social Change Club. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new coffee shops, going to concerts, journaling, and going on sunset walks.

Alyssa Ramirez earned an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology at San Diego Miramar College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at San Diego State University, with an expected graduation date of 2027. Her primary interests include anxiety and depressive related disorders, as well as culturally responsive therapeutic practices for diverse communities. She plans to pursue a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical psychologist. She enjoys being a member of the CUTA Lab because it fosters a welcoming community while providing engaging opportunities to learn, collaborate with fellow researchers, therapists, and contribute to meaningful research.